May 2005 on Sakeriver.com

Melani Speaks Out

Tue, 31 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: Melani speaks out

mppphhhhh.....mmmmpppphhhh....mmppphhhhhhh......mmmmmmmppppphhhh.

Mark

From: Matt

Subject: Re: Melani speaks out

Wait, is this a Rennik dream sequence, or what...?

::ducks::

From: Mark

Subject: Re: Melani speaks out

You wish little man. ;)

You had your chance at some halfling lovin and now she is going to die a slow horrible death. And there is the brave warrior hiding amongst the humans.

Mark

Rennik Keeps On Keepin' On

Mon, 30 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Matt

Subject: Re: The Exodus; Black Magic 3

Rennik, um, continues to lead the huddle masses yearning to be free.

Melani and the Wereboar; Archers: Round 3, Kenneth Dies; Wraiths: Round 5 Actions

Fri, 27 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Exodus; Black Magic 2

You may not be as evil as I first thought. . .

From: Mark

Subject: Re: The Exodus; Black Magic 2

If he wants a battle he can come join Melani. She has all she can handle and more. :)

Mark

From: Raja

Subject: Re: The Exodus; Black Magic 2

Noemon's turn was fantastic. I keep wanting to write a good turn like that and keep drawing blanks. I've got plans for when we make camp, though...

From: Mark

Wraiths: Rounds 2 - 4; Farron Falls; Archers: Round 2(?); Melani and the Witch; SRD Link

Thu, 26 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Re: Karl, a quick question

No, it's just for you.

From: Ty

Subject: Two wizards out of town; the wrath of Elise 2

[Initiative rolls Kasen 21, Wraith3 17, Wraith2 15, Farron 9, Wraith1 8, Sa'id 5]

Kasen uses his knees to hold Storm steady. The wraith was a glowing cloud practically right on top of him, and he could feel the charger shivering and quaking. When the wraith has gotten too close to dodge his attacks, he yells out "Helm!" and swings Truth in a huge arc that pulls his elbows taut with a snap. [Full attack; ethereal creature 2%, 39%; attack 21, hit; attack 25, hit; Damage 13, 19] The blade whips through the wraith, nearly cutting it in two. As it passes out the other side, Kasen reverses its direction with a huge effort, and yanks the blade back through the creature's ghostly face. There is a terrible screech, and then the wraith seems to come apart like a cloud in high wind; shreds of its essence falling to the ground slowly.

Farron continues backing his horse up as the wraith moves inexorably toward him, but he stops when he realizes that he will get tangled up with Kasen's mount if he moves any further. The wraith opens its mouth in a horrible grin as it reaches out to him with its claws. [Attack 18 vs AC14, hit; Damage 3; Saving throw 8 vs DC14; failed; Damage 4 Con] Farron raises his staff to ward away the groping wraith, but its claws reach right through and pass through his shoulder. There is a sudden icy cold, and the shoulder cramps up with terrible pain. Farron can feel the essence stolen from him. It leaves him shivering and sluggish.

The other wraith lunges as Sa'id. [Attack 15 vs AC16, miss] Its claws would have struck him, but his hasted reflexes were able to move just fast enough to dodge them. "Thank you, Farron," he says under his breath.

Farron tries to shake off the mind numbing cold spreading through his body long enough to fight back. He swivels his head and sees Kasen destroy the wraith that's attacking him. No need to cast spells to help the big fighter. Farron himself was the one that needed help. The wraith continues to close with him, making Farron feel claustrophobic. He raises his staff and speaks one word of power, raising the staff's shield spell [free action]. But the wraith is too close for spells. He thrusts one end of the staff at it, trying to push it away. [full attack; ethereal form 7%, 74% miss; Attack 8, miss] His first panicked thrust misses, as the wraith dodges fluidly to one side. His second attack is a wide swing, impossible to dodge. But when the staff moves through the wraith, the creature seems to fade completely away, then reappear when the swing has ended.

Sa'id yanks the reins of his horse, backing it up several feet, giving himself room to cast. From a pocket in his robe he pulls out garlic mixed with sulfur, and hurls it at the approaching wraith. In his mind flashes a memory of this spell grasping at Anileth, and then her powerful will shattering it like glass. He forces such thoughts away, and continues speaking the words of power. The wraith hurls itself at him while he is casting and vulnerable. [AOO; Attack 18 vs AC16, hit; Damage 4; Saving throw 3 vs DC 14; failed; 1 Con damage] Sa'id, unable to move quickly while performing the complicated gestures of his spell, can not dodge this time. The Wraith's claws move through him like vapor, leaving a trail of bitter cold in their wake. [Concentration attempt 14 vs DC 14, success] Sa'id begins to stumble over the words of the spell, the deadly cold in his chest leaving him breathless, but his hatred for Elise, and his burning anger add fire to his already powerful will. He shrugs aside the pain, and completes the spell. [Halt Undead; Will save 17 vs DC 18; success] The Wraith is just moving forward for another attack when it suddenly freezes. Not even the wind moves its ghostly form.

From: Ty

Quick Questions

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Karl, a quick question

Karl, if Farron will take an AOO by casting his magic missile spell, will he risk it anyway?

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Karl, a quick question

Well, my better judgement says "no", but in "reality" what is Farron's option other than to run? He would be loath to run while the other two are engaging the wraiths.

Can he skip the spell and get an attack with his staff? (Actually wouldn't he get to hit twice with his staff if he skipped the spell?)

I'm leaving now and won't get your answer for another hour or so, so why don't you just make Farron realize he can't take the time for the spell without leaving himself open so he decides to use his staff (as many times as he can this round).

From: Mark

Wraiths: Round 2 Actions; Archers: Round 1 Actions

Tue, 24 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Two wizards out of town; the wrath of Elise 1

Farron moves away from the wraith closing in on him, toward his two companions (unless that will provoke an AOO). He sees that Sa'id's attack does some damage to the wraith coming at him as does Kasen's. Briefly he considers whether it would be better for each of them to attack their own wraiths, or to try and take one out of the picture together. He decides on the latter and casts Magic Missile at the wraith Kasen first hit.

(ooc -- does the "haste" give Farron anything extra here? Can he move further then cast? Or can he cast at the wraith attacking Kasen, then use his staff against the wraith that will most likely be attacking him?

From: Scott

Archers: Surprise Round; Wraiths: Round 1

Mon, 23 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Re: Two wizards out of town; the wra(i)th of Elise

Karl, since you have had several opportunities to sleep, and have never sent me an updated spell list, my sheet (and the one on sakeriver) just show you with the default spell list you've had for some time now. But you have them all memorized.

From: Dan

Subject: Re: Two wizards out of town; the wra(i)th of Elise

As the night wore on Kasen wonders if leaving the farmhouse hadn't been a mistake. Surely it would have made a more comfortable place to sleep, and what were the odds any had learned of their meeting point? If they had he couldn't imagine the Duke sending troops into the unnatural night, not while he was preparing for a siege.

In truth he had been afraid and had acted in fear, leaving behind the relative protection of the farmhouse for the open field where it would be even harder to hide 3 men and 5 horses. A knight of Helm did not make such mistakes. A true knight kept his head at all times and did not let fear touch him. Perhaps they had been right all along...

A trick of the darkness perhaps, but the road seems to go on forever and the lulling motion of Stormcloud's strides and low murmur of the wizard's voices see Kasen drifting into a half sleep, allowing Stormcloud to pick her own steps.

Then Elise's apparition rips him from his rest.

"Elise..."

The words were true, he had technically stolen Conal's sword and armour, but coming from her mouth they carried no weight. She had the gall, the audacity to accuse him while he knew, he *knew* that Conal had died by her hand and she had seduced the head of their order, blinded him and bent him to her will? The hell she would touch any part of Truth but the blade. He smiles to himself, "Seems I'm always dreaming of sticking something inside her."

And yet, he finds himself unsure as he pulls Truth free from its scabbard. She knew he had it. She knew he wore Conal's armour. He did not pretend that wielding them made him more powerful than she, not by far. And so he wondered if this ghost could even feel the blade. Nonetheless, truth is man's only defence, and truth can topple one's greatest foe. Helm would see him through. He had to.

He forces a smile at Sa'id's words. "Don't let it touch me? If only I'd met you earlier Sa'id, you could have saved me many a lump in the practice yard." Keep the men happy, keep them confident. This was no different than staring down a cavalry charge with nothing but a pointy stick between you and a ton of horse, man and metal.

He pulls Stormcloud to the side, letting his size block as much of the road as possible, forcing the creature to go through him before the wizards, while leaving him free to hack down at the wraith if it comes within reach.

From: Scott

Pensive Answer

Sun, 22 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Pensive

No-- these are light cavalry, built for speed.

Pensive's fast, and according to Ty, could outpace a warhorse handily; but he's no match for the Falcons' mounts.

From: Mark

Subject: Re: Pensive

OK. But that is why you need to take the run feat. :)

Mark

Pensive Question

Sat, 21 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: Pensive

Scott

OOC:

Can't Pensive move about as fast as the horses when he is on foot?

Mark

Splitting Up Again, The Wra(i)th of Elise

Fri, 20 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Black Magic

OOC:

Rennick states that this is a probably a small force of archers. Remember that they're not firing at individual people; they're just loosing arrows into the crowd. Because it's dark, they can probably only see folks who are gathered around campfires-- but if they shoot in the general vicinity of a fire, they're going to hit someone.

The high arc of the arrows means that the haflings are some distance away. Can anyone in our force pull a Sa'id and calculate the arc to get a estimated distance? Probably not, but it don't hurt to ask. . .

There are two ways to beat a force of archers-- hunker down behind cover until they run out of arrows, or charge, and hope that your attacking force can cover the ground between you and the archers before too many of your buddies get shafted.

Neither is a particularly nice option for our scenario. On the plus side, we DO have ~50 guardsmen, plus the Blood Falcon force. Ty, how many of Overlook's guards have horses? All of the Blood Falcons could work as cavalry, at least.

A plausible solution is to have a force of soldiers rally the townspeople to make an escape. Everyone gathers in a knot, and makes for the general direction of the forest. Before they flee, a larger force is dispatched to distract and hunt down the archers. The folks leading the townspeople will hopefully be able to smash through any enemy lines, and the hunters will harry the archers so they can't pursue.

This plan would work much better if it wasn't dark. And if there wasn't a witch around. . .

Does anyone else have any ideas?

IC:

Another flight of arrows whistles through the crowd-- smallish things, to create such chaos. Pensive steps aside as an arrow digs into the earth at his feet. It really is a smallish thing-- an arrow for a halfling bow.

"They're not aiming," he says to Garyth. "They could be trying to drive us to escape into a force of infantry--" Pensive shudders, remembering the shambling undead he'd seen before arriving in Overlook. "Or they could be trying to pin us in, to make us wait for the infantry to attack. They won't have enough arrows to destroy the whole town-- they're just attacking to confuse and weaken us.

"Either way, we need to harry the archers! We know the general direction the arrows are coming from-- send men on horseback to attack, while the rest of your soldiers gather the townsfolk to rally."

Another volley of arrows. None of them fall anywhere near Pensive. "I can see well in low light; let me go out to the edge of the camp, where there's no firelight, to see if I can spot the witch, and maybe bring her down."

OOC, pt 2: Ty, if Pensive thinks that his low-light vision would still be useless because of the fog, then disregard the last bit. . .

From: Mike

Pensive and Verul Benardi, Arrows at the Perimeter

Thu, 19 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Two wizards outside of town

That make me laugh out loud last night.

Chris asked me what's so funny. Normally I've just answered "Oh it's that D&D game I'm playing" but that line at that time tickled me so much I had to start from the beginning.

"I play this wizard who was taking a holiday to visit his aunt and uncle in Overlook . . .

From: Karl

Waiting for Fellus, Under Pelor's Eye, Kasen at the Farm, The Paths of the Dead, Meeting Up With Kasen, Black Magic in the Camp

Wed, 18 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; Something hits the fan...

Awesomeawesomeawesomeawesome!

You guys rock!

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; Something hits the fan...

"Our desperation should show that we know how serious this is. If Elise has Sir Danbury's confidence so firmly we have no hope of justice through the guard if we do not have allies of our own. Isn't there some way you can confirm the truth of our words? We have seen the evil inside Elise. Surely the servants of Pelor can make her evil reveal itself!" He pauses, realizing he is speaking too loudly and too fast. "Forgive me," he says, bowing his head before Dominic. "I mean no disrespect. We are hopeless without your assistance."

From: Karl

Something Hits the Fan

Tue, 17 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Need an update

Ok, I need final actions from farron, kasen, and sa'id so I can write up the next turn.

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Need an update

Farron gave Kasen his key and (hopefully) any instructions that might get him inside the apartment unnoticed where he can grab Sa'id's and his packs (w/spellbooks and components). He also told Kasen about a farm or landmark of your choosing where they can meet outside the city. Then he and Sa'id are heading to the Sunmaster to try and convince him of the need for an immediate departure. (Unless Sa'id has other plans).

From: Ty

Meet Kasen; Spellbooks?

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: wizards

Upon hearing they were wanted for murder, Farron sat in stunned silence, listening as Sa'id spoke in their defense. He nodded in agreement at appropriate times, but inside his mind was whirling. Elise had returned to the city? He wouldn't have though she'd dare! Then a worse thought occurred to him. We've given her the perfect opportunity to return unquestioned. We've become her alibi. Now more than ever, Farron wished they had just gone out with the others to meet the demon army head-on.

"Sir," Farron begins, "If you truly wish to bring down Elise, you must help us get back to the temple. Anything we do here in the city will be but swatting at flies while the source of her evil lies festering in the jungle, unmolested."

He turns to Sa'id. "We need to go. This is the second time today that we have been here, where I am well known. By now there are dozens of people on the streets who, when questioned, will be able to say, 'Farron? Why I just saw him at the Seaman's Haven not two hours ago.' If we stay here any longer we'll be pondering our next course of action from inside a cell, if indeed Elise hasn't arranged to have us run through on the spot."

A wanted man. How had it come to this? A few short weeks ago he was on holiday to visit his family. Now his family was homeless, or worse, the city was soon to be under siege, and he was wanted for the murder of a member of the White Hart. Even if he survived the scandal, his reputation was shot. He'd never find work on the merchant ships again. Immediately he felt selfish and not a little stupid. Work on a ship, indeed. If they failed, there wouldn't be any trade work for anyone. The next ships out of Nesalin would be filled with zombie hoards and helmed by a she-devil, from the look of things.

He turns back to the stranger, "You're right that we cannot return to my apartment. We cannot stay here. We've made open inquiries at the wizard's college since we returned, so it's a cinch they'd look for us there soon. I don't think we have any choice but to return to the Sunmaster now and tell him of this new urgency. If we don't leave the city soon, we will not be able to."

From: Dan

Back on Monday

Sat, 14 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: wizards

I'll have something out by sometime Monday if not sooner. Very busy weekend.

Karl

From: Scott

Subject: Re: wizards

Well, welcome back to the game, Dan!

w00t!

Um. . . maybe I missed the email, but Dan hasn't explained who he is, or why he cares yet. . .

Garyth Gets the Message; Back to the Seaman's Haven; Welcome Back, Dan

Fri, 13 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mike

Subject: Re: The Exodus; The Evening of day two, and a message received

"Don't worry, Garyth. Even if the woods were filled with ghouls and Murrkat, no one has a better chance of getting through to the Kalama than that scout."

Garyth turns to Rennik as the halfling speaks. He's right, of course. Melani knew the land and her people well, and without the refugees and guards to draw attention she'd move even more quickly and silently. Still, with all that's happened, he can't help feel a twinge of worry--after all, the last time one of the group went off alone, he was ambushed.

He's about to reply when he feels a presence in his mind. His eyes widen and grow distant. A panic begins to rise in him. The demon has found us! But the fear has no sooner come than the words begin to allay it.

"Garyth Tel'Arden. Farron says, demon solution found. Must return to temple with Pelor cleric. Leaving Nesalin soon. Meet at Gully's. Glad you're all well."

A wave of excitement comes over Garyth. His friends had found an answer! There's hope, then. His spirits lifted by the news, he chuckles slightly at the the last words. Well, indeed. As though the message were a letter received and read by a warm fireplace, perhaps with a glass of wine in the other hand. The incongruity is humorous.

The words cease far too soon, and a thousand questions spring to mind. But there's no time; Garyth can already feel the presence fading. "We will come," he says. "As soon as the townspeople are safe." The presence is gone nearly before he can even get those few words out--he's not sure he got through.

Coming to his senses, Garyth realizes that Rennik is giving him a strange look. He must have spoken aloud. "I've received a message from Farron," he explains, relaying the message to the halfling.

From: Ty

A Pair of Messengers, A Message Received, Pensive and the Bullies, Syd's Story

Thu, 12 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers

After the prayer of divination, the Sunmaster looks very pale. He begins preparations for the sending, but Dominic stops him. "No, master, you must rest now. You will not exert yourself further this day." Across the table, Colin nods. Fellus gives in with a heavy sigh. "Yes, you're right of course. I will sleep a bit before sending the message." He turns to the two wizards. "I'm sorry, but so much of my strength has left me. I will send your message as soon as I am able. Return to me tomorrow, and we will discuss our preparations for the trip to the demons' temple. I will have Dominic and Colin begin gathering what we will need."

Sa'id and Farron take their leave of the Sunmaster, and begin walking through the city. They are silent, each lost in his own thoughts, and not paying attention to where they are going. Almost without deciding to, Farron begins leading them toward his apartment. There is no where else to go right now, and other than finding lunch somewhere, no other plans for the day. Farron makes the last turn onto his street, and can see the steps to his apartment just a few yards away. A young boy sits on the steps playing with a copper coin and looking bored. Farron realizes sadly that after the events of the last two weeks, even the appearance of this boy makes him nervous. He stops Sa'id when they are ten feet from the boy. "Can I help you?" he asks.

The boy bounces to his feet. "I have a message for the gentleman Farron Underhill and his companion Zed." It takes Farron a moment, but he realizes that the boy is probably trying to say "Sa'id".

"I am Farron Underhill. What is the message?"

The boy strikes an odd pose, and places one finger against his left ear. Farron guesses this is probably a mnemonic device. The boy must be an apprentice to the Criers. "Syd Fallows, guardsman of the town of Overlook, seeks to meet with the gentlemen Farron Underhill and Zed, at their earliest convenience, at the Inn called Seaman's Haven."

The boy then resumes slouching and looking bored. He is clearly waiting for a tip.

From: Mark

A Good-Luck Kiss, A Bit of Sa'id's Past, Melani Departs

Wed, 11 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision

Thanks, and I really like your use of the word "organic" in that sentence. It's not often I encounter a word I know and use often being used (correctly) in a sense I don't normally see.

From: Scott

Subject: Pensive: Good-luck kiss

"You're the cleric's boy, right?" says the old woman, holding her wrist gingerly toward Pensive. "His, whatchacallit, his acolyte? Right?"

Pensive gives her a smile and takes her hand. "Yes. That's right."

"Hmmph. Big 'un, he is, for a priest. Lookit him stride 'round. . . don't have none like him 'round Overlook, they's all scrawny. Mealy-like."

"Does it hurt much when I move your wrist like--"

"OW! Dammit, yes, boy!"

"I apologize. You've got a sprain, that's all."

"'That's all?' Hurts like hell, it does."

"Let me see what I can do for you."

"You gonna pray over me?" She closes her eyes and bows her head.

Pensive says, "No, I'm going to wrap your hand and wrist tightly to keep it from moving."

"Your priest over there prayed over Mac Thorenwald's broken hand, and it mended right up."

Pensive laughs, "Well, I am just an acolyte, and this is just a minor sprain. The favor of the gods is given to men wiser than me, and should be used for wounds more greivous than this."

She pouts for a moment, staring longingly at Osred. "He is a big 'un, ain't he?"

Pensive nods, and wraps a length of cloth around the old woman's wrist and arm and hand. "I'm going to make you a sling to wear tomorrow while we march-- you don't have to wear it tonight, but you should keep it on all day tomorrow. Try not to use this arm at all-- moving it will aggravate the--"

"'Aggravate?' Where'd a baby like you learn to speak so high?" She reaches out to poke him in the stomach and winces when her finger meets hard muscle. "Damn, boy, but you ain't soft not a bit! Looking to get big like your Lord, are you?" She laughs and shakes her finger.

Pensive smiles along with her. "Don't move your arm. Keep it still and elevated as much as you can. The sling will help with that."

"You don't talk like no boy I ever heard." The old woman is studying him now-- Pensive bows his head over another strip of cloth and ties it quickly into a sling. When he looks up at her again, her eyes are filled with tears.

"You ain't no boy a'tall, are you," she says, her voice soft. "You are. . . you're one of them elves, right?"

Uncertain, Pensive nods. "I am."

She kisses the first two fingers of her good hand, and then presses them against Pensive's lips. "Oh, Pelor and Hieronius and Silvanus, and the Blessed Pig of Saint Robbie. Oh, I never thought to speak to one of your kind again."

Her fingers are still pressed against his lips. Pensive takes her hand in his and moves them away, patting her hand gently. She says, quickly in a burst, "Will you kiss me, Master Elf?"

"What?" Pensive is hard pressed to keep the shock out of his voice. No one had heard her-- Blood and Stone, please make it so no one heard her.

She looks at him, a little indignantly, "Will you kiss me? A kiss of an elf is good luck, they say, and we need all the luck we can get, don't we."

Alarmed, Pensive feels a wave of heat rush up his face. He bows to her good hand, and places a quick peck on the back there.

"What? That's not a kiss!" The old woman leans into him, her mouth perilously wide open, her eyes closing, her head tilted to the side--

Pensive places his hands on either side of her head and slows her approach. His voice is boyish, but steady, "A lucky kiss must be given, not taken, or forced." He presses his lips to her forehead, and then draws them away slowly.

She is quiet for a moment, as he gathers his things together. "Damn, but you are young, even for an elf," she says. There is a measure of wonder in it. "You ain't never kissed a girl, have you. Don't you deny it, elf-boy; I've been lied to by four generations of Tuckers. That's me, by the way, Elvira Tucker." She pauses. "So I'll know if you lie to me. You ever kiss a girl?"

"No."

"I'm the first."

Pensive nods. "Lucky you."

Elvira Tucker shrieks with laughter, and slaps her good hand against her thigh. "I ain't gonna tell no one 'bout you, little elf-boy! That way, my luck will run straight and pure, without getting so spread around 'mongst all these wrens and hallies."

Pensive didn't know what a wren or a hallie was, but he was hopeful that Elivira wouldn't spread it around that there was an elf in camp. Especially if everyone wanted a kiss.

"What's your name?" she asks.

Something about the way the wind blows. . . right out from the center of the island. Pensive blinks, and swallows. "Thistle," he says, but there is a catch in his throat. He clears his voice, and says more clearly, his heart pounding, "Thistle."

"Well, Thistle, you're a fine boy. Get along now, with you-- there's lots more people to tend to, you don't want to get a smack from your Lord, there, do you? Get on now, let an old woman have a bit of peace."

Pensive moves off. When he has moved away from her a bit, he forces himself to be still. To listen, and to feel his way toward the moutain of sand and shadow.

But all is silence there.

From: Raja

Planning for Meeting the Kalama, Proof of Life

Tue, 10 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision

"Sa'id speaks the truth, Sunmaster. There was at least one traitor who was a member of the White Hart, and at least one other who murdered our friend. Discretion is our only hope of getting out of the city alive, I fear."

And once out. . . then what? Farron thinks to himself. He shudders at the thought of returning to the jungle. How can they possibly get beyond the forest land without Rennik? He was the only tribal halfling Farron actually knew. Well, not quite the *only* one. . .

"Sa'id, in order to get back to the mountain, our biggest obstacles are the undead army and the jungle itself. As for the first of these, it might be to our advantage to keep our numbers low. If we are but a small party perhaps we will not be noticed, or considered a threat. If the army intends to lay siege to this city, they aren't likely to care about three fleeing mages and their friends." He looks apologetically at the Sunmaster. "Forgive me, but I think in leaving the city it might be wise if you disguise yourself. Kor Garesh doesn't seem to think we mages are much of a threat, but he might feel differently about the chief priest of Pelor."

"Which brings us to the next obstacle. How to get into the jungle. I don't think we can do it without Rennik, or at least someone with his knowledge of the jungle. The only place I think we might find someone like that is back with the Kalama tribe. Yes, I know it is a little out of our way to get back to their territory, but unless any of you have contacts with a closer tribe of halflings, the Kalama are the only ones who might have a guide that can get us into the jungle without being . . . well, eaten, among other possibilities."

"What do you think?"

From: Scott

The Exodus: Day Two, At the Gates, The Sunmaster's Decision

Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; Darkness falls

"You're right. They may have additional information that could be useful to the Sunmaster as well."

Farron doesn't know what sort of information that could possibly be, but at this point he just wants to know that his friends are back safely.

(OOC - don't hold your breath, weasel-boy! /OOC)

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness falls

Pensive is ready to get the camp moving.

From: Scott

Is It the Shoes?

Sun, 08 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Jake

Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness Falls

Thanks for playing Art and Osred celia--hope it was fun.

If the game hasn't progressed beyond this point (and I don't think it has), I'd like to pick new spells for Osred--ones better suited to keeping 1000 refugees on their feet, if I can come up with anything :).

You know, I don't even know off the top of my head how many spells Osred has at his disposal. I apparently forgot to fill in the "total spells per day" fields on the character sheet, and I'd been deleting spells from the "memorized spells" list as they were cast. Damn. Time to break out my Player's Handbook, it would seem.

From: Jake

Nothing Much Here

Sat, 07 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Matt

Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness Falls

[OOC: Just checking in. Rennik doesn't have anything to really add at the moment.]

Darkness Falls, Two Wizards About Town

Fri, 06 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Exodus; Darkness Falls

Melani wakes from sleep at Rennik's touch, and sits up. It is too dark to be morning. At first, she thinks Rennik has woken her early, that there must be trouble, and her hand goes automatically to her knife. But Rennik shakes his head. "The clouds that came in last night never burned off." Melani looks around her. Visibility is only a few hundred yards under the thick cloud cover. It isn't fog. It's almost as if the very air is dim. Rennik says, "Garyth will be getting the town ready to move out in less than an hour. We should get back."

From: Mark

Good Night Farron, Pensive and Osred Tend to the Camp

Thu, 05 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night

Farron pours the last of the wine into their two glasses. He downs his glass while staring into the fire.

"Only the one bed, I'm afraid," He says to Sa'id. "At least it's big enough. I hope you don't snore."

With that he makes ready for bed. If he were inclined to pray, he'd pray that the Sunmaster decides to help them in the morning.

From: Scott

The First Night

Wed, 04 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Exodus; the first night

[I know it's been a while, so a check in from everyone would be swell. Thanks guys. I appreciate your patience.]

Garyth stops his mount on a small hill at the outskirts of the camp. Robert and Vincy wait behind him, quietly. Below, a thousand of his friends and family and neighbors huddle around small fires, cooking their evening meal. Several of the guardsmen had objected to the lighting of campfires, but Garyth had just laughed. If their safety came down to being able to hide in the night, they were already dead. Garyth just hoped the demon's army had better things to do right now then chase them. That was their only hope. Let the people eat a hot meal.

Three men on horseback leave the camp and ride off to the north. The pickets that Garyth and Bragga had arranged. One of the men had a crossbow bolt wrapped with oily rags. A flaming bolt fired into the air in the north would mean the undead army had come. It would give the town a few extra moments to begin running. A hundred miles to the Kalama lands probably meant that the extra few moments wouldn't save any of them, but you do what you are able to do, and trust the rest to the gods.

Rennik and Melani had left camp soon after the column stopped. Garyth knew the two hunters would be ranging the wilds around the camp, looking for sign and a good place to watch from. That gave him more comfort than the pickets, to be honest. The Halflings were canny. If anyone could give them an early warning and a head start, Garyth would put his money on them.

Once the pickets and guards have all moved into position, he rides back down the hill with his men. The sergeant moves through the crowd, followed by the elf, Pensive. Together they are tending the minor wounds picked up in travel, and encouraging the townsfolk.

From: Raja