Battle Ends, Scrolls, Some In-Party Friction
Subject: Re: Mailing List, sort of
OOPS!
Looks like we dropped them. Not sure when that happened.
Where is dan the lawyer?
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Mailing List, sort of
Sorry guys, been having problems with a flakey internet connection for the past few days.
Anywho.
Cadfael looks sadly down on the broken and burned halfling at his feet. He looks up to see another halfling standing and grits his teeth while advancing on him, so focused that he does not notice that the rest of the party seems to be thinking the same thing. Once again he raises his mace and brings it down on the poor creature's small frame.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Mailing List, sort of
Maybe we can just give Tom and AKA the link to the archive. Then they won't get inundated with our emails, but can still check in on the game if they want.
Round 8 in just a second.
From: Ty
Subject: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
It is a scene to bring pity to the heart of even the most cold blooded combatant. A single halfling, in ragged leather armor and wielding a crude short blade stands with teeth bared facing off four powerful warriors. And yet, there is no quarter to be given. The halfling rages and thrusts at those closing on him, and shows no signs of even considering surrender.
Rennik is less aware of this than the others, perhaps. His barbarian rage is at it's peak, and while it grants him almost superhuman strength in battle, it also clouds his mind to some degree. While the others approach with grim looks, Rennik charges with the battle glee still on his face. He winds up for an incredibly powerful swing, throwing all his weight into it. The swing [Attack 10] fairly whistles through the air, but the air is all it hits. The nimble halfling, demonstrating that it has not lost *all* sense of self preservation, jumps backward away from the strike.
The halfling's amazing leap of evasion carries him out of the range of Missions two quick strikes as well. [Attack 1, automatic miss]
Unfortunately, being surrounded, the leap had to take him closer to an attacker, and he lands right in front of the bleeding and angry Garyth, who takes the opportunity to drive his sword [Attack 22] into his back [Damage 12]. The halfling falls to its knees, face contorted in pain, and looks up just in time to see Cadfael approaching, mace held high. The last thing the halfling ever hears in this world is, "Be finally at peace" before a heavy mace smashes into his face [Attack 23] and erases him from the world [Damage 10].
Farron and Sa'id continue to search the area, but in vain. There is no sign of the halfling that disappeared. After a few more moments, Farron's beetles disappear in a puff of smoke.
(send me post battle turns)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Mission will search the remains of the halflings for anything interesting.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Sa'id ignores the conclusion of the battle, focusing instead on his discussion with Farron.
"If the leader was maddened in the same was as his followers, he is still in this area and likely to attack us by some means." Sa'id pauses. "Wait... a spell the invisible halfling cast. Should not that have dissipated his enchantment? And what of the mind-affecting portion of his spell? Perhaps it was not a simple enchantment at all..."
Fighting off a sudden urge to simply loose a fireball at some randomly-chosen area, Sa'id and his three doubles put their quarterstaves down and draw their crossbows. (OOC: My round will be getting the crossbow out and loading it.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Cadfael frowns at Mission as he rifles through the Halflings' belongings, obviously not approving of looting the dead. "I suppose we must do what we must" he mutters, and joins Mission in searching the dead. Pausing long enough at each body to close their eyes, fold their arms over their chests and say a prayer over their bodies. "I would normally burn the dead and let Pelor welcome them into his arms, but I fear these will find no home in Pelor's halls. Rennik, how does your God tell you to treat your dead?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron turns to Sa'id and the cleric, "I'm guessing you won't be needing an autopsy to determine cause of death here," he says grimly. "Clearly these halflings have been driven mad or are under some dark spell to have attacked us so fiercely even when the outcome had become clear. Do you know what could have compelled them so?"
He turns his gaze to look directly at Cadfael, "I can't shake the feeling that you know more than you are letting on about the dark forces that are working here. If there is something we should know, honor demands you keep us informed."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
As the halfling expires, Garyth sinks to his knees, letting out a long breath. He absently wipes his blade on a nearby patch of grass, seeming a bit dazed. A moment passes; he sits, wiping his blade and bleeding. Finally, he seems to come to his senses. Garyth tries to stand, and, as he does, finally becomes aware of his wounds. He falters and sits again, removing his pack and rummaging through it to find the healing draught that Cadfael had given him.
(OOC: This constitutes my test of the mailing list. Tom and Anne Kate, I can add you to the list if you like, or if you would prefer not to have your mailbox constantly flooded, you can browse the archives at http://www.sakeriver.com. Let me know what you prefer.)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Rennik releases his rage and begins to calm some, allowing the head of his axe to fall to the ground while still gripping the haft with his right hand. Breathing heavily, his shoulders slump a bit and his ragged breaths come with a bit of a growl as he stares from beneath furrowed brow at Garyth.
"Your wounds are a lesson. Be glad you did not face twelve of *me*. You would do well not to underestimate halflings again... we will talk more on this again when I am less likely to add to your injuries. When we camp tonight, words must be spoken. If our enemy had been greater, you would be dead. And likely more of us."
Rennik shakes his head wearily and collects his bow. He moves off toward the fallen halflings to examine the bodies, hoping to find some reason for their attack, or some hint at their origins.
Turning to Cadfael, "Among followers of Mielikki, we bury our dead naked in the earth so that they may contribute to the cylce of life, returning our bodies to the roots of the trees and creatures of the ground. I know not the gods of these halflings."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron puts a hand on Garyth to stop him from drinking the draught. "I'm sure our cleric friend here would be more than happy to offer you his healing arts," he says. "It would be better to save the potion for a time when his skill is unavailable."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
(OOC: Seems like the forwarding is working so far, although I got two copies of Karl's email. Hmmm... The point is to make it easier, but if you have to go in and delete the sender's address every time... I dunno, what do you all think?)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
(OOC: I don't mind replacing the sender's addy with game@sakeriver.com each time.)
Sa'id looks around, clearly irritated. "Might I remind you that this battle may not be over?" Shaking his head, he continues to fiddle with his crossbow.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Well, I can work either way. I have always just hit "reply all" when responding to a turn unless the action is for GM eyes only. So, for me, deleting the sender's address is an extra step. However, the one advantage of this list is that no one will be mistakenly left off of future replies when the list is used. (So, again, I can go either way.)
Karl
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron replies, "Give me a target, and I'm ready to fight. If one of us is going to be stabbed in the back by an invisible halfling, it might was well be while doing something useful as while staring uselessly into space hoping he pops into view."
Nevertheless, Farron does pay closer attention to his surroundings, watching for any sign that the invisible halfling is in the area.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; picking up the pieces
The party scatters out across the battlefield, looking for clues.
Sa'id moves around nervously, crossbow clutched tightly, seeking the foe that disappeared. He seems agitated that the others are not as concerned as he is.
Rennik looks through the affects of several of the fallen halflings, and pulls open their armor. He points out to everyone the crude tattoos that decorate their forearms and chests. He and Mission both find something else of interest. Each of the halflings seems to be carrying a oiled scroll case inside his armor. Being experienced adventurers, neither cracks open the scroll case, instead they set them aside to be examined by the wizards.
Other than their weapons and armor, the halflings carry very little else. Each of them has the oiled scroll case. A few of them have coin purses, but very little money. They are as ragged and under equipped as they had first appeared.
While searching the area near the halfling bowman, Rennik finds tracks leading off to the east. They are fresh enough that they are probably the tracks of the vanished guy. It looks like he left right after the fight started, and he was moving at a run.
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
I suppose if we know not their ways there is little we can do for them. It's probably best for us to leave them here in the woods. Perhaps they have families that will find them and give them the care they deserve.
He kneels down to a body next to him and moves to shut its lifeless eyes. When Farron addresses him he snatches his hand away, a stunned expression on his face. He slowly turns to Farron, looking unsettled, but offers no immediate answer to his query.
A few moments pass before speaks, and when he does there is a hint of venom in his voice. "I assure you, sorcerer, that I know no more of this than you or your mageling friend behind you. A holy man does not cloud the minds of others, he opens their eyes to the glory of God. I would think that the pain and insanity these men suffered through are more your territory than mine. Perhaps *you* could offer some insights into how someone with an intimate knowledge of things arcane could cause these poor men to lose their souls. I walk in the light, my faith guides my steps more surely than a faithless man's honour ever can."
"However, if you're asking my opinion on the matter, I would say it had something to do with the Halfling we lost track of. Did Sa'id not say that he summoned a great spider? It would seem he is the one we should be asking, not I. Beyond that, we're journeying every Eastward, ever toward this black tower that dieing wretch told us of. I feel that this is its influence."
(OOC, before I start tossing around healing magic like candy, what's everyone's current/max HP right now?)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Garyth is down 25
Rennik is down 13
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron says nothing but looks over the other members of the party to determine if anyone else is bothered by Cadfael's belligerent evasiveness.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Garyth does not speak at Rennik's harsh words, his expression a mix of shame and pride. At Cadfael's heated response to Farron, he lowers the vial. He speaks in weary tones.
"Please, let us be at peace. None of us is an enemy, and we must work together if we are to help Overlook."
He slowly stands, drawing a breath and wincing as his armour tugs at his wounds. "It appears that for the moment we are alone," he says, pointing to the tracks, "so we have a moment to regroup. Still, we would be wise to follow our assailant."
He turns to the mages. "Farron, Sa'id. Can either of you shed any light on what these poor souls were carrying?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron takes one of the oiled cases and examines it closely. If it does not appear trapped, he will open it. If it contains a scroll, he will attempt to determine what the scroll does.
(OOC- Ty, please email what Farron finds out to karljennings@usa.net. I won't be at work this afternoon so if you send to the work address (i.e. the one I'm writing from now) I won't get it until tomorrow.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Rennik replies to Cadfael with lingering anger in his voice.
"Their souls were lost long ago, and it was not by magic. I wish it were. These halflings are of the Murrkat tribe." He spits on the nearest halfling. "We thought their vile and savage ways had gone out of the world. It seems we were wrong."
"They can rot. I will give them no burial, and Mielikki no blessing. Whatever wicked gods they follow can come claim them."
Rennik's expression grows dark and more solemn as he walks toward the first halfling killed, the archer.
"There is one, though... " he pauses to compose himself. "There is one who is not Murrkat, but Logi. Friends and brothers to my tribe. Good people. Kind. Compassionate.... Never would one of the Logi take up with the Murrkat." He makes as if to spit again, but instead kicks one of the fallen Murrkat halflings in its dead ribs.
"There is evil at work. Evil magic." He makes a face that shows his distaste of the word. "My attempt to parlay would have been honored by the Logi. He would not have fired upon me. Perhaps... perhaps these scrolls are cursed."
His expression is one of confusion, as he searches to find some reason this halfling would have ever taken up with the Murrkat, some way he could have been corrupted.
"I will take time to prepare the body of the Logi archer so that he may be at peace with Mielikki. I agree we must follow the one who escaped, but he is far ahead of us, moving at a run. His path is clear enough to follow. If he is the cause of my tribe-ally's madness, he will be found, and I will kill him."
Using the spike-like back side of his axe blade, Rennik begins to scrape the ground beside the fallen Logi halfling, making a shallow grave. He will hollow it out with his hands enough so that the halfling will rest under at least six inches of dirt, and then he will strip the halfling of his clothing and weapons. Reclaiming his arrows, he will place the body and a well-loved bow in the grave and cover it with the dirt. He says a quiet prayer to Mielikki and leaves the grave unmarked.
(OOC: this will likely take about a half hour or so, in which time Rennik will concentrate mostly on his task. He may chime into conversation while digging, but not once he starts to prepare the body. It's pretty obvious he's not going anywhere until this chore is done.)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
Farron takes one of the small scroll cases, and sits down cross legged to examine it. Sa'id's curiosity draws him over to peek over Farron's shoulder as he works, though he remains standing with his crossbow ready.
Farron turns the case over in his hands, examining every side for runes or other possible nastiness. Not seeing any, he grips the cap and pops it off in one quick movement. Nothing explodes, so he feels more confident as he drops the scroll into his hands and examines it. The outside of the scroll has no markings, so he unrolls it just the tiniest bit, looking at the tops of the characters on its face. A frown crosses his face, and he unrolls it the rest of the way to read.
It looks like a rubbing. Like someone placed the parchment over an engraving of some sort and rubbed charcoal on it to copy the text. There are two large words at the top, and a long paragraph of smaller words going down the page. At the bottom is actual writing. It looks like someone has written the word 'Kielsen' in blood.
Farron looks up at Rennik and says, "Is this written in your halfling tongue?" Rennik comes over to examine it, and says, "The first two words are. I don't recognize the rest of the text. Those two big words at the top are 'Kor Garesh'. Means... ummm... like light absorber. Light taker. No, actually, more like light drinker."
Sa'id has been watching all of this, and his fingers fairly twitch to get his hands on the scroll. Finally, he tosses his crossbow aside and grabs the scroll. "Let me look at this!"
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
As Sa'id eyes the scroll, an undefineable expression flickers across his face. "Not 'light drinker,' 'soul drinker,'" he says, his voice thin. "Soul drinker."
Sa'id pauses to look over the rest of the scroll, and his frustration returns. "I would be willing to wager that the writing in blood is this poor halfling's name. As to the rest of it... regrettably I elected NOT to study the tongue of fiends during my time in Nesalin. We should examine the other scrolls, at least."
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
The anger drains from Cadfael's face at Garyth's words.
"My apologies, brother, I fear I was being rash. I have rarely spent any time away from the church and I'm afraid that I'm more... on edge than I would like to be. I assumed you could all feel the evil from the other man just as I assumed you could feel the... lacking in these Halflings."
"As none of you have had the benefit of the teachings I have had, allow me to elaborate. These halflings aren't dead... or they are, but dead isn't the right word for it. Have you had experience with a freshly deceased body? There is a warmth to it, more than the warmth of the blood, the warmth of the soul as it departs the body. I can't feel that in these men, they're empty. It's as if the soul was ripped from their bodies as they died, taken from them and caged somewhere. I have never seen anything like it and I find it... distressing. I have witnessed the deaths of evil men before, and this is different. It's not just unholy it's completely unnatural. I fear I cannot find the words to describe it."
Cadfael rises and walks toward Garyth. "Thank you, brother, for showing patience where I had none. Please, allow me to wash away your wounds." He reaches out and gently closes Garyth's eyes, "Pelor, I ask that you wear this man's wounds for him. Allow his fragile body to be whole once more."
A gentle warming slides down Garyth's body, growing warmer at his wounds, and heating to the point where it is uncomfortable. There is a sudden stab of heat and a pure, white light bursts forth from each wound, leaving smooth unbroken skin beneath. [Cure serious wounds 3d8+5]
Cadfael winces along with Garyth as the spell finished "I'm sorry it burns, Garyth. I'm afraid those unaccustomed to Pelor's warmth find the heat surprisingly intense. For his humble followers it is more like a warm embrace."
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
Cadfael heals 23 points of damage on Garyth.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
Sa'id nods at Cadfael's words, thinking again of the lingering warmth in his mother's hands as he held them while she died. Shaking his head to clear the memory, he moves toward the next nearest halfling (but not the one Rennik is working on) to look for another scroll.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
A scroll case will be found on each of the dead halflings, including the Logi tribesman. When the name on that scroll is read, Rennik utters a sound that is almost a cry of pain. "Fayten. I never met him, but his sister is the wife of my cousin. This man was family. Someone has made me slay a kinsman."
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
If anyone needs to do further stuff at this location, please check in and let me know what it is.
If not, what we have so far is:
Rennik burying the Logi tribesman
Sa'id and Farron examining the scrolls
Mission searching the bodies carefully
Cadfael healing Garyth
Garyth getting healed
Am I missing anything? Please check in with next plan of action when you get a chance.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
That's all for me. And eventually gathering up my staff and crossbow, of course.
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Well, when all is said and done, and the Logi tribesman is buried, Rennik would turn to Sa'id and ask a question.
"You say the scroll has devil language. It also has my kinsman's name. What must I do to release him? Would destroying the scroll help ease his passage? Or would it damn him? You spoke of a soul drinker... how do I free my kinsman's soul so that his energy may again return to the cycle?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Farron will interject, "I have some proficiency in languages. Alas I have not prepared the spells I need to examine these further today. I suggest we take these scrolls with us for the time being and I can perhaps decipher them in the morning. We should be able to put them in a single scroll case." (OOC-That is, assuming the cases are identical and nothing happens if we put two of them together.)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Yes, you would be able to put the scrolls into a single case if you roll them tightly.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Sa'id sighs and shakes his head. "I... I am not sure. My spell of magic detection did not show any signs of enchantment on the halflings." Nodding at Farron's suggestion, he continues. "I think Farron's course is wise. If they are somehow enchanted and the scrolls are the focus or trigger, destroying them could do more harm than good. We should wait until we know more, as much as I dislike the thought of denying your friend his afterlife."
From: Matt
Subject: Mailing list
Hoo boy... okay, if we're gonna reply all, we have to make sure we take out the other names from your "Send to" box... I just got three duplicate emails, for a total of six.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Mailing list
Quoting RynDrythorn@aol.com:
> Hoo boy... okay, if we're gonna reply all, we have to make sure we take out
> the other names from your "Send to" box... I just got three duplicate emails,
>
> for a total of six.
>
From: Raja
Subject: >_<
What the heck? I just got my own message from the mailing list only to discover that not only did it go to Rennik twice, there was also no content.
*thinks*
Ah ha!
I'm using a web-based client and my connection to the internet has been flaky over the last couple of weeks here at work because of a barrage of virii. The first time I tried to send the message it timed out and I had to go back. Of course, when you go back it gives you the page in its original state, not with text you had added to or removed from fields.
So the email I MEANT to send said "Yeah, I'm working on getting used to removing extra addresses when replying."
Ironic in light of what happened ;)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Ooh, good idea.
Mission will retrieve his crossbow as well.
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Ah, yes. Rennik will reclaim his arrows before setting out. Two from his kinsman, one from a Murrkat and one that whistled into the woods toward his kinsman (I'd imagine I'd have to roll for that one)
He would take good care of the his kinsman's personal effects, hoping to return them to his cousin's wife. Also, he would promise to use the halfling's arrows to help hunt and kill those responsible for his madness.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Garyth winces as Cadfael's spell takes effect, but smiles immediately as he feels his wounds close. "Thank you, brother," he says, working his joints a bit. He glances a bit ruefully at the rents in his armor. The next time he has a chance, he'll have to do some repair work.
(OOC: Garyth will collect the bow that he dropped before heading out.)
From: Ty
Subject: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Is there any further conversation or decision making before you take to the road? And which road are you taking too? It is mid afternoon by this point. What time do you plan to camp?
Gimme some travel details.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
When everyone looks as though they are ready to set out, Rennik speaks.
"The trail of the lost halfling is still fresh and is easily followed. I must pursue for the sake of my kinsman. Perhaps the events at the farm, and Dame Elise's black pillar, and these wretched halflings all lead to the same ending point. We may yet even see the mad eyes of the farmers we seek as they rush to savagely attack us - much the way we saw a halfling far from home today. I do not know. I do not care.
"These Murrkat are rumored to have lived at the base of Mount Kessel. This creature will likely flee there. Kessel is west of here, and may be where Elise travels. I would have a hard time finding her trail at this point, whatever the case."
Rennik turns to address each member of the group individually.
"Friends Sa'id and Farron, if you would have your questions answered about the scrolls, we must follow that strange halfling. Brother Cadfael, if ever there was a place that needed the pure light, it is the home of the Murrkat. Friend Mission, I do not know your mind, but your skills would be valued greatly along this path."
He almost conspicously leaves out Garyth before looking him in the eye and adding, "If you wish to follow, that is your choice."
"We have a few hours of daylight left to travel. It would not be good to move too long at dusk, because the failing light makes for easy ambush. These woods are new ange to me, but not to the Murrkat it seems. We are in their territory, and I do not want to fight even more of their kind in near darkness. When the sun starts to fade, we should camp.... there are many words to be made about the events of the day."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Garyth glances at the tracks the departing halfling left and then looks off in that direction. "Both the halfling's tracks and the road lead east. By following the halfling we are still travelling in the same direction, but we may be able to catch up to our disappearing enemy. We should follow the tracks until dusk and then look for a good place to camp; we don't know what might be lurking should we continue moving after dark."
From: Matt
Subject: Stupid AOL
(OOC: grumble, grumble... I send my email 5 full minutes before mikes, and it gets here 4 minutes after his... grumble... mike, I didn't ignore your post, I just didn't get it until several minutes after I sent mine. Hrmph.)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
(OOC: Poop. Matt beat me to the punch. Well, the tracks lead east, even if the halflings' mountain home is to the west, so Garyth's statement will stand. Append the following, though.)
Garyth turns to Rennik, reddening slightly with suppressed anger, but his voice remains cool, if a bit stiff. "Master Halfling, our paths would seem to run together for a while, though you are and always have been free to go your own way. But don't forget who is in command of Overlook's expedition. Yes, we will need to have words before the day is out."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Stupid AOL
Hmmm, not sure what your email server is doing, but I got yours before I got my own. It looks like I received it as I was typing my first.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Stupid AOL
Even more stupid aol! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Dang it. I hate this damn server. For a while I was getting Dan's emails *four hours* after he sent them, and I had to have Ty forward me his replies. And now I'm getting things all out of order. Grumble, grumble... well, it's nice to know my own email got to you guys before it even got back to me. That's a bit wonky, if I do say so myself.
Halfling Camp, Archive Query
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Once Garyth has made a decision as to the best course, Farron is quick to second it. He adds that the group should travel quickly but be watchful for a good place to camp before nightfall.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Mission rolls his shoulders.
"Eastward, for me. Come devil-boar, leggy dame, or maddened halfling." He grins. "I'd prefer the leggy dame, if it's all the same to you, Rennick."
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Sa'id laughs out loud at Mission's words, the timbre of his voice full and deep. "I myself wouldn't mind *cough* examining *cough* that particular specimen. Professional interest only, of course." He shakes his head ruefully. "The mystery of the scrolls is, I think, worth unravelling. Eastward."
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
So long as the Halfling trail continues East, I will be on it by your side, brother. But I fear I cannot follow you west. I worry that this black pillar is truely a great evil, one that may be getting stronger with time. As you must aid your kin, my duty is to my God. He would have me learn more of this pillar, and tell the world of it should it prove too much for me to handle alone.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Actually, that west thing was probably a typo. The Mountain is at the center of the island, and is east. The trails all head in the general direction of the mountain.
From: Ty
Subject: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
The party agrees to move on, trailing the vanished halfling, though there is a cloud of tension hanging over them. Rennik and Garyth move quickly at the front of the group, but do not look at each other. Occasionally Rennik takes in a sharp breath when he jars his injury (Rennik is still down 13 HP) on a bump in the path or a low hanging tree branch.
Farron and Sa'id walk with heads close together, talking in low voices and examining one of the scrolls. Farron is a Diviner, and a language specialist by training, so this is a puzzle that intrigues him.
Cadfael and Mission bring up the rear. Mission watches the mage's conversation with a blank look on his face; his reaction to what has come unreadable. Cadfael has his head down and mutters under his breath for most of the way. It appears that he may be praying.
The halfling's trail is as easy to follow at Rennik had thought. The fleeing man clearly gave no thought to covering it up, sacrificing stealth in favor of haste. By watching the tracks, Rennik sees that the halfling ran as far as he could, then walked for a couple moments, then began running again as soon as he had his breath back.
After an hour has passed, the party comes across what may have been the halflings camp. Packs and supplies are strewn about a cold fire pit. A quick examination shows the packs to be of halfling size, but there is little else. The tracks in and around the camp are all halfling.
However, once you pick up the trail again on the other side of the camp, there are now two sets of tracks, both walking. Your mysterious quarry picked up a companion here it seems...
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
Farron continues to study the scroll, leaving it to Garyth to decide our course.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
Garyth will search the fire pit and packs for anything useful.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
A search of the packs will turn up crude rations and water skins, and even one bottle of harsh halfling rotgut, but nothing else. If someone wants to pick through all the rations, you will find about 8 days worth that people would actually be willing to eat.
Under one of the bed rolls, you will also find one small wooden shield of crude workmanship.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
What Farron said. :)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
(OOC: Okay, upgraded to AOL 9.0... maybe that'll help things... oh, and the directional thing was a complete brain fart, sorry 'bout that)
Rennik will try to find any trace of Fayten's sleeping place or any other of his personal belongings at the camp.
Following the tracks a little beyond the camp, he comes back in a hurry with a dark cast to his face.
"We have more troubles. Our halfling's companion is none other than Horan, the devil-boar I have sought for these last three years. I am certain. My fear is that there were only two sets of tracks - both halfling. Horan's companion was not with them, and could be nearby - or guarding their retreat. There is a chance they may attack our camp tonight."
Wincing a little as he turns, he moves toward Cadfael. "Brother Cadfael, my injuries are not crippling, and I would bear them. But I fear I must be at full strength if the devil-boars attack. I humbly ask your god to close my wounds so that I can defend us from this threat."
(Conditional responses)
If Cadfael heals his wounds, Rennik will thank him graciously.
If Cadfael refuses, he will understand, as there may well be greater wounds inflicted befeore dawn's light.
From: Raja
Subject: Archive
I was thinking of posting a thread to Hatrack with a link to the game archives in case any of the people who were interested but aren't playing (particularly those who had never played in a game like this before) could get an idea of how the game flows. Maybe it would inspire them to get that second game going. :)
Anyone mind if I do that?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Archive
Actually, it might inspire them to get that THIRD game going. This game is the second one. (No offense to Ty).
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Archive
OH, sorry, I hit "send" too soon.
I don't mind if you post the link. I think it would be nice if other want to read the adventure.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Archive
:-P
In the last RPG thread there was talk of getting two games going at once, this one and a "second" one. That's why I used "second." :)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail
(Rennik will try to find any trace of Fayten's sleeping place or any other of his personal belongings at the camp.)
Rennik will not find anything that looks like it belonged to Fayten. It appears that the bead bracelet was the only personal item that he still kept with him.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Archive
Dang it. This is getting all screwy again. I got three replies to the "Archive" email before I got the email itself! Grr.
In any event, I'd have no problem with you posting the link on hatrack.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Archive
:-p well taken. :-D
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Archive
I'm certainly cool with the idea of more people coming to my website. :p
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Archive
Ah, the man I was waiting for. Great, I'll post the thread. :)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
Anyone doing anything else at the camp?
Are you moving on from here, or camping? (it is late afternoon)
Is Cadfael healing Rennik?
Last call for the halfling camp!
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
While on the trail, Cadfael was a mite too casual with his passage, and Mission, who followed the cleric, must have been smacked in the face with every tree branch along the trail. He pauses a moment as the others ransack the poor encampment to wipe his eyes and wince at the scratches on his face. He has gained a new appreciation for Rennick's stature.
"If these halflings were from the east, what were they doing here in the west? What has prompted them to turn back east? Does this tribe normally range so far afield?" he wonders aloud, picking through the remains of the halfling's rations. He turns his nose up at a hunk of spoiled, maggoty cheese. "Did they just happen upon us, or was an ambush truly laid?"
He scratches the back of his neck where a mosquito has bitten him. "I don't like the idea of camping where," and here he strives for the right word. "I don't like the idea of camping where the. . . Pathless have slept. But I'll admit, I don't have much experience in setting up defensive perimeters. Garyth? What do you think?"
He adds, "When I see Madame Legs, I hope that I will not have grown tusks, hooves, bristles, and a snout, in other words."
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
"The Murrkat were a myth to me until today, friend Mission. They were a story we would use to scare children. A curse to throw at one's enemies. My people have not seen them in countless generations, but stories of their vileness have carried down through the ages."
Rennik starts to clear a spot in the campground, tossing bits of spoiled food and soiled sleepmats several feet into the trees.
"They would eat the dead, rape their children and wallow in their own shit. They would coat their arrowheads in shit and urine to cause infection. They spoke only single words, if any at all. They had no respect for family, or life, or honor."
Looking up at Mission, "But these are myths, stories. I no nothing of their range, or their true practices. I don't know what brought them from their rumored home at the base of Mt. Kessel. For what it's worth, I don't believe they were tracking us. They were too far away.
"Likely, they were moving in the same direction as Elise, along a parallel path. When we left the path to investigate, a.... glinting of metal, or clank of armor," he glances briefly at Garyth, "must have alerted them to our approach. I would guess that Fayten was a sentry for their camp, or a scout - from what my cousin told me, he was a skilled woodsman."
"They had fair warning of our approach. Fayten's arrow was focused squarely on Garyth, and his skill with a bow may have cost our companion an eye, had I not... distracted him." Rennik's eyes turn down at the thought.
Glancing around at the campsite itself, he raises his voice to gain the group's attention.
"The light is beginning to fail, making travel dangerous. It will be more and more difficult for me to spot ambushes or traps as night approaches. Though distasteful, this campsite will do well for our purposes. There is a stream not far off that offers fresh water to wash with and fill our waterskins, and the sight lines are good enough that we could see all but the most skilled attackers approaching. There is already a firepit and some wood, which would save us effort. It has been used often as a camp in the past, from the markings."
"We should work out an order for the night watch, as our missing halfling may try to return. Or Horan and his companion may attack. This position is fairly well defensible, and we should have fair warning before they are upon us."
"What say you all?"
Watch List, Discussing the Day's Mistakes
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
Mission will take a watch.
IMO, Cadfael should take the first watch, at which time he can heal Garyth and Rennick (trading other spells for healing ones? Is that permitted?). Then he can rest/pray/whatever to get his spells back, and we'll have our two tanks healed up a bit in case there's a fight.
Mission has trained for years to be able to fight effectively in darkness (Blind-fighting feat). So it makes sense for him to be one of the watches.
Do either of you wizards have any alerting spells that can be placed on the camp?
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
Sa'id is going to have to be awake for at least a couple of hours memorizing spells. Whether or not this coincides with his watch is up to the party.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
(OOC - what is the effect of taking a watch on a wizard? I know they have to get a full rest and take time to prepare their spells. If they take a watch, does that negate their rest? Not that Farron is trying to get out of taking a watch or anything :-P )
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
I need a couple things.
I need the watch order. I need spell lists (unless your list is the same as last time). I need to know if Cadfael is healing people (Rennik is down 13, Garyth is down 2).
Also, if anyone is planning to have fireside conversation, please send those turns to me. My next writeup will be once the sleeping starts, and I need to know when it is safe to do that.
Thanks, guys.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron and I are already having a fireside conversation about spells, and I'll be having a similar one with Cadfael. I'll submit my spell list soon.
As to watch order I can take watch anytime after I've memorized my spells, assuming I'll still be able to get enough sleep.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
My opinion on watches:
Mission (4 hours)
Garyth (4 hours)
Rennick (4 hours)
That should give everyone plenty of time for shut-eye.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sounds good to me. Garyth also has Blind-Fight.
I'm sure that Rennik will want to have a little chat with Garyth, but Garyth won't be the one to start it. What time he does have awake he'll spend doing what he can to repair his armor.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron will speak to the group, when things settle down. "I'm no expert on battle tactics, but it's clear that we need to be more organized if we're going to keep from getting one or more of us killed. The attack took us all by surprise, so it's no wonder we were performing less proficiently than we could have. In my own case, had we been together I could have cast "Haste" on the group, giving us all added speed and dexterity in battle. As it was, at the point such a spell would be most useful, we were too far spread out for the spell to have helped more than one or two of us who were not in the heat of battle."
He pauses, looking to Garyth, then Sa'id for some support. He casts a glance in Rennik's direction, but does not let his eyes linger on the still fuming halfling. "As I said, I don't pretend to be an expert in battle tactics, but it's clear some organization is needed." Having (hopefully) broken ground for some constructive conversation, he takes a seat near the fire.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron, of course, voices no objection to this lineup. ;-)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id listens intently to Farron's words, then speaks.
"We were spread out before we encountered the halflings, and we did not know we would be fighting. Garyth and Rennik simply had gone to investigate." He pauses. "I do not deny that when it comes to tactics we have a problem. Farron and I are not collaborating on our spell choices such that we will be better able to complement each other both in and out of battle. It helps that we have worked together once before, though the results of our collaboration at Nesalin were not deemed... positive." Sa'id grins at Farron, recalling a prank gone awry. "As far as the actual events... like Farron I am no tactician, but it seems to me that Garyth simply underestimated the enemy." He shrugs. "I do have some protective magics at my disposal, but I prefer to use my complement of more... offensive spells, as I did today, and trust brother Cadfael's own defensive magics. More effective is that, I think. One thing to be aware of is that some of my magic allows me to influence and even control the living dead. If we encounter such abominations," Sa'id says, his tone making his feelings more than clear, "and I am able to control them, do not strike down the ones that fight for us until the magic wanes. Remember that even the most distasteful of allies can be of value." As he speaks this last part, he looks pointedly at Mission and Cadfael.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
(OOC: Farron and I ARE collaborating. Oops. Sorry.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
(OOC: I had hoped Dan would have checked in at some point today, but alas)
"You speak truth, friend Farron. We were foolish. Alone, we provide easy targets. Together, we are a strong force. Had those halflings today been trained warriors, Garyth and I could have easily died today."
"What if the halflings had more archers? What if Garyth's attack had been met by ten swords instead of five, and I was pinned down by arrows? What if our enemy had even the smallest sense of strategy? Thankfully they did not. Yet, we did not either."
Rennik turns to Garyth but speaks so all can hear.
"Your haste was foolish. You are inexperienced in combat. You have skill and speed, and fought well, but your rashness almost cost your life. You rushed blindly against twelve enemies, sword in hand, not once thinking as a leader. Not thinking of the group."
"We have bows. We have crossbows. We have..." he hesitates to say it, "spellweavers. The reason we went ahead was to scout for ambush, not to run needlessly into one. Had we fallen back, using our bows while in retreat, I doubt any of our blood would have spilled. We would have been a group, and friend Farron could have woven this magic he speaks of."
"Had *I* fallen back, you would be dead now."
He pauses before again addressingthe group at large.
"Friend Farron speaks of organization. I speak of leadership. I came to your people seeking aid in eliminating a menace to our land. Garyth, you were the first to volunteer. This was not ordered by your people, and you are not their agent here. It was your choice to come with me. It was the choice of each of you to set out on this quest."
"We are leaderless. Each following another's lead, or trying to lead himself. A beast born with with more than one head dies quickly. Some of you look to Garyth for leadership. It is comfortable for you. There may be a time when that is the best choice, but now is not that time. You do not choose a sailor to lead the cavalry. You do not choose a horseman to captain a ship. You do not choose a scholar to train an army. You do not place a savage in charge of a library."
"Garyth may be a good leader, but this is not his land. Today's battle was his first real test in the wilderness. He made a mistake - he "underestimated" as you say. The mistake almost cost him his life. We cannot afford mistakes based on ignorance of the land. The forest is my home, and I have spent my life as a tracker and warrior of the woods. In the city, I am as lost as Garyth is in these trees. In a library, I am a child beside friend Sa'id."
"We each have our places of power. This is mine. Yet even as I speak, I see some of you looking toward Garyth to see how to respond. To see how to react. Yet, without me, you would be at the mercy of the forest."
"My original quest was to find Horan. I have found his path again, but it seems he has made powerful allies. I cannot complete my quest alone. You cannot navigate these woods alone. We need each other. More importantly, we need someone making the decisions who understands the dangers of these trees."
"What say you?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron approaches Garyth and says quietly, "Thanks for your skills on the battlefield today. I was impressed with how well you handled all those halflings, especially considering what a surprise their attack was. Don't worry too much about your armor. I have a spell that should take care of that damage. I just need to study it a bit. I should be able to fix you up in the morning."
(OOC - Ty, please let me know if this spell is adequate for this purpose. If not, please disregard this post. I wrote you asking this before posting, but I'm leaving for the day and may not post again before Monday. Have a great weekend everyone!!)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id speaks up again. He enunciates each word clearly, speaking very slowly and it's evident that he is choosing his with extreme care.
"There is a difference between leadership and, cumbersomely, collective deference to the decisions of an individual. Our little group does not have a clear leader because we have two separate goals that happen to coincide. Rennik must track down Horan, and Garyth must end the threat to Overlook." He pauses. "As a result, we have looked to the two of you for initial decision-making. These quests are yours, and we are tag-alongs. I will be frank. Rennik, you are admirably single-minded in your pursuit, but this can lead you to act impulsively and even rashly, just as Garyth did today in battle. Both of you should have retreated, as you say." Another pause. "And we of course defer to your judgment here in the woods and in light of our quarry. But when we met Elise's group at the farmhouse, you should have deferred to Garyth, and did not. If we are to defer to you here, you must defer to Garyth when it is appropriate." Sa'id sighs. "It seems to me, then, that we ALL have lessons to learn now and in the coming days as we travel together. Mission, it is clear to me that you more than Rennik and Cadfael disapprove of my magics and those of Farron. I will not make excuses for my study of the necromantic arts, but I thank you for restraining these misgivings as admirably as you have." Sa'id rises, and pokes the fire with the end of his staff. "If we are to have a leader, and not simply shift our deference as appropriate, I think we must wait. I do not believe that we can choose one tonight, but I also do not believe that we can 'choose' one at all given our dual objectives." He sits back down, and Aldon slides out of his shirtsleeve and slithers off into the forest to find its own dinner.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
(OOC: As I'm writing this I've noticed a tendency I have for writing what's going on in Garyth's head, even though that's not readily available information to the rest of the party. Should I quit doing that, or does it count as good RP?)
Garyth flushes, hearing the harsh critique of his performance so far. This is not the first time he has received a stern dressing-down from one more experienced him. His father had despaired of ever getting Garyth to stop thinking about those ridiculous stories where the hero vanquishes hordes of screaming enemies and then dies valiantly to save his companions. Dying for Overlook would not accomplish his mission.
Of course, he says none of this, though the look of shame is readily apparent to anyone looking. When everyone has said their peace, he raises his eyes and looks at Rennik. "I have no excuses for my mistakes. My actions were hasty, and though it worked out in the end, I know I have never been closer to death. I thank you for helping me."
He turns to address everyone. "It is true, perhaps, that we have no formal leader. Each of us is here of his own volition, each desiring to help end a threat to our home, our tribe, or simply others in need. None of you is under my command. Still, I speak for Overlook."
He turns back to Rennik. "We must work together if we hope to overcome our foe. Master Rennik, I have thus far always heeded your counsel in matters of the wild. To do otherwise would be folly. Yet you, too, would be wise to remember that you need my help as surely as I need yours; indeed, each of us depends on the rest to ensure the success of this expedition, our very survival."
Finally, he replies to Farron. "Good sir, I thank you for your offer, but I would not wish you to waste any of your magic on me." He removes a small set of armorsmith's tools from his pack. "I have some skill with repair and the effort spent on the task will hopefully remind me not to be so hasty in the future."
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Rennik looks up at Sa'id, digested his words for a moment, then responds very carefully, with more tact and forethought than he has previously shown the group. His words are calm, controlled. His voice is level.
"Forgive me, friend Sa'id, but my impressions of this group have changed somewhat this day. Yesterday I arrived in Overlook to find a scared people. The outlying farmers talked of atrocities, of abductions, of death. They wished someone would do something about it. None had yet stepped forth. It had been months."
"I walked into your town, spoke with your leaders. I called for men to join me to end this threat. Garyth was the first volunteer, and the rest of you after. I should have assumed that humans volunteering meant humans taking control. That is always the way."
"We went to the farm. I was not the one to speak out of place! But from the looks in your eyes, I learned. I was not one of you. I was a Halfling. A wildling. You did not volunteer to help me, after all. You quickly forgot why you came together, and the human arrogance shone through. I became your dog. Sniffing the trail ahead. To be watched."
"From that time, our quest has been a darkening path. At first it was a disappearance. It has grown each hour since, and my heart tells me it will grow still."
Rennik turns his eyes to Garyth, without anger, without malice. His words are those of one combatant to another, though they take the tone of a veteran speaking to a green recruit who has seen his first battle. "You are impressive with a blade, and I trust you at my back. You are right in that we all need each other, certainly now that the threat has grown. I am sure you learned a painful lesson today, and your armor finally shows the marks of hard use."
"From my count, you killed three with that sword of yours. Three. Of twelve. And you were wounded badly, and losing blood. Pride is costly, and I hope it was pierced and killed by a Halfling blade. From your words, it seems to have been."
Again, he turns to the group.
"My fear is that you all place too much weight on Garyth's words and thoughts. You are new to the wilds and look to him for answers, for guidance. Of course. He is a human with an insignia. Being human, you will look to him first. But training with a blade does not mean sense in the wild." And then, with a wry smile, "you should just as soon look to me for advice on keeping polite company."
"We came out with a purpose, to eliminate a threat. I believe we still hold that purpose. All tracks from the farm led east, as did Elise, the halflings, and Horan and his companion. Mt. Kessel is in the east, along with stories of the Murrkat tribe of vile savages. There is some "soul drinker" that has a hand in this, using evil magic and threatening more than just Overlook. All peoples of the island are at risk, if both farmers and Logi halflings have been abducted."
"Friend Sa'id, I am not so single-minded that I can't put aside my quest when there is greater need for my skills. I have followed Horan off and on for three years, and I will find him. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next year, but I will. The safety of my home, and your homes, is under threat from this new menace that can take the soul and kindness from a man's eyes. This threat must be stopped, or my quest means nothing. The black pillar does not yet fit in this puzzle, but my heart says we will find it at the base of Mt. Kessel."
Rennik looks tired, almost as if he has used too many words. He furrows his brow and rubs the bridge of his nose.
"The watch order sounds fine to me. We will leave tomorrow after Brother Cadfael has said his prayers."
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
An addendum:
Rennik said it was going on for "months" when he meant "weeks"... sorry bout that.
Also, Mike, I think the internal monologue stuff is cool... cuz it gives us more of an impression of facial expressions, voice tone and body language. Words aren't the only way the characters communicate - I'm all for it. :)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
In the glow of the firepit, dancing shadows, Mission's boyish face seems to shift from a half-smiling youth, to an intense, battle trained warrior.
As the others speak their turn, he idly pokes at the fire pit, and catches an ember on the end of his staff. He flips it into the air and bounces it skillfully on his staff-- only when Sa'id speaks does he let the ember fall, and then he quickly pushes it back into the firepit.
He then smiles weakly at Sa'id. But a flicker passes behind his eyes-- and he remembers what it was like, bearing the weight of the mage's touch. He shudders, and says nothing to the mage.
Instead, he stands. "My watch has begun, so I'll be brief. I am devoted to each of you. We walk the Path together. Rennick is wise, and as he says, we are in his lands now. But there is more here at stake than his lands. Garyth's people are at risk. People come before vengeance."
He grins. "And there is a leggy dame." Mission spins the staff quickly in a wide circle, bounces it off the sole of one foot so it catapults, still spinning, up into the air. He catches it a moment before it smashes into the top of Cadfael's head. And he holds it there, straight and still, arm outstretched, one leg lifted directly behind him, paralell to the ground, like a dancer frozen in time.
He winks at the cleric. "I will watch out for all of you. Always."
And straightening himself, he takes up his watch.
Mission will prowl around the camp as silently as possible, keeping his ears open for any disturbances.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id looks vaguely hurt at Rennik's words, but he restrains himself until Mission has finished.
"I, too, am foreign to this land, stalwart ranger. If the colour of my skin does not betray me, my accent surely does. Moreover, my chosen field of study is looked on with fear in many circles. I empathize with you more than you think, and I do not mean to belittle you with my words. Perhaps it is in fact my words that were improperly chosen, for neither this nor your own language are native to me, and I have had to learn both from nothing over the last several years. 'Leader,' 'sheikh' or 'sultan' in my own tongue, carries with it the assumption of unquestioned, unwavering loyalty from the followers. Thus my thought that it is premature to call anyone here 'leader.' But I agreed -- and still do -- that we must always defer to the judgment of whoever is in his element. Now it's you. I do trust your judgment in this, more so after today. That will not change." Sa'id crouches down by Rennik for a moment, and bows his head slightly. "I offer my humblest apologies. I am honoured to name you saaheb." ('Friend.')
Sa'id rises, and turns back to the fire. "Now, I must re-acquaint myself with my spellbook." He grins, then nestles his staff in the crook of his arm and begins to study.
(OOC: I also like the mental stuff, it's good to get more insight into your characters. Should we share histories too, or let that come out in the RP? I've written a couple thousand words' worth of stuff about Sa'id, and there's more to come ;)
Ty's Thoughts On Good RP
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
I like when in comes out in RP. Much more realistic that way.
And internal monologue is fine to me. As long as people make note of what was said, and what was thought. It sometimes happens that players will respond to things that a character only thought. But that is a minor risk to take in exchange for nifty character RP.
Farron's Inner Monologue
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron listens to these various exchanges with mixed feelings, but tries not to reveal what he is thinking outwardly. At Rennik's words, he pointedly stares at the fire. He feels sorry for Garyth, knowing that in Overlook he has had little chance to use his skills in the heat of a real battle, but knows that it is clear that despite this lack, he has practiced them well. He is angered that the halfling savage feels the need to repeatedly dress him down publicly. But at the second mention of the group's dependence on him as "great hunter and tracker", Farron grumbles, "Not all of us are ignorant of the ways of nature."
When Mission speaks his piece, Farron listens quietly. He respects the monk's skill in fighting. Never before has he seen someone take out a giant spider single-handedly, and with a single flurry of blows. However, it is clear that the monk has little (if indeed any) respect for those who have chosen to study and learn to control the awesome powers of magical forces. This is odd because it seems clear that he, himself, gains some measure of power by tapping into these forces. The way his tattoos glow at times surely must indicate some magical forces at work. It's too bad that he sees their (his and Sa'id's) chosen profession as less than noble. Still, he is skilled and it might be useful to try and win friendship from this remarkable fighter.
But beyond his grumbling at Rennik's attitude, Farron does not add more to the debate, but eventually pulls out his own spellbook and begins studying. Tomorrow looks to be full of hiking and if things play out the way they seem to be heading, not a little fighting.
Bedtime and the Morning
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Cadfael stares deeply into the fire, lost in its flickering dance. The flames seem to wash over his face and sooth away some of its strain. He seems aware of what is being said around the fire but, as seems to be the norm for him, has nothing to say himself. He breaks out of his reverie as Mission's staff comes spinning down toward his head and smiles broadly at the monk. That smile fades a little as the somber attitude around the fire settles in on him.
"Know that I trust your knowledge of the woods, brother Rennik. I know enough of the wilds to know that I ring out like church bells in the morning with every step I take, although there is little I can do about it. As I have said before, we are all family under the eyes of Pelor, and I consider you as much my brother as I do Garyth, or Farron. Although I confess I don't have the same fondness for Farron's rodent," he says with a grin, "it seems to me that I can best follow you by staying hundreds of yards behind you. But, in doing so I cannot be by your side when you need my aid, as we discovered at the battle today. Given the choice, I would be closer to your side so that I may prevent your wounds rather than attending to them afterwards."
Saying that he gestures toward the fire and the light it gives off seems to grow dimmer and his hand brighter for it. He the presses his hand against Rennik's brow, feeling the heat of the flames flash suddenly from his hand into Rennik's body, searing his wounds closed with its warmth. (Cure Moderate Wounds).
"Sa'id? I worry for you brother. To attempt to control the undead is not something any man of a good heart would seek to do, and only the blackest hearts would be successful at it. I worry for you brother, I do. I know you are a good man, but I am afraid that you walk a path of temptation that shall lead you to your doom. For now, I pray that this is only a passing fancy of yours, and like children turn away from sweets as they age I pray that you turn away from this power you seek. That is all I would say on this for now, but know that I'll call no undead an ally, their place is with their God, not locked on this plane. I would send them home."
"Brother Farron, a brief word with you before you retire. Would you be willing to let me look at one of the scrolls the Halflings carried? It is more than likely that I'll glean from it less than you already have, but perhaps I'll be able to identify some religious symbol that you would not understand."
(OOC -- I'll send you my updated spell list once I've finished my morning prayers, Ty. Just in case something comes at us during the night all I'm still going to have what's left of the last list I gave you.)
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron, not having a reason to refuse, offers one of the scrolls to Cadfael for his study.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id is studiously poring over his spellbook when Cadfael addresses him. He looks up at the priest's words.
"Brother Cadfael, believe me, a similar view we share of the dead who yet walk this earth. I have spent much time dealing with the dead; preserving and preparing bodies for last rites, or performing autopsies to determine the cause of death. Defiling the peace of death with magic is something I find abhorrent, and I admire the strength of your convictions. I, too, would release any undead we encounter into final death." He pauses. "As a result of my study of death and the dead, however, I do possess the magics I have described. Not to raise the dead -- " Sa'id makes a warding sign, "but to influence the undead, perhaps even turn them against each other or their masters before finally allowing them to rest. This compromise I am prepared to make."
He then returns to the study of his spellbook. After having memorized his spells, he will stretch out and try to sleep, using his turban for a pillow.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id was going to go to bed after completing his study, he rises and begins to pace, muttering to himself. He paces for a solid half hour before finally returning to his makeshift bed.
(OOC: His brain just won't stop working on this. Consequently, neither will mine. ;)
(OOC: I have a growing suspicion that this "black pillar" is somehow drawing evil creatures to it. That's the only thing I can think of that ties Elise and Horan together, along with the halflings and the scrolls.)
From: Ty
Subject: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Is there any other fireside convo to do? There is absolutely no rush, and such conversations are often the best part of RPG's, so continue as long as you like.
But I don't want to delay you guys if you are done, so when you are done just send out an "I go to sleep" message. When everyone (except the watchman) is asleep, I will write up the next turn.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Cadfael takes off his armour and goes to sleep.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Rennik removes his studded leather and spends some time washing the blood and bile from it, and from his body. When this task his finished, he lets the armor dry by the fire for some time while he cleans and sharpens his axe. After some time, when the fire has dried his armor somewhat, he puts it back on and curls up with his back to the firepit, facing out into the trees. In his hands in front of him rests the haft of his axe, and his bow rests above his head, three arrows stuck point first and the quiver propped against his pack.
With a short prayer to Mielikki for a quiet night, he closes his eyes and sleeps.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Mission's prowling around still.
That will be all.
:)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
After memorizing spells and pacing, Sa'id will indeed sleep.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Garyth looks as though he might speak, but thinks better of it. Rennik seems to have misinterpreted his mistakes as some form of racism, but is it worth risking the halfling's ire by arguing with him? Hopefully Rennik will change his mind on his own.
Garyth wipes down his armor as best he can then catches what sleep he can before his watch.
(OOC: Garyth will attempt to repair his armor as well as he can during his watch.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron goes to sleep.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Mission's watch passes uneventfully. If it were not for this trips dark purpose, it would almost be a pleasant place to camp. The only sounds are the night insects, and the babbling of the nearby stream. After a few hours the days exertions catch up to him, and Mission is forced to kneel in an uncomfortable position to remain alert. It is a great relief when his excellent internal clock (the monastery's bells rang every four hours without fail) tells him his time is up. He nudges the sleeping Garyth with one foot and says, "Your watch begins." As Garyth struggles awake, Mission curls up in his blankets and is asleep in seconds.
Garyth rubs the sleep from his eyes, and begins mending his armor. It is difficult to do in the dark, and he does not want to ruin his night vision by lighting a fire. He does the best he can, and is at least able to seal up any holes, though how it looks in daylight won't be known till the morning. After he is finished, he realizes that he has no idea how long he worked on the armor, or how much of his watch is left. He sits staring into the dark for a couple more hours, then shrugs and wakes the Halfling.
Rennik rolls awake instantly, and after a few words about how surprisingly quiet it's been, Garyth goes to sleep. Rennik looks at the night sky and sees that the boy took an extra hour on his watch. It is only 2 hours from dawn. After having 9 hours of sleep or so, Rennik is full of energy again. He prowls the perimeter of the camp with bow in hand, but nothing appears to be amiss, and he finally settles for gathering berries for breakfast.
At exactly 15 minutes before dawn, Cadfael wakes up, and puts on his armor. He says nothing to Rennik, but instead clutches a large holy book while kneeling and facing the east. As the first rays of dawn peek over the horizon, Cadfael begins praying in a deep and songlike voice. It is actually quite peaceful, and Rennik can feel some of the leftover darkness from yesterday lifted away. When the priest stops singing an hour later, Rennik smiles and nods at him.
At about this time, the rest of the group begins to wake up. Everyone seems pleasantly surprised that the demon hordes did not strike in the night. The wizards settle in with their books and begin memorizing, while Rennik cooks breakfast. It is a very peaceful and almost domestic scene, considering the previous days butchery.
After breakfast Rennik moves to the edge of the camp, looking to reacquire the trail.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Unusually cheerful, Rennik greets the others in the party with a bit of brightness behind his eyes. The morning air is crisp in his lungs, and he even chidingly thanks Garyth for the extra sleep, though there's no malice in the jibe. Gathering together his pack and things, he covers the fire and their tracks within the camp in case someone were to follow them, and even tromps off heavily several times in a direction entirely different from the one the group will be traveling in, making an obvious trail that ends thirty or forty feet out.
He's humming a tune under his breath as he walks off to find the start of the trail again, while the rest of the group collects their things. When he returns, the brightness in his step is gone, and his eyes look tired, as though he'd had no sleep at all.
Slinging on his pack and weapons, Rennik walks to the edge of the camp where they are to set off and sits heavily against a tree, his axe held loosely in front of him. He absentmindedly gnaws at the well-chewed leather straps that bind the handle and stares blankly out into the woods, grimly waiting for the rest of the party to make themselves ready to move.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id pores intently over his spellbook. Periodically, he sits up straight, closes his eyes, and murmurs indistinguishable words to himself. Aldon, his viper familiar, indulges in some of Sa'id's breakfast leftovers before coiling around Sa'id's quarterstaff. Sa'id ignores the bustling of the rest of the party, intent on his study.
When Sa'id is satisfied that his spells are ready, he carefully stores his spellbook away, rises, and slings his pack over his back. Adjusting his turban, then his boots, he readies himself for another day of walking.
Morning Routine, Scroll Translation, A Night-Time Visit, Trading Post
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
His sleep was listless and fitful-- there are no grins from Mission this morning, despite the cheery dawn atmosphere. He is edgy and short with the other party members as they pick over the halfling's camp for anything valuable they may have missed the day before.
Rennick's initial cheeriness grates on his nerves, and it is with a twisted satisfaction that he observes that the wild halfling returns to the camp subdued. Mission bites his lip at his satisfaction-- it is a dark thing to enjoy, even a small bit, the misery of others.
As Cadfael is still praying, Mission slips quietly away into the woods to meditate for a bit. When he returns to the camp, his mood has softened.
He finds himself next to Rennick and says softly, "Never mind the pretty birds, the warm breeze, the dawn-- something dark waits for us out there."
When the party leaves, Mission will take his place behind Cadfael, and will try to remain alert for any attack.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
Farron awakens and immediately opens his spellbook. After an hour of study, he grabs some breakfast (with a quick "Thanks" to Rennik). With a chatter, he sends Jack off to forage, with instructions to come back quickly if he finds anything amiss.
Basics taken care of, Farron next removes the stack of scrolls from their case and places each one side by side on his bedroll carefully. He retrieves the remaining scroll from Cadfael and places it with the rest. He then walks over to the remains of the fire and takes a pinch of soot from the now cool edge of the fire pit with one hand and a pinch of salt from a small bag he retrieves from the rations. Standing a little away from the group, he begins to mutter a few arcane syllables while, in a complicated motion, rubbing the soot and salt together, producing a whisp of smoke into which he leans forward and inhales. (Casts Comprehend Languages). Immediately, he returns to the laid out scrolls and begins studying them.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
As Farron begins to study the scrolls anew, Sa'id moves to crouch near the other wizard, awaiting any new information with interest.
From: Raja
Subject: Drat and double drat!
I'm STILL not getting into the habit of replacing the reply-to addresses with only game@sakeriver.com. Sorry, guys :( I'll keep trying to condition myself to do it :-P
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
When Cadfael has finished his prayers for the morning he quietly gathers his things, a content smile on his face. Once he's done he'll just lean up against a tree, somewhere that's still fairly well let, close his eyes and enjoy the morning.
From: Ty
Subject: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
Rennik and Garyth are now both fully healed.
Let me know if there are any other conversations or preparations before the party heads out. If not, I will write the next turn in about an hour or so.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
I'd just like to know what Farron was able to discern from the scrolls. Other than that, I'm ready. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
Garyth wakens slowly, shaking off sleep heavily. But, before long he is up and about. He stows his gear and slings his pack, ready to move out.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
Having cast his spell, Farron begins reading the first of the scrolls. He doesn't get far before he starts to look very uneasy. After a few minutes, he even begins holding his head in more than a little discomfort. He turns away from the scrolls and spends several minutes hunched over, eyes closed, shaking his head as if trying to concentrate amid incessant screaming. After a few minutes, some measure of peace returns to his face and some minutes later, he is again able to speak to the group.
"Truthfully, I could not read even one scroll in its entirety, nor will I try again. What I was able to determine is what I have suspected all along. The scrolls are contracts, signed in blood, wherein each of the halflings has given his allegiance and his soul to a being named "Kor Garesh" in exchage for certain "gifts". What exactly these gifts are, I could not make out, but the power of the gift is somehow tied to the power of the signer.
"The language of the scrolls is one of the Devil Tongues, used among the beings of the fiendish planes. Be glad that you cannot read it, for the very characters it uses seem to writhe in agony as they are read.
"I know that we must leave, and I appologize for the delay, but I need a few minutes alone before I can go further."
With that, he walks down to the stream, strips off his robes and kneels amid stream and splashed himself with the frigid water. The shock as the cold water hits his body drives the memory of the twisting agonized text from his head and he returns to the group some minutes later invigorated and refreshed. He quickly packs up and is ready to hit the trail.
From: Ty
Subject: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Farron's information about the scrolls is what all have suspected, but to have it verified beyond doubt casts a shadow over the party. Why would these men give their souls to such a being? If Rennik is correct, perhaps the Murrkat's were already such savages that this contract only codified their allegiances. But his kinsman, the Logi tribesman. Why would such a person sign over his life? What 'gift' could possibly be worth this price?
As the party heads out, Rennik stops about 40 feet or so out on the path and turns to the group, looking as though he's trying to make a decision within himself. Nodding his head a bit, he looks up at the others.
"There is something you need to see."
Leading the group a small ways off the trail, he points out a stick that appears to have been left sandwiched between two largish flat stones. The stick is pointing directly at the camp.
"Horan and I would play at this when we were young and foolish. We would sneak up on hunting parties and human warrior camps at night to see how close we could get without being seen. Then we would leave a mark, just like these rocks."
He waits a moment for the reality of that to sink.
"Horan was at most at home in the woods. His cursed years seem to have honed his skills, some. We must be more cautious."
With that, he walks back to the trail and moves off ahead, seemingly preoccupied. His axe is in his hands as he tracks the pair of footprints through the underbrush.
The party sets out again, and it seems only too fitting when, an hour after they begin, a massive thunderhead rolls in and begins drenching them. Rennik curses, because the heavy rains wipe away the tracks he follows. He decides to just keep heading due east, and hope he finds a new trail. Sometime after lunch, the original trail you had taken crosses your path. Rennik shrugs and begins following that trail. "If Elise and Horan go to the same place, then one track is as good as another."
As the afternoon wears on, Farron and Sa'id begin to see why horses are not taken to the interior of the island. Ground is getting increasingly soft, and the vegetation thicker and thicker as you progress. The trees are short, and thick, and covered with slimy moss. And ferns and other low undergrowth grow thick here. If it gets much thicker than this, horse travel would be impossible.
Just as evening falls, the rain begins to let up, and the party begins to think of finding the driest place to camp. While you trudge on, looking for tree covered high ground, Garyth points off into the distance. "Is that a house?"
The party moves forward cautiously, and sees what looks like a large log cabin, with an even larger outbuilding, possibly a barn. There are also several small storage sheds scattered about. One of the sheds is giving off great quantities of smoke, and smells like cooking meat. Rennik says, "It's a trading post. The Halflings and humans trade furs and metal tools, among other things. There are dozens of these little posts all around the interior. They often rent rooms to travelers as well. The big building is probably a barn, and the little sheds are smoke houses and tanning sheds."
(The next turn will be your reactions to this place, and what you want to do about it.)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
For what seems like the hundredth time today, Garyth wipes the rain off his face with the back of his hand. He narrows his eyes as he regards the small collection of buildings. His first impulse is, of course, to dry off and get a good meal. But Rennik's words are still fresh in his mind; he must master his headstrong nature. He scans the buildings, looking to see if he can spot anything amiss.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Garyth can see nothing amiss. The act of smoking meat is so extremely mundane and domestic, that he can't imagine the soulless devil spawn ever doing it.
While he watches, a very large white dog comes around from the back of the house, and begins trotting towards the party.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Mission winks at Cadfael, and says to Rennick, "Remember, now, Rennick: Garyth is to do the parlaying. This beast looks a bit more ready to chew us up than was our Leggy Dame, so you mind your tongue. And his as well-- gah, look at that drool!"
A sturdy roof and a good set of walls-- Mission is ready to turn in.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"Just the same," Rennik replies to Mission, "I'd prefer if he covers his rank insignia with his cloak until we know a little more about this trader. Elise may have been headed here as her next stop. She may even still be here."
"Still, I am a halfling with nothing to trade, so I may not get the warmest welcome. Many of these traders think we all sleep hanging by our toes from trees. I think it best if I stay outside and take a look around while you 'parley'. Maybe I can see if Elise or anyone else left any trace of their stay. If all goes well, I'll be right outside. If not, give a shout... and if you can't do that, knock something heavy over."
Rennik grins at that. His body language indicates that he's not overeager to get a look at this trader.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Just as Rennik finishes speaking, the large white dog trots up to the party. Up close, you realize that it is not a *large dog*, but is in fact an *enormous wolf*. Its fur is a brilliant white, and its shoulder is waist high on Mission, who stands six three. It must easily mass 200 pounds or more. And yet, for all its ferocious appearance, it seems quite friendly. It jogs over to Garyth first, sniffing his chest and crotch, then moves on to Rennik, taking a quick sniff of his head. It will move through the party greeting each member in this way. While it does this, you each look at each other nervously, but it shows no sign of aggression, and you don't want to anger the trader by killing his dog. You are glad you showed this restraint. When the wolf has sniffed everyone, it trots off back to the house, and three more of the huge wolves pop out of the woods around you and chase the first to the back of the lodge, snapping and playing like gigantic puppies.
Rennik says in a whisper, "Winter wolves. I've seen pelts, but never a live one. They live high up the slopes of Kessel, and their skins bring a fortune in the cities. Very few will risk hunting them."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"I ... I see," stammers Sa'id. He doesn't speak further, and he glances about furtively to ensure no large dogs or enormous wolves are sneaking up on him.
(OOC: Sa'id doesn't have any input as far as what we should do next. He'll go along with the group decision.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"Well then," says Cadfael, shouldering his pack, "their animals seem friendly enough. I know I could certainly use a warm fire and some food after a hard day of travelling. I say we head on up and see what there is to see."
Unless someone tries to stop him, Cadfael will hike on up to the house.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
A bit tired of the rain and the hike himself, Farron glances at the group once, then shrugs and heads off after Cadfael.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"Garyth, if this man has Winter Wolves, he will know something of Mt. Kessel. He may know the Murrkat, and something of this black pillar."
He slips his axe back into the sheath under his pack and sets off toward the house.
"Still, I will stay outside. I'd like to get a look at that barn."
(OOC: If the wolves get uppity, Rennik will back away from the barn, but he'll try to calm them using Wild Empathy/Animal Empathy. If he can make nicey nice enough, he'll try to get a good snoop of the place - especially looking for traces of recent visitors... if worse comes to worse, he can always climb up the barn a bit to get out of the wolves' reach)
From: Ty
Subject: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
As Rennik heads cautiously to the barn, the rest of the party moves to the lodge. It is difficult not to run. You have had a full day of being soaked, eaten a soggy lunch, and now are only steps away from (hopefully) a warm bed and a hot meal.
The front door of the lodge has a large sign that says, WELCOME FRIENDS, which seems very promising. Garyth looks at the party, shrugs, and pushes the door open. A gust of warm air comes out, accompanied by the smells of spicy stew. That is all it takes, and the party is pushing inside as fast as you can. The inside of the lodge is roomy, with a roaring fireplace at one end, and a large table. On the walls hang a wide variety of things one might need here in the wilds, and over the fire is a black pot, probably the current home of the wonderful cooking smells.
What appear to be rolled up white rugs at first, turn out to be four of the massive winter wolves. They look up from their napping places and yawn, but make no move to get up. A few seconds later, an equally large man with a leather apron and a big grin on his face comes in from a back room.
"Ah, my customers arrive!" He says in a booming voice. "Cutter warned me you'd be along. Nasty day, wasn't it? Got a nice stew cooking. Staying for dinner? Got a few beds too, if you want em, and enough ale to make em comfortable, eh!" Apparently, he finds this very funny and laughs loudly for several seconds.
(What do you five want to do?)
Meet Gully Patter
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Mission's mouth waters at the smell of the stew, but he pauses outside the door to shake off his cloak and wide-brimmed hat. A little courtesy might go a long way toward hospitality in this wilderness.
There are more white wolves lazing about the common room of the lodge. One yawns, showing a massive mouth filled with dangerous looking teeth. Mission has to grin at the incongruity of the beast because, surely teeth like that were not meant to be placed in the mouth of such a lollagag creature.
Mission wonders how often the wolf has had occasion to use those teeth. And what the circumstances were behind their use. Thoughts better suited for another time.
And were it not for the events of last night and this morning, he would feel at ease here. As it is, his grin is only a little hardened, only slightly more stiff than it would otherwise be.
"A miserable day, and that's the truth!" Mission agrees. He wishes Garyth and Cadfael COULD hide their armor somehow-- but to the best of his knowledge, armor does not just fold up nicely to be put in a pack. Pity-- armor means wealth, and wealth means purpose, and purpose means good and ill depending on who you talked to.
But he is otherwise silent, waiting on Garyth's lead. Automatically, though, he starts looking around the lodge for any work that might need to be done--cleaning, repair work, anything at all that might need a bit of spit and polish.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
At the sound of the word "bed", Farron practically drops on the spot. The only thing that keeps him from heading straight to a room for a nap is the thought that the stew might all be gone by the time he wakes up. And even Jack has perked up at the delicious smell emanating from the stewpot on the fire. "I'm Farron," he says to their host, extending a hand and stepping toward their prospective host.
(OOC - Farron's objectives here are #1 food, #2 securing a bed for the night, #3 subtly plying their host for any information he might be able to give them. (i.e. Any recent guests? Any other current guests? Anything "interesting" happening in his neck of the woods?) /OOC)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Sa'id's stance is relaxed and easy, and he smiles at the host, but says nothing other than introducing himself when it's appropriate.
(OOC: If we ultimately stay here Sa'id is going to want to dry himself off before anything; when he has the opportunity, he'll use Prestidigitation to evaproate one pound of water from his clothes and person -- assuming that's a valid use. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: Ty, did we think to bring any money along with us?)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
You would each have an appropriate amount of traveling money. Say, the equivalent of ten gold pieces in change of various denominations. For a wilderness trip, all your other wealth would have been left back home.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Garyth does what he can to wipe the mud off of his boots before entering.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
The proprietor grins appreciatively at Mission's kind words. Then you all stand around looking at each other, waiting for someone to speak.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: Heh, let's try that with the whole message this time.)
Garyth does what he can to wipe the mud from his boots before entering, though between the rest of the party pressing to get in and his own hunger being sharpened by the smell of the cooking he most likely misses some.
At the warm greeting from the post's proprietor, Garyth smiles. "A nasty day, indeed! I was beginning to think I'd never find a place to get dry. I think we could certainly be persuaded to take you up on your offer, if the price is right."
He glances around the room then looks back to the man. "I didn't see anyone about, apart from these magnificent animals," he nods toward the wolves. "Have you had much business lately?"
Garyth realizes that there have been no introductions and, grinning, smacks his forehead with his palm. "But where are my manners? I am Garyth, hailing from Overlook." He extends his hand to the man.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Farron, then, (being totally insulted that his obviously friendly greeting was ignored by the proprietor), decides to stand around and look silly like everyone else.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(no introductions???! Is no one getting my emails?)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
No, we're (okay I) am freaking swamped at work.
So you don't get no freakin' introductions until later, man.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: Sorry, Karl, I got your post but forgot to take it into account. You know, between all the Hmph-ing before and now this, Farron seems to be spending quite a bit of time being insulted. ;) )
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
No no no. My point is that I sent a response *HOURS* ago where Farron introduced himself with outstretched hand and apparently the proprietor has chosen to ignore him and everyone is standing around waiting for introductions (according to our DM).
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Well, you look like a ferret, you get no respect.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
The owner steps forward quickly, wiping his hand on a rag. He shakes Garyth's outstretched hand with a powerful grip, then moves on to shake everyone else's hand, grinning all the while.
"My name is Gully. Gully Patter. I own this place."
He gestures for everyone to sit, and begins getting out bowls and plates from a shelf next to the fireplace. "Yeah, business is booming lately. Lots of people going east these days. And not all of 'em have the gentle look of you folk. Quite a few that I was loathe to turn my back to, if you take my meaning. But I haven't had any problems yet. Most of 'em take one look at Cutter and the other boys, and they get real polite fast."
Once the bowls are out, he begins ladling stew into each of the, and handing out large chunks of bread. "Had a slew of folk yesterday. A noble born woman with a few retainers going east, and a big band o' halflings bringing another woman west. The noble born and her men left her horses here, and paid in gold for the service. Always happy to help those with gold. She was a beauty too, and had a ready smile, but the lads didn't like her one bit. I was glad when she left."
After the food has been handed out, he begins filling mugs with ale from a casket nearby. "We've one guest left here from yesterday, though she hasn't come out since. She came in with the halflings, took a room, and hasn't left it once. She paid in silver for quiet, so I'm not about to roust her out. Least till her money runs out, eh?" He says with a big grin.
At this point, one of the wolves comes in from the back room (this makes fives wolves in this room now), and whines once at Gully. Gully turns to you and says, "You boys didn't leave one of your own outside, did you?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Casket = Cask
Duhhhhhhhhhhh
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Garyth looks mildly embarassed. "Yes, one of our companions wanted to spend some more time outside. He's a bit... skittish. But I imagine he'll be upset if he finds out we ate without him." He stands and moves to the door to call Rennik inside.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
As Rennik prowls around looking in windows, he can hear Garyth calling
out to him.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Rennik emerges warily from behind the corner of the house and walks through the door as though walking on eggshells, throwing furtive glances around the room and mentally marking all the exits.
Nodding his head in the manner of the halflings of his tribe, he introduces himself.
"You keep impressive pets, inkeep. Fearsome guardians. I would like to return to see them when they are fully grown. What happened to their mother?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Gully smiles when Rennik comes in. He looks the halfling up and down, noting the cut of his armor, his accent, and the cast of his features. "Welcome! The brave hunters of the Chorrdath tribe are always welcome in Gully's. I've not had any of your people here in quite some time. Too bad. Good people the Chorrdath. I hope I didn't offend them somehow."
He turns to look at the wolf at his side. His face looks sad for a moment. "Aye, they've only about half their weight on them. Pups, really. I fear I won't be able to keep them too much longer, though Cutter has promised he'll stay even if the others leave."
"As to how I came to have them, *that* is a tale best told after dinner, and over a cup of mulled wine! Pull up a chair, and have some of this stew."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Rennik's face brightens a bit at the recognition of his tribe, but then darkens again with memory.
"I look forward to hearing it, friend. There are stories of the Chorrdath you must hear as well... Dark stories best told with full bellies in front of a warm fire."
He glances at the wolves lazing about on the floor with a look of consideration on his face.
"You can't keep them? I guess the costs of feeding so many animals is a strain. I'd offer to foster one for you if that would ease the burden."
Rennik looks apprehensively at the hallway leading toward the rooms. "Are your other... guests... going to join us?"
Conversation With Gully, Cadfael's Spell Goes Awry, OOC Griping
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
The stew is hearty, the slabs of bread thick and soft. Mission devours both with a gusto that is almost embarassing. The ale, however, he sips only lightly.
Like Rennick, Mission is curious about the other guest. Perhaps she was brought west by the same halflings that attacked the party. If so, they should certainly seek her out.
Or perhaps she was just a random traveller.
Mission rolls his shoulders, and belches unexpectedly. He grins. "Delicious both ways, Gully Patter." He keeps his voice aimless and relaxed. "I wonder what brings a lone woman out here in the wilderness. Do you know if she might need an escort?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
EDIT:
"Do you know if she might need an escort to wherever she is going?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
"No, friend, it isn't the cost. They feed themselves, mostly. It's their nature. Their wild things, born to run the slopes of Kessel, not sleep on a lodge floor. When they get their full growth on them, they'll find living here intolerable, I think. And that's best I suppose. The mountain let me borrow them for a bit, but she'll be wanting them back. Cutter was the first to learn to talk, and he's taken to civilized ways better than the others. The other lads should be talking by now, but I just think it honestly doesn't interest them. That's why I think they'll leave soon."
He glances down the hall and says, "Like I said. My other guest doesn't come out. I doubt she'll join us for dinner. To be honest, she looked a bit sickly to me. Very pale."
He brightens up as he takes a large swallow from his mug. "The meal is a silver piece, but a room with a clean bed and a warm bath is 3 silvers, and I'll throw in breakfast as well. Is that agreeable? Also, if you lack any gear, take a look at my supplies. I've honest prices on all."
He turns to Rennik, "And now that business is concluded, and bellies full, perhaps you'll share a mulled wine with me and tell me the dark story of your noble tribe. I'll share my own tale of the wolves."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: BWAHAHAHAHHAAA!)
Sa'id enjoys his meal, and smiles at his host whenever their gazes meet, but allows the others to do the talking. He already finds himself missing the bustle of cities like Nesalin and Haifa, and the soggy nature of his clothes (particularly his turban) leave him feeling none too amicable despite his appreciation for the warm stew and full-bodied ale. His clothes chafe his skin, and his scalp itches under his turban, but he is unsure how their host would react to his magics. He is also painfully conscious of the distaste for magic exhibited by Mission, Garyth, and Cadfael. Despite his discomfort, Sa'id refrains from drying his clothes with a spell, at least until the meal is done. He does listen intently to all that is said, however.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: Sorry to send two turns so close together.)
As the meal concludes, Sa'id rises and bows slightly to his host. "The price is certainly agreeable to me," he says with a smile, "and I suspect it is agreeable to my companions as well. If there are to be fireside stories, I would like to put my things in my room; which one shall I use?"
(OOC: Sa'id will go to his room, spread the contents of his pack out to dry, and dry his clothes as well as he can using Prestidigitation -- in particular, his turban -- before dressing again and going back out to the common area.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Farron listens to the conversation with interest while devouring his portion of the stew. He does discretely drop a morsel or two of the meat into a pocket where Jack lays into it with gusto.
He is eager to hear both Rennik's and their host's stories.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Gully jumps to his feet. "Follow me good sir, I'll see you to your room." He leads Sa'id, and any others who wish to follow, down the hall. "I'm sorry, sir, but I don't place the accent. Are you from the isle?"
He stops in front of two doors, across the hall from each other. "Here you go, these two rooms will be yours. There are two beds in each, and plenty of skins and blankets if someone prefers the floor (in this age, it is quite common for two to share a bed in an inn). You can hang your clothes by the fire if you like."
As he walks back down the hall, you see him cast an uncomfortable glance at the next door down from your room.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Farron will follow Gully to the rooms and will claim a bed in Sa'id's room. He doesn't really feel like bunking alone in a room full of magic haters. After he gets his sleeping space claimed, he will return to the common room for the stories.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
When Gully returns to the common room, he draws several tankards of wine, and begins warming them by the fire. He turns to Garyth and says, "First though, a bit of news from Overlook, if you don't mind. I've a sister that lives there. Madeline is her name. I've not been back in almost a year. Any news of the town is appreciated."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
"I am from the isle of Ammar, which is to the east of here. But for the last three years I have trained at the wizards' school in Nesalin," Sa'id explains to Gully as they walk down the hall. He thanks Gully and goes into his room. Not having a change of clothes (OOC: at least, I don't think I do), he will close the door and use Prestidigitation to dry his clothes as much as possible (OOC: Prestidigitation will move one pound of material, which I think should allow him to get rid of most if not all of the moisture in his clothes). Leaving his things to dry in his room, he will then return to the fireside gathering.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: I'm really curious to know where you all got the idea that Garyth doesn't like magic-users.)
Garyth drops his gear in the as-yet vacant bedroom, not wanting to crowd the wizards, who he knows need their rest. He also leaves his bow, sword and armor, though he keeps his dagger on his belt. After quickly drying his equipment off, he returns to the common room, eager to hear the stories.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: Did my last email, regarding Garyth dropping off his stuff, go through? I didn't get it yet. Stupid email server... Oh, and does Garyth know anyone by that name?)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: I sent out a message about getting to my room, did it arrive?)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(Well, several people have given us attitude, and no one has come to our defense, so Farron, at least, is just going on the assumption that this is the general feeling of the rest of the group.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I'm going to be out of town tomorrow and on vacation (local) for the next week. I will still check my email as much as possible when I get back in town on Sunday.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Garyth has not personally met Madeline. Remember, Overlook has over a thousand permanent inhabitants, and hundreds more in the outlying farms.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
His stomach full and sufficiently warmed, Mission begins to nod off, early though the night is. He yawns, stretches, and excuses himself.
"A bit of night air would do me good," he declares.
If Gully or the others raise no objections, Mission will slip out into the night, carrying only his staff.
He will stay close to the lodge-- because what he really wants to do is catch a glimpse of Gully's other boarder. He will keep his ears open for anything suspicious.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
It's the ferret.
It stinks.
:)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
The reminder of their purpose out here sobers the light mood Garyth has been feeling since the meal. He gravely recounts the events leading up to Rennik's arrival in Overlook.
"We are following the trail of those beasts, with the help of Master Rennik, here," he gestures toward the halfling. "He has agreed to assist us, as his own people have also fallen victim to the beasts." He thinks for a moment. "I do not know your sister, but I also do not recall any of the victims being of that name. There had been no new attacks by the time we set out, and we can only pray that there have been none since. But the Guard have been patrolling the outlying farms and hopefully that will deter the beasts for now."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Cadfael gives a small blessing under his breath before starting the meal. He eats it slowly and happily, seeming to relish the taste, his eyes staring off in the distant as if lost in a memory.
He heads to the room with his fellows and drops off his pack, his mace and removes his armour. Leaving the room with his dagger in his belt, and holy shield in hand.
He does not sit with the others as the stories begin to be told but stands near the fire listening quietly. However, as soon as the discussion begins in earnest he will head back to the hallway. While there and standing near the doorway of the woman he will softly cast Detect Evil.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
While the rest of the party moves to drink wine and tell stories, Mission goes outside. There is little to see in the dark outside the lodge, and the window for the room the other guest is in has a heavy drape drawn. He remains outside for some time to clear his head and meditate, and also to play fetch with a particularly friendly member of the wolf pack. The wolf too looks at the window uneasily from time to time, and when he looks at you, his extremely intelligent eyes seem to say, 'Yeah, I feel it too.'
As the stories progress, Cadfael slips away from the group, and moves to the door Gully pointed out. He clutches his holy symbol, and utters a short prayer to Pelor, asking for his divine sight. After the prayer, he faces the door and concentrates. Immediately, there is a powerful emanation of evil from the other side of the door. Cadfael concentrates further, hoping to gather more information about what source the evil might have. It builds and builds to a mind splitting level, and he drops to his knees stunned by the power of it. And now he can't stop, and the evil hammers him like waves of force blasting through the door.
From the great room, several of the sharper eared party members hear a high, keening whine come from the hallway. It sounds like someone in horrible pain.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
If there is no warning growl from the wolf, Mission will attempt to scale the wall to get closer to the window.
(OOC: Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider can. What's he like? Listen, bud-- he's got radioactive blood. . .)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
As soon as he hears the sound, Garyth bolts out of his chair and runs into the hallway to see what's going on.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Actually, the window is first floor. You can just walk up to it. And I assume that you have already. It's just blocked by heavy drapes, and there is no light on in the room.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I am going to wait for everyone except Mission to respond to the sound before I do next turn.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Mission will saunter back inside, after giving the winter wolf a good scratch behind his ears.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Scott, Mission won't be back inside until a few minutes after the events that are happening right now. I'll give you the heads up when he's back in. I want to get everyone else's reaction to the new events first. In fact, it may be possible that depending on what they do, you may wind up seeing things from outside that relate to what's going on inside.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Then again, it is such a nice night out. . . Mission will do a bit of stargazing whilst Cadfael gets his brain roasted.
:D
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I'm assuming I don't really get an action and am busy trying to end the spell/writhing in agony.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
You will only be stunned one round, and the spell will automatically end. But in the meantime...
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Sa'id bursts through his door at Cadfael's shriek, and, seeing his ally's situation, does the first thing he can think of - he begins casting Dispel Magic (area dispel).
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(Sorry, at work all day... got some catching up to do)
Rennik would have gone to the rooms and taken off his things and armor, save his axe and sheath. The rest would have likely thought his motions and actions odd, as he is walking as though on eggshells down the hallway, glancing back over his shoulder every so often looking confused.
When questioned about the axe, he would explain that it ties into the story of his village. On the way back to the common room, he would have mentioned his confusion to Mission. He saw Elise's horses in the stable, but the man mentioned a sickly woman only... what gives? Knowing that Elise only left the horses would set his mind greatly at ease, and he would have enjoyed the dinner immensely. He'd joke to Mission that he wished now that he'd left the axe in the room, since it's a tad out of place at dinner if Elise wasn't about to barge through a closed door.
(Soo.... as to the screaming...)
Rennik bolts down the hallway after Garyth, drawing his axe from its sheath, now glad that he held on to it.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
That just leaves Karl, but we might not hear from him till Sunday, based on the email he sent.
So, we are sort of on hold till Karl can check in. (this next turn is important, and I don't want to skip anyone)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Curse wizards and all their confounding ways. . .
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Damn skippy!
;)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I think if only one character is going to be away for a length of time (and announces it), they should cede control of their character to Slash, in the same way that Slash did my turn for me during the blackout a couple of weeks back. If two people are gone, well, that's a third of the party, so we should wait.
Of course, in rather crucial turns like this one, waiting is probably wise.
On that note, I'll be more or less incommunicado from Friday after work until Saturday evening or maybe Sunday morning, because my work term ends tomorrow and I'm flying home to Nova Scotia.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Damn it, isn't it enough that we wizards have to put up with your hatred? Must we also endure your mockery?
;)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Hey, that's ok. If we all get a long weekend, no problem. We need a break before nasty horrifying party death. :)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Shush before I hit you with this clay pot...
You must *also* endure our crockery...
Hehe... couldn't resist.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Bwahahahaha! :-D
Damn it, Karl! I want to know what's behind door number two! :-P
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
No, no you really don't...
Haven't you read what it takes to stun someone using a detect evil spell?! Lord knows, it ain't good.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Nope, haven't read it. Basically, if it's not in my spellbook, I haven't read it :-P ...And Detect Magic/Detect Undead don't say anything about stunning, so I assume Detect Evil is special...
So, um, Cadfael, do we beat you up for being so foolish NOW, or LATER? ;)
This Dispel Magic I'm casting will have the longest casting time of any spell ever ;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Sa'id could cast Command on Ferron. . .
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Our resident wizard despising monk casting spells?
The irony...
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
SOMEONE needs to learn the difference between CHARACTERS and PLAYERS.
:)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Hmmm...
That's tough.
I happen to know that Matt is actually 3'6", and Karl does indeed look like a ferret.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I seem to recall a certain Mr. Scott Roberts suggesting, OOC, before Dan joined up, that a pary with two wizards and no priest would invariably die a horrible death... the insinuation being that wizards are useless!
;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
ANY party without a priest would die.
But one that has two mages AND no priest would die of embarassment.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
He was right about the horrible death though.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Hmmm... this'll teach me not to knock.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I had a character in a game I ran once knock before picking a lock. Real bright boy. Well, that is, until the shotgun smeared him all over the opposite wall.
Good thing he was a werewolf, ya know?
...
Thinking about it, Rennik should smear Farron all over the wall, since he's just standing there doing nothing. After all, he *is* a wizard... and what do you call a wizard who's been splattered all over a wall?
... drumroll...
...a good start!
Thank you, thank you... I'll be here through saturday night... try the veal...
Scott Recaps, Cadfael's Reaction
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Okay, this is my interpretation of events as explained by Gully:
A lady in armor shows up at the lodge, travelling Eastward, with manservants in tow. This group moves eastward, but leaves their horses at the lodge. Rennick finds the horses, and confirms that the horses are Elise's.
A group of halflings, travelling west, arrive at the lodge with a sickly woman. The halflings leave, the woman stays. The woman has some sort of evil aura so powerful it can stun poor Cadfael.
Have I missed anything?
Oh, yeah. Wizard=weenie. Nearly forgot.
:)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
OOC - Where the heck is that wizard? We need more game going!
Cadfael's eyes go wide as he feels the evil in the room beating back against him. For a moment he stands his ground, grinding his teeth and staring at the door but then his free hand goes to his head and staggers backwards. He slams against the opposite the wall and slowly slides to the ground, mouth open to scream, never knowing if he was able to make a sound.