Subject: Checking In

Okay, I'm back online in my new digs and the game can go forward.

Unfortunately, my saved emails were left on my other computer. So, based on what I had sent Mike for the cowgame archive, and what I remember, this is what I think everyone is doing. If I'm wrong, or if I have nothing for your character, please let me know.

To refresh the scene, the barbarians are turning and running after the explosion at the tower. A dark cloud has erupted around the combatants, making any visibility past five feet impossible. Melee attacks suffer a 20% concealment and ranged attacks are impossible. Erk, Buchek and Elotai are in darkness at the moment. Tossuc and two barbarians have emerged from the cloud and are headed toward Holn. Holn sees the cloud start to move toward him, and next turn all will again be in darkness.

Two raiders have entered the inn with torches, as well. Kayla and Telwyn are at the door, having been knocked there by the blast from the tower across the street. So...

Buchek: Still enraged, giving chase of Tossuc in an attempt to tackle. Going to have to make a Listen check to even run in the right rough direction.

Erk: Also giving chase, trying to run off the barbarians.

Elotai: Staying put and waiting for the cloud to pass him by, while readying his sword.

Holn: Standing his ground and readying his mace in total defense.

Telwyn: Bursting through the inn door with arrows drawn, ready to use Rapid Shot if possible.

Kayla: ?? Also entering the inn, I'd imagine, but I'm not sure exactly what you sent as a turn.

Once everyone checks in, I can send out the next turn. The first encounter is nearly over! Yay! No one's died yet! Well, um, thanks to our friendly neighborhood Cleric, that is... ;)

Subject: Re: Checking In

Is this thing on? Test. One, two....

Subject: Re: Checking In

You have the right of it as far as Telwyn is concerned.

Subject: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

Chaos reigns on the field as combatants scramble in the dark to find one another. Buchek runs forward in his rage and trips on one of the prone raiders lying unconscious in the dark cloud, with a howl he falls hard on his chest on top of the man. (Balance check 12 v. DC 15, fail).

Erk moves more cautiously, carefully picking his way through the cloud in the direction of the gate and manages to avoid tripping. (Spot check 19 v DC 15, success) He remains in the cloud, however, moving ever forward with care. [he moved half speed, which is 15 feet, which is still within the cloud].

Elotai waits patiently for the cloud to move past him, listening to the grunting and the howl in the darkness, and wonders about his impressions of the spell. Surely it would have moved past by now, yet he still stands in darkness.

Tossuc, in darkness for only the briefest of moments before emerging again at a run, moves wide of Holn with his two men and heads at full speed toward the gate of the outpost, joined by others of his mean who had been fighting on the courtyard. Holn stands his ground courageously and lets out a sigh when the giant of a man chooses to pass him by.

***

Back at the inn, Telwyn burst through the door with arrow drawn to see the back of one of the raiders standing on a table lighting the thatched roof of the tavern's common room. The other raider is not in sight and has presumably ran down the hallway leading to the rooms. Almost without thinking, his arrow is loosed into the man's back, followed by a second. He topples forward onto the floor, landing heavily with the torch falling from his limp hand[Attacks 21 and 17, two hits, damage 10 + 7 = 17 total +2 (one each for Kayla's song of Courage) = 19, dead].

Kayla waits patiently, hearing two thwangs and a thump inside the inn and smelling smoke, but not seeing either raider come out.

Subject: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

OOC: Buchek really isn't the most...capable of barbarians, is he?

IC: Buchek scrambles to his feet and charges after Tossuc once again, heedless of the body-strewn terrain.

Subject: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

Engulfed in darkness, Holn calls to Fancek Fa, feeling vulnerable without his expanded senses. He continues to hold his ground defensively.

Subject: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

Elotai is sure he'd heard Buchek running off down the street. So why hadn't the darkness dissipated? He will move backwards slowly and carefully to see if he can escape the darkness.

Subject: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

Erk will keep on truckin'.

Not much he can do till he gets out of the darkness.

Subject: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

Kayla sees Telwyn and the dead barbarian. "Good shot," she mutters under her breath. At the same moment, realization hits. The inn's roof is beginning to flame up and all her group's possessions are in danger. Kayla recalls seeing a well nearby, between her and the menacing black cloud.

She debates whether to involve the townspeople hiding behind the inn. On one hand, it seems safe out and the extra hands would certainly improve the Inn's chances. On the other hand, she'd be risking humans for material goods, which bothers her terribly.

She grits her teeth. This outpost is the last stop before entering wilderness. She and her new friends need to push on.

Resolute in her new course of action, Kayla grabs a bucket near her right inside in the Inn. Soapy water sloshes on her leg as she runs to the townspeople waiting behind the Inn.

She pulls herself up straight and she reaches them. "The Inn is burning. Act quickly wi' me to save it from these raiders' fire. If'n you have a plan, use it. There are buckets right inside. Les' show'm we won't let 'em destroy us." Kayla brings forth all the emotion she can to convince these townspeople that the Inn is worth fighting for.

Subject: Telwyn?

Just waitin' on you, bud. Slash tells me that you're at Kama-con, which explains a bit.

Subject: Re: Flight into Darkness, and Telwyn's Revenge

Telwyn runs a hand over his face, surprised to find a sheen of sweat on his brow. His brush with death has set his nerves jangling, but at least his hands are still steady. He pauses a moment to stamp out the fallen raider's torch, then slings his bow. It will do him little good in these close quarters. He draws his short sword and signals Liwanu to heel as he enters the hallway. At his first step, a brief pain flares from the wound in his gut. He would wish for more backup, but hopefully Liwanu would be enough.

Subject: Fire, fire everywhere

Taking a moment to stamp out the torch, Telwyn draws his short sword and creeps down the hallway, not yet worrying about the fire just starting in the thatch above his head. At the end of the hall, he sees a shadow across the flickering light from the fire outside. Running with Liwanu down the corridor, he sees the raider fleeing into the night.

Without a torch.

Backtracking, he scans the rooms near the door to no avail, then sees an ember fall just outside the door. Running outside, he turns to see the torch resting on the roof, slowly spreading its flame outwards.

Meanwhile, Kayla grabbed the sudsy bucket and runs outside, coming around the corner of the inn to find a group of huddle men and women staying back from the fight. The innkeeper is there, and the chef, and several women who Kayla assumes are bar maids. There's an elderly man, and another handful of women she guesses are wives or sisters of the soldiers. Not a lot to work with, but they might be the inn's only hope.

She pulls herself up straight and bringing forth all the emotion and conviction a trained performer can put into words. "The Inn is burning! Act quickly wi' me to save it from these raiders' fire. If'n you have a plan, use it. There are buckets right inside. Les' show'm we won't let 'em destroy us." [Charisma check 15 v. DC 15]

As though woken from a trance, the innkeeper starts pushing the bar maids before him. "Get back in there, or yer all out of jobs! The raid is over! Save my inn, ye lazy wenches!" He follows them and Kayla around into the inn to grab buckets, stopping only momentarily to gape at the dead man on the floor.

***

Staggering around in the dark, Buchek races forward with all his speed, nearly bowling over Holn in the process, heading for the gate.

Elotai is suddenly able to see, as the darkness moves past him, and, looking around, sees that the raiders have been run off, save for the three unconscious at his feet. Three dead guards lay inert at his side, and two more dead raiders oozing blood onto the street. The rooftops of the buildings on all sides burn brightly in the night, sending billowing smoke up from the outpost that would be seen from Segreda if it were day.

Erk, still moving cautiously forward is shocked when the darkness lifts from his eyes, and races off ahead of him. Beside him are Elotai, Bermid, and four guardsmen, looking somewhat bewildered, and three unconscious raiders at his feet. Buchek is nowhere to be seen, and the dwarf assumes he is in the cloud rapidly moving toward the bridge leading to the Tall Grass. Cursing under his breath, he turns to see if there are any wounded.

One raider is bleeding badly from under his armor, and Erk moves to check his wounds. "Bermid, see to tying up those fallen barbarians - we will wish to speak with them when they come to their senses." Sure that the man is in no danger of dying, the dwarf checks for signs of life from the fallen guards, finding one who still has a faint pulse and shallow breathing.

Placing his hands gently on the man's chest, he closes his eyes and prays, "Clangeddin, let your grace aid this fallen warrior." [Cure Minor Wounds, 1 HP re gained]. With a shallow breath, the man opens one eye briefly, then moans in pain. He will live, but it will be a long road, and Erk cannot do more for him now. Checking the fallen barbarians, all are beyond help.

Bermid runs to the inn to find some rope, and Elotai leaves with him, sure to keep the young soldier close.

Buchek, running at full speed for the bridge toward the Tall Grass, runs half way out onto the wooden boards before putting a foot over the edge in the darkness. With a splash, he lands heavily in the water, pulled slowly downstream in the oppressive magical dark.

[ODM: Okay, the fight's over and the town is burning. Kayla was successful in rousin the townspeople from their fear, and they have set up a bucket brigade passing water from the river down a line of a dozen or more people to the inn. The soldiers involve themselves in this too, and the inn is put out without too much damage.

The buildings become the next step in the process, but at this point it is unlikely that many can be saved at all. Still, they are doused to stop the fire from spreading.

The unconscious barbarians will wake up and become coherent again in this time, as well.

Let me know what you all want to be doing for the rest of the night. This won't be turn based, so talk amongst yourselves and let me know what you'll be doing. I'll respond when I can to questions and the like, but I won't move on until everyone gives me an "okay, my character is going to sleep" email.

Jake, your rage ends, and you're tired and in the water. It's dark, and you're not quite sure how to get back to the opening in the gate. You have just under an hour left in total darkness, so you know.]

Subject: Re: Fire, fire everywhere

Erk smiles at the man Clangeddin saved. He would have a long road back to recovery, but at least his life was still his.

They boy Bermid moves quickly to tie up the three barbarian's and Erk assists when he can. He will also gather up at least two guardsmen and place them in charge of watching the raiders. "Do not let them move or speak," he will tell them. When it looks like no one will die or escape, he moves over to help those at the inn, but sees they have already stopped the fire there.

Turning to Bermid he says, "Where did *our* barbarian go?" Bermid shrugs. Then Erk remembers the rapidly moving cloud of darkness, and he heads over to the gate to try and find it.

OOC: if erk can find the darkness, he will yell to Buchek to remain still until the spell has passed. He will also ask him if he needs aid.

Subject: Re: Fire, fire everywhere

Buchek flounders for a moment as he is plunged unexpectedly into the water. The sudden cold of the water, and the surprise of it, extinguishes his rage in a heartbeat. Using the last of his strength to kick his way to the river's edge and haul himself onto the bank, the barbarian collapses. Each heartbeat causes his temples to throb, and involuntary twiches ripple across the surface of the muscles of his chest and shoulders. Flying into a rage twice in a single hour, along with his disappointment at failing to slay his uncle, combine to exhaust Buchek utterly. Sprawled on the bank, both tired and depressed, he is dimly aware of the darkness around him.

After a moment, rolls over and with an involuntary groan pushes himself onto his hands and knees, and holds this position for a few moments before rising to his feet. He sways for a moment, seeing points of light swimming in front of his eyes, but after a moment the dizziness fades, and he trudges up the bank, trying to orient himself. Which side of the river is he on? Where is the outpost. He stops for a moment, listening, trying to find his bearings.

Subject: Re: Fire, fire everywhere

Fa leaps to Holn's shoulder. He is exhausted, but knows that his friends may still need his aid.

He goes to see how he can help put out the fires.

(OOC He will do what he can to help, then go get a room and sleep before meditating the first thing in the morning.)

Subject: Test

Making sure I added everybody back in. Here's the list I put in:

[Edited for privacy.]

Did I miss anyone?

Subject: Argh!

The mailing lists got deleted again. If this keeps happening I may look into a different hosting service. Mailing lists should be working again. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Subject: Re: Argh!

Mike, you are a prince among men, and a Chow Yun Fat lookalike.

I want to be you when I grow up.

Subject: Re: Argh!

I appreciate the compliments, Ty, but I'm not going to sleep with you.

Subject: Re: Argh!

Oh, yes you are.

Subject: Re: Argh!

Will this conversation be archived?

Subject: Re: Argh!

Must . . . refrain . . . from . . . comment. . .

Subject: Back to the game at hand

For the third time, Kayla looks around and finds a bench sitting near the Inn. She puts her things down and watches as the last of the fire brigade winds down.

Delicately, she pulls out her fiddle and begins a peaceful melody.

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Anybody remember when Matt gets back from vacation? I think it's quite a while from now, isn't it? A couple of weeks or so?

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Dunno when he gets back, but he's not doing anything until we've all talked each other silly and have settled for the night. So we might as well have some conversation or other some such interesting filling.

Doncha wanna get t' know yer companions?

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Well, *I'd* love to, but Buchek's head feels like it's been backed over by a truck (not that he'd know that, not living in a universe in which automotive technology exists and all), and he's feeling incredibly weak and shaky as well. He's also pretty busy reproaching himself for having failed to kill Tossuc. He might be coaxed into a conversation, but he isn't going to be initiating any.

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Elotai?s still tying up bad guys and/or helping to put out fires with Bermid, and at some stage is going to broach the subject of tagging along on this expedition with him, but I need Matt to be around for that.

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Since Buchek is trapped in darkness for the next hour or so, Erk intends to engage him in conversation.

I sent out a turn where Erk was asking Buchek about why the raid happened. I will repost it:

"I fear that he has, along with several of his raiders. Many of them have fallen here though, and I find it strange that he would throw away the life of his men for what seems to be so little." Erk sits down at the edge of Buchek's darkness. "You seem to know this man. What was his goal here? What would he have to gain? It makes little sense to me, though I admit to being mostly ignorant of the peoples who live in these wilds."

He says a little more quietly, "But take no offense at that. I am glad you fought on our side here. The valor of your people is without question."

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Weird--I never got that one. Give me a second to read through it and Buchek'll respond.

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Buchek lies face down in the grass for a moment trying to pull his wits together. It's plesantly cool here, out of the sun, and the smell of the grass and the soil is comforting. It smells like home. It would be much more plesant to allow himself to doze for a time, at least until the blood pulsing through his temples stopped feeling like dull hammer blows. The scent of the clansmen's bombs cuts through to clean smell of earth and growing things, though, poisoning it with its sulfer stench. It's an evil smell, and it brings him back to reality. With a groan he sits up gingerly putting his palms to his temples and pressing gently. Why would Tossuc have raided this settlement, and done it in such a way that he carried off little if any plunder? What was it that his uncle had said to him, just before he left? Something about his purpose being done here? As though detonating the bombs, blowing up the towers, had been the end, rather than the means to it.

"Know him? Yes, Erk, I know him," he says with a low, mirthless laugh. "That man is my uncle, murderer of my father, and my sworn enemy. When I saw him today I thought that my moment had arrived, that my ancestors would lend strength to my hand and let me bring that thrice cursed dog to justice. I don't understand why they did not. He could not possibly have their favor, nor Kipshaa's, not after his crimes..." He trails off.

"I'm not sure what his purpose here today was. He is many things, most of them foul, but he is no fool. What he did here today...he had a goal, and from what he said to me before he left, he felt that it had been met. Tell me, what did his raid accomplish? I heard explosions just before he indicated that he had achieved his purpose. What did he destroy?"

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Erk replies, "I saw one tower destroyed. His men tried to burn as many buildings as possible, but the only building destroyed with an explosion was the tower. In such a raid, burning buildings is often just a distraction."

He sits quietly for a moment, then asks, "Buchek. I know very little of your people. Are such raids common? What is their usual goal? Do your leaders spend the lives of their warriors so carelessly? I want to understand."

As the battle rush fades, so too does Erk's stern demeanor, and he begins laughing quietly. "And what gods protect your murderous uncle?! I haven't heard of that many failed attempts to hit the target since my brother's first try at losing his virginity. And none of us were even drunk! If I hadn't landed at least one good blow before he left, I would have had to trade in my axe out of shame. If we run into him again, I hope we acquit ourselves better than this time."

"Do you think we will see this man again?"

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

"One tower destroyed? Hm. I wonder what it contained. You're right that burning buildings is rarely the point of a raid. We must ask the farmers who live here about this tower."

In response to the dwarf's questions, Buchek replies "Common? As the farmers' settlements push deeper into clan territory they become more common, but still they are rare. I am not surprised, though, that my uncle would be in favor of such raids. He said that my father was weak, and had polluted the Cushat by allying himself with the landed people, and by trading with them. The usual goal of such raids is plunder--horses and cattle are commonly taken. And women, of course. It is said that vegetable eater women have skills beyond imagining, and are voracious in their appetites.

As the battle rush fades, so too does Erk?s stern demeanor, and he begins laughing quietly. ?And what gods protect your murderous uncle?! I haven?t heard of that many failed attempts to hit the target since my brother?s first try at losing his virginity.

Buchek snorts with laughter at this comment, then groans involuntarily, clutching at his head. As the burst of pain fades, he gingerly rubs his temples. Perhaps that is it--perhaps he has made a pact with some Tall Grass demon, and from it gains the strength to resist even our ancestors, for a time.

?Do you think we will see this man again??

Buchek shrugs, unseen in the darkness, and begins idly tearing up tufts of grass. "I do not know. This will not be the last time he troubles the vegetable eaters, that is certain. It is possible that this attack was a feint, designed to lure the farmer's soldiers to this village while Tussoc's larger force attacks Segrada itself. Or perhaps there was a prisoner in the tower he destroyed, and his mission was to free him. Or perhaps the Tall Grass demon with whom he has allied himself [ooc: it is clear that Buchek has adopted this guess as truth] demanded this attack for reasons of its own. It is hard to say. But Tussoc is not done, and the vegetable eaters will feel his hand again. If I had to wager, I would bet against him following us into the Tall Grass; had he wished to slay me, I'm afraid that he could have done so here, it shames me to say. There is no reason that I know of why he would care about any of you in particular, beyond the fact that you are my companions."

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

Not really sure why I need to be around for that. The raiders are currently tied up, and Elotai's just standing around staring at them at this point. He has freedom enough to go talk to whomever he wants (aside from Bermid, really, who at this point is busy helping turn the inn into a refuge for the displaced citizens).

If you guys want to question the raiders, you may, but I can't answer really until Monday or Tuesday, when I get back. But yeah, Elotai's a new guy who saved the rest of the party's collective ass with a color spray and no one's seen fit to give him so much as a curt nod.

Just picture this in your heads before you go on:

The street is lit dimly by torches and the few remaining fires that are being put out. The dead are being carried to the edge of the village, but pools of red blood darken the main path. You've all just been in a high adrenaline fight where Telwyn almost died, and the rest of you could have easily if they barbarians had pressed their advantage and not fled. You're now in the post-adrenaline lull, looking at people who stood by your side facing possible death.

Some of you have never faced this before, and this should be big. Roleplay. :)

I can't tell you to just bond, but... um... bond, okay? The DM preacheth it, goddamnit. ;p

Later, folks.

Subject: Re: Back to the game at hand

OOC: Dammit, I want to talk to Bermid! Ah well, I can wait until he's done.

Okay.

Tying up the raiders with Bermid took long enough that the adrenaline rush of battle has faded from Elotai's blood. He stands near the bound raiders, hand absently on the hilt of his sword. From somewhere he hears the halfling beginning to sing, and a faint smile flickers across his otherwise impassive features.

There are too many scattered pieces for him to --

Spider eyes! But Elotai blinks and realizes that there's no one there. Fatigue. Must be fatigue.

He shakes his head, driving away whatever vague imaginings had been fermenting there, and runs his hand through his long, silvery hair. "I think we should see to it that these men are moved into the prison," he calls to whoever happens to be nearest (OOC: I think that's Telwyn, but I'm not sure).

Subject: Aftermath

ODM: I just want to give you guys a damage assessment of the outpost, really a description of the scene to set it all in your heads. It might make interacting in the space a little easier. I wanted to do this before, but I was paying for internet by the minute, and my timer was down under 30 seconds. :)

Hopefully this will serve as a push in a direction of chatting with one another. Any questions can be sent to me now, since I'm back from my trip. (which rocked, btw). I hope all is well with the rest of you.

***

The air is thick with smoke, heavier near any of the village's buildings aside from the inn. Most of the fires have been put out, but the smoke hangs thick in the still air and stings the eyes.

All of the buildings along the main road have sustained major damage, their thatch roofs entirely destroyed. Many of the burning roofs collapsed into the dwellings, setting all the possessions inside ablaze. More than half of the forty or so people who live in the village are now homeless.

The Tower is still standing, but none has yet braved entry. The dust from the explosion has settled, and there was no fire, but deep cracks run up and down the walls, spiderwebbing from the back of the tower itself. A cursory examination would show the back foundation is almost gone, blown to small chips and stones, and the deep fissures in the rock are ominous. A heavy battering ram could knock the entire structure over, but the floors inside are likely in bad shape. Bermid has warned his men away from it until daybreak when a greater assessment can be made.

The Inn is quickly being turned into a refuge shelter, with spare blankets and mats lined on the floor of the tavern. The tables have been cleared away to one side, and a maid is scrubbing the blood from the fallen raider. Some of the women sit weeping in corners, and the rest of the men and women seem to be moving mechanically so as not to think about their situations.

The bodies of the raiders have been piled along the road leading back to Segreda, and the fallen soldiers have been draped with sheets along the back of the inn. Women wail over them, tears streaming down their cheeks as they throw themselves across the inert bodies. The morning will see their burial.

Elotai's thought to move the prisoners into the jail is overruled by Bermid, who seems a man possessed by duty. He hardly recognizes Elotai, but breaks a moment to stare at the elf. "Thank you for standing by my side, friend." He reaches out a hand, clutches Elotai's forearm and pulls him close into a powerful one armed hug. "It is good you were here." With that he pulls away.

Watching the young man fall back into an organizational role, he feels a light tingling on the back of his neck. Whirling, he beats at his back with his hand to shoo away the nonexistent presence - a mosquito, or some other insect from the grass. He is unsure why the thought of the creatures bothers him so.

Kayla watches the interchange between Bermid and Elotai as she plays, and remembers the color spray used to stun some of the raiders. If all of the barbarians had been able bodied, who's to say they would have run off? She then watches his frantic beating at the back of his neck, staring in bemused confusion. There's something just a little off center about the elf - harmless, she feels, but strange.

The darkness falls around Buchek, and Erk can finally see the outline of his form against the bank. Buchek's eyes, totally accustomed to the dark, see the glow of torches from behind the walls framing Erk's crouching form. Slapping a mosquito on his arm, and another on his neck, he thinks it would be best to get indoors, or at least into the smoke of the town to avoid the pests. Erk, brightening considerably with the lifting of the inky blackness, walks along with him, continuing their conversation.

Telwyn grits his teeth against the pain from the arrow wound, which has opened again with his efforts to aid the townsfolk. Blood oozes from it, but he pays it little mind. He will seek out Erk or the outpost's cleric once the business of preparing the shelter has been attended to.

Holn also lends his hand putting out the fires and falls in with a salvage team looking to recover anything of use from the rubble. His efforts bring him close with Elotai just as the elf suddenly and violently spins and slaps at his neck and back. Jumpy. Perhaps the battle has rubbed raw the elf's nerves - he sure knows his own calm has been ruffled quite a bit, despite his outward facade.