Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SnarkHunter 02-01-05, 08:42 PM	It just might be a Dragon. Just a note that this will be Zactor's Solo EL2 adventure and so you should probably not post here unless you are him or I or a Pitlord. Any comments, questions, concerns, rants, threats, and love letters should probably be posted in the Tavern thread. Questlog for Walks Like a Man: -Defeated 4 fiendish Orcs, gained ??? - -
SnarkHunter 02-01-05, 08:46 PM	7 days ago, Gladius: Lower Merx Zactor stood, bare as the day he was born in a small wooden stall as lukewarm water streamed down his face and body. It washed away the grime and blood and dust from his last day’s fight, and it washed away his regret at the outcome as well. He was angry about it, but deep down he wasn’t very surprised. He had felt…out of sorts, and only half connected to his life ever since he’d arrived here in Gladius. He had few friends, and many acquaintances. He wondered if any of them really knew who he was. He wondered if he knew who he was. It wasn’t some general ennui or teenage malaise that gripped him now. Zactor was feeling different, physically changed. Like some deep current \was stirring beneath shallow waves. He paused in his washing and looked down at his hands-so used to gripping a scroll or a sword-and wondered why he felt there should be claws sprouting from his finger tips. He rubbed his shoulderblades, and wondered at the persistent ache he felt in them. Like there were bones in there not aligned properly. Or perhaps…a new set of bones all together. He cracked his spine, extra vertebrae? Shaking his head Zactor stopped the flow of water and grabbed a towel to dry himself off. These thoughts were persistent, and lately inescapable. All he wished to do was bring glory to himself and his family in the arena, and now it seemed even that simple goal was going to be beyond him. Especially if he couldn’t concentrate for beans these days. Dry now, he grabbed his gear and walked out into the street to check this week’s postings. …and then there was a great light. And Zactor fell. 2 days ago, Gladius: Arkhein heights In The Angel of Excessive Violence cathedral, Cedric the healer was making his rounds. As he entered room 113, he checked the attendant’s notes on the recent arrival. A nun-replete with church’s raiments of full plate, axe and spiked shield-stood at the side of the charity case holding his hand. She looked up as Cedric entered and raised the visor on her helm, “Brother Cedric, your expertise would be much appreciated.” Cedric moved around to the other side of the bed and looked upon the young elf who laid before him. He narrowed his eyes…this elf seemed familiar though he couldn’t quite place him. “What happened to bring him to our care?” The nun spoke quickly, though she fingered her battle axe from nervousness, “He was found near the public showers, run down by an Ox cart, that’s this bump on his head here.” As she touched the large red swelling on his forehead Zactor moaned softly in his sleep, but did not waken. “He was rendered wholly senseless by the blow, and now none of our magics can roust him. He also seems wholly incapable of taking in food or drink.” “A tragic circumstance” commented Cedric. “To be struck down in the prime of his life like that, if the Angel of Excessive Violence is willing, perhaps he shall awaken before he perishes.” The nun chewed her lip and then spoke, “I should hope so sir, but that is not the strangeness of this case that I wished to question you on.” Cedric turned back, he had started walking away, and now he paused in the doorway, one eyebrow arched. “You see, we have not been able to feed him, but…but yet he is fed. He will swallow no water or wine…yet he is satiated. I do not know what it is he is suffering from, but it is no natural illness.” Cedric walked back to the bed, and felt Zactor’s pulse. It was strong, excited even. The healer felt Zactor’s arms and legs, the muscles were tensing and releasing rhythmically-as if he were running, without actually moving. Finally after several long minutes Cedric shrugged and turned back to the nun, “I think you’ve done well to come to me. I’m humble enough to admit I have no idea what is the matter of him. But you’ve done well to keep him comfortable. If that is all that we can accomplish we shall do so for as long as necessary. Today, ??? (http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/bosch/tempt-ant/tempt-c.jpg) Zactor walked across an infinite plane bounded by mirrors and madness. He knew that this world was not the correct world. He could remember clearly the moment he had been transported here, and for a time he was fascinated counting the abnormalities and bizarre tableaus. But now…now he was starting to forget his life before he came to this strange place. He was beginning to wonder—cliched as it was—if this was the real world, and his memories were a dream… That was why he’d stopped his wanderings and experiments. He didn’t know how much longer he had before he lost his mind in this strange world all together. Descriptions aside, keep in mind that you have every piece of equipment on your sheet with you now. Likewise if you use a potion, it will be gone. If your horse dies, your horse is dead dead. So just keep that in mind :)
SnarkHunter 02-01-05, 08:51 PM	Zactor LN Fighter-2 Sor-1 Medium Wild Elf 6'1" tall, 200 lbs, black hair, blue eyes 125 years old Experience: 4700 XP Next level: 6000 XP Abilities: STR: 16 +3 (10 pts) DEX: 18 +4 (10 pts)(+2 race) CON: 16 +3 (10 pts) INT: 6 -2 (0 pts)(-2 race) WIS: 10 +0 (2 pts) CHA: 12 +1 (4 pts) Hit Points: 27 (10 + 1x[5.5] + 1x[2.5] + 9) AC: 22 (10 +4 mage armor +4 shield +4 Dex), Touch 14, FF 18 Init: +4 (+4 Dex) BAB: +2; Grapple: 5 Speed: 30 Capacity: -- Weight Carried: -- lbs Saves: Fort:+6 (+3 Ftr +3 Con) Ref: +4 (+0 Frt +4 Dex) Will: +2 (+0 Frt +2 Sor +0 Wis) Combat: Melee +6 (2 bab + 3 Str +1Mtrwk)[+1 if mounted] Great Sword 2d6+4 19-20x2 Ranged +7 (2 bab +4 Dex +1 Magic)[+1 hit/dmg if within 30ft] Magic +1 Longbow, composite (+3 Str) 1d8+4 110ft range 20x3 Skills: (5pts Ftr)(1 pt Sor) • +11.5 Ride (5 Ftr .5 Sor +4 Dex +2 Equip) • Speak Language: Common, and Elven Feats: Lvl 1 – Mounted Combat Ftr 1 – Point Blank shot Ftr 2 - Rapid Shot Lvl 3 - Mounted Archery Fighter Traits: A Fighter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields (including tower shields) Extra Feats Sorcerer Traits: Spells per day:5/4 Spells known: Usable per fight 5/2 DC 11--0th level--Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Daze, Flare DC 12--1st level--Shield, Ray of Enfeeblement Equipment: Magic +1 Longbow, composite(+3 Str) 2700 gp 60 arrows 3 gp Masterwork Great Sword 350 gp Scrolls of Mage armor x4 100 gp Potion of CLW x8 400gp Backpack 2 gp Grappling Hook 1 gp Silk Rope, 100 ft 20 gp 30x Daily Trail Rations 30 gp 2 saddle bags 8gp 16x Horse feed 8 gp Heavy Warhorse 400 gp Military saddle 20 gp Studded leather for Horse 100 gp Spiritus Warhorse, Heavy Large Animal Hit Dice: 4d8+12 (30 hp) Initiative: +1 Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares) Armor Class: 17 (–1 size, +1 Dex, +3 armor +4 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 13 Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+11 Attack: Hoof +6 melee (1d6+4) Full Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2) Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: — Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6 Skills: Listen +5, Spot +4 Feats: Endurance, Run Tricks: Attack, Defend, Down, Stay, Fetch, and Track These animals are similar to heavy horses but are trained and bred for strength and aggression. A heavy warhorse can fight while carrying a rider, but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds on a Ride check. Carrying Capacity: A light load for a heavy warhorse is up to 300 pounds; a medium load, 301–600 pounds; and a heavy load, 601–900 pounds. A heavy warhorse can drag 4,500 pounds. Total Gold Earned: 4500 gp Total Gold Spent: 4293 gp Gold Remaining: 207 gp Equipment Used: Potion of mage armor x2 100 gp 10 arrows .5 gp Fights: ECL 3 Jan 12 vs Kwerrock the Quiet loss (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5252167&postcount=1175) +300xp +300 gp ECL 3 Jan 19 vs Tara Brightblade Win (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5301282&postcount=1196) +900xp +900gp ECL 3 Jan 26 vs Grakk loss (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5359769&postcount=1235) +300xp +300 gp
T'Var 02-04-05, 09:46 PM	...
SnarkHunter 02-06-05, 04:01 PM	If you get a chance T'Var a post with Zactor's thoughts on his situation would be fun. Starting soon you will be entering the combat zone but first I need to put the map together. Also post whether you are mounted or not, and wha equipment you are wearing.
T'Var 02-07-05, 01:32 AM	Trotting slowly down the street, he spoke softly to Spiritus but mostly to hear his own voice. to make sure it was still his voice. Zactor had long since let his hand stray from his bow and the slow realization that this world seemed more 'real' than the one he had washed over him. Then the sudden notion that he was extremely cold shocked his mind, looking down he realized he had not a stitch of cloth over his body as though he had been in the shower literally a second ago and now was atop his steed. A quick check revealed all his weapons and items were stowed for travel. Re-adjusting the items to have them better available he moved the scrolls of mage armor and two potions of CLW from the saddlebags and placed them into a single backpack. The thought of embarrassment overcame him for a moment the fact that no one and nothing seemed to notice or care helped. Sliding off the saddle and quickly tossing on his simple travelers cloths, he climbed back upon Spiritus he closed his eyes and let the road guide their way for the moment
SnarkHunter 02-07-05, 05:06 PM	Int check: 18-2int=16 vs. dc: 10 Days of wandering this fantastic place has started to give Zactor the measure of it. Though in many ways it seems a shadowy reflection of the grand city of Gladius, the image it reflects is darkened...twisted. This is an evil and chaos alligned plane, and that's about the most you can get without any ranks in Knowledge The Planes. Still its familiar enough that food and drink for both you and your mount are found with out much difficulty. Zactor wonders of course...would there be any negative effects from eating and drinking in this place? But you simply have no way of knowing, and starving to death seems like a worse fate at the moment. As the days pass, Zactor's familiarty grows, as does his unsettlement. Finally on this morning, he decideds firmly. Simple survival is not enough, he wants to leave. And like a mist parting in dawn's light, as his will focuses on the wish to return home the crowds, the narrow streets and all that had blocked him before moved away. And a path was before him. If it lead to a wise sage, a portal home, or his own demise he did not know. But he was going to take it. Entering the Combat Zone, From now on, you may cast spells anytime you want to but you cannot rememorize. You will have three encounters within one Gladius day so keep that in mind when casting spells or spending resources. Currently Zactor is travelling mounted with a scroll of mage armor in hand warry for any hostile threats. Anything you'd like to change about that arrangement let me know.
SnarkHunter 02-07-05, 05:41 PM	As the Mage Knight exits the city he finds himself on a long and winding path. Zactor hadn't traveled much outside of Gladius but he didn't think these hills-mountains really-could be found so close to the city. More disturing at the heals of his horse a fine grey mist had begun to spring up, and though the way ahead was plenty clear behind him Zactor could only see the barest wisps of Gladius's towers. And then they too were gone. Suddenly on a particuarly steap mountain path Spiritus stopped nostrils flaring. It seemed to sense, as animals do sometimes, that something was not right. No enemies were immediatly visble though. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/SquishyOssifrage/1st-zactor-map-prefight.jpg A-entrance and current location of Zactor+Spiritus B-A humanid body, hung from a tree C-A black passage way into the earth, currently blocked D-Tumbled down from the shear walls of the mountain side these low hills resemble the bones of ancient giants, though now they've been worn away to odd looking rocks. E-? F-? On the left hand side of the map is a shear drop into the mists. Its impossible to judge the length of the fall and its nothing one would like to discover. The red lines on black are a series of irregular path markings that Zactor has been following for sometime. Ahead he can see a branch in the road, his first. Much further ahead there seems to be some sort of metal grate. What would Zactor like to do?
T'Var 02-07-05, 05:41 PM	As the mass seemed to move and direct him Zactor became increasingly unsettled. this place was shadow to the light he had known. was he the light? and would, in this place, he come face to face with his own shadow? the though sent a cold chill slowly crawling down his spine, enough so that he had brought to mind a the only protective spell he could innately cast and his hand tightened on his bow. then a trick of the light made Zactor turn his head sharply looking around the thought of movement in the corner of his sight playing tricks in his mind. takes a scroll of Mage Armor from his pack and keeps it in his hand "Spiritous, It starts...."
T'Var 02-07-05, 06:24 PM	casts mage armor from scroll and moves forward on Spiritous to -8, 0 bow in hand with an arrow knocked "What is it Spiritous, whats out there?"
SnarkHunter 02-07-05, 07:41 PM	http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/SquishyOssifrage/1st-zactor-map-rd1.jpg Going into round by round actions now. Rd 1: Zactor calls forth the power contained in the arcane scroll then rides his hesitating mount to the cross roads. The view is clearer there, though Zactor is disturbed by what he sees. Not five feet away swinging from a gnarled tree hangs a humanoid body, its face unrecognizable from bloating. Pinned to its chest is a note, written in black ink with fine confident lines, “THE WAY OUT.” To the south, what looked like a grate appears to be a passageway that sinks into the earth. A set of thick iron bars lays across it. To the east there is a short path between the hills of bone. And across this pathway there seems to be what caused Spiritus to startle so: Two creatures lurk about 40 ft away, crouched over a freshly slain corpse, still steaming. Their arms are muscular and already reaching for the swords at their sides as Spiritus rounds the bend. Their skin is mottled grey and black and their eyes glow red. Red tongues lick sharp fangs as they see fresh prey come into view. Zactor narrows his eyes, and brings his bow to bear (Spot: 19+2elf-6distance =15 vs. DC: 7) noting as he does that there appears to be a 3rd creature lurking in the hill to his left. Initiative, Zactor: 1+4=5 [Higher mod wins] Opponents: 5+0=5 The creatures heard you casting the spell, no one is surprised, your move T’var!
T'Var 02-07-05, 08:29 PM	noticing the third creature in the distance, Zactor guides Spiritus towards the foul creatures to 25 feet, which brings the first one within 30ft. and rapid shots it, from point-blank range whispering softly as he brings the bow back aiming Your life ends here in payment for the life you have taken [note to remember mounted combat allows me to try to negate the first successful hit against Spiritous, and use the ride skill to give myself cover when needed]
SnarkHunter 02-07-05, 08:58 PM	Round 2 Free action move to *upper right hand corner* (-1,0) Attack 1: 18+7+1PBS-2rapid=24 dmg: 2+4+1PBS=7, hit, Attack 2: 17+6=23 hit, dmg: 1+4+1=6 With a sharp ha! Zactor darts his mount in and fires off a single shot at the thing perched over the fallen man. It catches him in the side and he falls, black blood gurgling from his throat. The second enemy barely has time to howl in anger before Zactor’s second arrow catches him in the throat and he falls by his friend. From above two cries of anger ring out and the creatures appear to rain down jagged spears of Bone at Zactor Creature3: 4+1=15 vs. AC: 18 miss. Creature 4: 11+1=12 vs. FFAC: 14, miss Though the second attack catches him off guard the spear heading towards his spine is kept off by magical protections. Eager for satisfaction, the orcs pick their way down the blasted hill side with Falchions drawn. Creatures are at (0.-3) and (-1,-3).
T'Var 02-07-05, 09:25 PM	allow Spiritous to take his full round attack on the one that hit me, then 5 foot step away and rapid shot. also a note, I must have mistaken the terrain discription, I thought the hills of bone would be 'rough terrain' and so unable to charge due to movement penaltys
SnarkHunter 02-08-05, 08:49 PM	Rd 3 Adjusting cooly to a not wholly unexpected development, Zactor turns and fires at the one in the north (Rapid shot #1 (http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Zactor#146493) hit, dmg: 13 (http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Zactor#146494)), neatly removes its head from its shoulder and in a single practiced movement, continues to turn in his saddle and fire at the red eyed creature to the south (Rapid shot#2 (http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Zactor#146495) hit, Dmg: 13 (http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Zactor#146496)) and it falls dead before the other creature even hits the ground. That's the end of the combat, what would you like to investigate next?
T'Var 02-08-05, 08:56 PM	Making a quick once over making sure there are no more foes waiting for my guard to fall. move on Spiritus over to who or what the Orcs had slaughtered before I arived. dismount and examin the body "Not how Id like to leave this land, but let your soul be free"
SnarkHunter 02-08-05, 09:05 PM	It is a human corpse, young and fit. He carries a Sai at his side and in dressed simply in Monks garb. From where he is laying-on top of a simple sleeping mat-it would seem he was surpised while sleeping. As you approach the body and bend down to examine it, you hear a hacking, bloody cough in a cave not far off (area F to be exact) followed by the sound of a spell being cast.
T'Var 02-08-05, 09:11 PM	cast shield, try to fast mount and re-draw bow "damn dirty orcs! Who goes there!?"
SnarkHunter 02-08-05, 09:21 PM	Ride check (http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Zactor#146498) vs. DC: 20, pass) Zactor realizes quickly the price of carelessness, especially in this strange land. He waits two breaths for a response and then, wafting gruffly from the mouth of the cave comes a voice, speaking in common, "No Orc I assure you. I am a man, like yourself? I'm injured and mean you know harm, further I thank you for killing those corrupted things. If you'll lower that bow I heard you string, I'll come out." There's another cough, though this one doesn't sound as labored as the first, "My name is Panza by the way, Bonanza the Panza."
T'Var 02-08-05, 09:38 PM	lowering his bow but keeping an arrow knocked, guiding Spiritus slowly out to 4, 0. If you mean peace why do you cast stranger? and what are you doing in that hole? knowing the magical shield will last for just under a minute Zactor is still thankful for the extra protection vs the unknown
SnarkHunter 02-08-05, 09:59 PM	There's a shuffling sound, of armor on stone, and then the voice appears and its attached to a face. That of a dwarf, garbed like a wild folk of the north but also bearing a holy symbol. His hand holds an axe, but not in any sort of threatening way. There are several gashes across his form but not, it seems, like those caused by a sword. More like the rake of some beast, but not a beast that Zactor has seen before. "It's a crime these days to heal one's wounds? If yee haven't noticed, its a dangerous area, and I try to be able to take as good as I give. Had yee anything else to ask me, or will I be gettin the name of me savior soon?" His last words are a bit sarcastic, but there is a thankful glint in his eye.
T'Var 02-08-05, 10:30 PM	sighs softly with a bit of a laugh. "Leave it to a dwarf to insult someone who frees him from a hole in the ground...My name is Zactor" looking back at the dead human the orcs were playing with "Was he a friend of yours?"
SnarkHunter 02-16-05, 09:47 PM	The dwarf cleric laughs heartily, "Ha! And here I thought none of you elf types had a sense of humor." You can feel any residual tension drain away as he secures his axe and checks you and mount over for wounds. After a small hesitation he responds to your question: "His name was Rito. And no...no I can't really say he was a friend of mine. We were traveling companions is all, and I felt drawn to him in a way I really can't describe. Couldn't say why really, he may have been the most incompitent fighter I've ever met." He shakes his head as he sits down and pulls out a flask of ale. "In anycase, I'll give him a proper burial, I suppose its all I'm good for these days. And now...I have a question for you; Do you believe in the sponser? I appologize if it seems personal, the thought of some all knowing all powerful being above us that decideds our direction, our abilities and our course in battle. Yet...yet I think it lies at the heart of this strange shadow land." I'll get you treasure from the orcs in a minute, and about 2 1/2 hours will pass in conversation
T'Var 02-17-05, 08:46 AM	"Sponser? No God Ive ever heard of. Im not from here...dont even know where here is." He slid from his mount and begain searching the orcs, stowing what items armor, and gold they had onto the saddlebags of Spiritus "I make my home in this city Gladius" he let out a sigh "but not knowing how I came to be here, its difficult to find a way back"