The Training Hall
[b]. ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
4 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
5 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
6 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
7 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
8 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
. .a b c d e f g h i j k l m n[/b]
Black lines represent walls. (There are doors, facing into the hall, for a handful of small rooms along the "upper" wall of the hall. I just haven't indicated them on the map.)
Orange lines represent the hall's entrance doors, both thick oak.
The two sets of red squares each contain a balance beam set to a height of 3 ft (roughly waist height for humans and elves).
The ceiling of this place is 15 ft high. Hanging rings have been embedded in the squares from e4 to m4 and e5 to m5, while a series of thick wooden pegs create handholds all the way up the walls in m4 and m5. A rope hangs within 3 ft of the floor at the intersection between e4, e5, f4, and f5.
1 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
4 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
5 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
6 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
7 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
8 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
. .a b c d e f g h i j k l m n[/b]
Black lines represent walls. (There are doors, facing into the hall, for a handful of small rooms along the "upper" wall of the hall. I just haven't indicated them on the map.)
Orange lines represent the hall's entrance doors, both thick oak.
The two sets of red squares each contain a balance beam set to a height of 3 ft (roughly waist height for humans and elves).
The ceiling of this place is 15 ft high. Hanging rings have been embedded in the squares from e4 to m4 and e5 to m5, while a series of thick wooden pegs create handholds all the way up the walls in m4 and m5. A rope hangs within 3 ft of the floor at the intersection between e4, e5, f4, and f5.
"Pardon me, but I do not fight with ropes and rings. Perhaps I am in the wrong.. class?" He smiles slightly and half-bows forward.
"Elobi Anchors, pleased to meet you."
"You'd know best how you conduct yourself in a fight," she admits, "And if you say you don't fight in this manner, then you don't."
An evil grin crosses her features for a moment, then she speaks again.
"HOWEVER, I'm not concerned with that. I'm concerned with how you'd handle yourself against someone who does, or who can come at you from out of the ground, or that can fly. I'm not interested in teaching you tonight. I'm interested in knowing what you can do."
She pauses, the look of challenge apparent in her features.
"So... what can you do?"
"Jannisstaire, is it? You look like you might be able to handle yourself in a fight. Can you?"
Keeping his head up and his eyes directed straight ahead Malic nods, and replies his voice still remains at a low tone, "Yes ma'am."
"I am a student, and little more, but I am not one to put in to climbing ropes and beams like vines and logs in the forest." He offers very matter of fact. His attention moves to the others.
"I suppose my choices are restricted." He says rather than asks.
"However, you asked, so I must tell. I am a wizard." He says with a smile rather confidently.
"Pleased to meet you too, young man," she says in turn to Elobi. "And what is it you could do for me, hey? What secrets have you got going on behind those eyes of yours, I wonder? Had much experience in a fight?"
While the other Silver Swords talk, the heavy oak doors ease open. In steps a half-orc, almost as wide as he is tall, wearing a long brown poncho and a ruffled hat of the same color. His scarred forehead crincles as he surveys the others, and the odd room.
Putting one hand on his hat and shifting it in what seems almost like a nervous habit, he rumbles, "Ah...I was told to come to the training hall. Is this it?"
(Do we need to pick a color for speech?)
OoC
--like so--
"How will you manage that if he's flying fifteen feet over your head?" she asks, sounding genuinely curious.
OoC
No problem. I was always curious about how to use these things.
Also, I've got a few more questions about my background, specifically the orc tribes in the region. Should I PM or email them to you?
Also, I've got a few more questions about my background, specifically the orc tribes in the region. Should I PM or email them to you?
"Tactics and strategy will aid us indeed... Each foe must be approached cautiously and differently" he says as the half orc enters the room rather casually.
"Personally, I would take away the advatage of flight first."
Harou steps back allowing others to greet the instructor.
"Are you a wizard?"
She pauses as Savar interupts, then answers the question he posed to Harou.
"Yes, Savar, Harou here is a wizard. Now that I've answered your question, maybe you can answer one for me. When you face an ememy that presents you with a difficult challenge, Harou suggests that the best recourse is to take away that advantage. What's the other best option to take? Jannisstaire touched on it earlier, so I imagine he knows... don't you, Tristram?
OoC
E-mail for now, please.
Would a long enough polearm work? Say, a pike or longspear? Ropes could pull a flying creature down, but that goes under 'taking the advantage of flight.'
The half-orc looks at the handholds on the far wall. Well, that would certainly allow me to get up high enough, but whatever it was could just fly away and keep attacking. Same for the climbing rope. Short of growing wings, I don't think it's possible.
Folding his arms across his chest, Savar keeps looking around the room as though the answer will present itself. Finally, he tentively asks, "Crossbows? I've got one back in my room. I'm not too good with it, but others might be."
OoC
I'll start writing one up.
"We shall have to see about that," the old woman says to Malic. "Yes, we shall.
"Pleased to meet you too, young man," she says in turn to Elobi. "And what is it you could do for me, hey? What secrets have you got going on behind those eyes of yours, I wonder? Had much experience in a fight?"
"My experience in a fight is none. I do know the rudiments of magic and I have a fair amount of size on my side."
Elobi ponders, then closes his eyes and thinks through his notes.
"Is it removing your own weakness?
Yinobra pauses, as though reconsidering her words.
"-is one way to view it. It might be better to say that you should play to your strengths when possible, however. Would you all be in agreement with that statement?"
My name is Aridar and I have been asked to come here for training.
The elf then bows to Yinobra and nods to those around him.
I'm a sorcerer though I'm not too powerful quite yet.
"What I can help you with, if you like, is getting you to think of new ways to use what you already know."
She holds her grin longer this time, popping her arms in her sockets as she stretches them before her.
"Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into first."
"It might be better to say that you should play to your strengths when possible, however. Would you all be in agreement with that statement?"
Savar scratches his chin. Trick question, maybe? Probably not. She wants us to think, not overanalyze everything.
"I'd agree," he mumbles.
Turning to look at the newcomer, the barbarian's eyes widen.
Another spell-user? I had begun to regret coming into human lands, but these people may make it worthwhile. Sure, we had the old shaman back home, but Aridar and...what was...oh, Harou, might have real skill.
He says all this rather pompusly, and somewhat as if he is lecturing.
"Information and logic are more useful tools than spells and swords."
"Adaptability is the key, if I may have your pardon. My strenghts are what they are, but they will not avail me in all instances. However, if one is able to adapt, then ownership over one's foes can be more readily assured."
He says all this rather pompusly, and somewhat as if he is lecturing.
"Information and logic are more useful tools than spells and swords."
"But knowledge alone is nothing without backup. I could talk to you about your family background, but i wouldn't really offer me any strength over you in a fight." Elobi shuffles his hands in his pockets, keenly aware that he's only parroting what his teacher told him earlier.
"What I can help you with, if you like, is getting you to think of new ways to use what you already know."
She holds her grin longer this time, popping her arms in her sockets as she stretches them before her.
"Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into first."
Learning new ways to use what I already have is always a good thing. I will try my best.
Aridar sits back for a few seconds to get the general idea of what everyone is talking about before interjecting a comment.
Teamwork...If everyone can work together to stengthen each others weaknesses, then they can overcome any obstacle.
"I am Xade Lilfellow, servant of terrametrex."
"I was told to join the training? Pangur Bán reporting for duty, ma'am. Sorry to interrupt, won't happen again."
The grin widens even more, threatening even to eclipse Pangur's prominent gnome nose.
"That--"
Yinobra pauses, as though reconsidering her words.
"-is one way to view it. It might be better to say that you should play to your strengths when possible, however. Would you all be in agreement with that statement?"
Xade muses a moment before he carefully speaks his words.
I would agree with that statement. Would it also be good to know you allies strengths? So that you could know how to count on the other person to be even more effective? however at the end of his statement he shifts his weight back and forth on his feet obviously distracted by a bug he just noticed scurrying past his feet.
His hand had moved instictively to the rocks he keeps close
"I thought it might have been a rat!" he speaks quietly before breathing a sigh of relief and relaxing once again
Taking a position near the far end of the line, the human male with a healthy tan and dyed blond hair positions himself with his arms folded behind his back. As if used to the regimented process, he stands at attention though his feet are spaced comfortably and stares ahead. He defaults to listening as all the others speak, not having heard any earlier instructions.
The man stands out slightly in his pale robe-like garment, shorts, and sandals. His hands and feet are wrapped in bandage-like cloth, but no other equipment is carried.
"I see word has taken time to get around," she observes dryly, before returning her attention to the discussion.
"You make excellent points, Harou. However, isn't adaptability also a strength? And what of knowledge? If you have arms like... Savar here, but know you can't hurt an enemy with your fists, wouldn't your strength be in knowing to look to a better option?"
Yinobra looks over to the halfling again, carefully saying nothing about his earlier reaction.
"Allies can indeed be a tremendous source of strength. However, there are times when even the best of them can be a liability."
She pauses, taking time to look over the group meaningfully.
"How does everyone feel about that?
"They can perhaps be used as a lure?" He asks, more than states, seeing that the instructor is doing just that.
Aridar looks around the room before resting his eyes back on the old woman.
I'm not exactly sure what answer your looking for and I'm pretty sure I'm way off. What I do know is that there are always variables.
"Always," she agrees. "And I'm looking for your answer. How does the idea of using an ally -- or a friend -- as bait sound to you? In what ways can the most trustworthy, most capable ally prove a liability to you? I'm looking for your thoughts here this time, rather than a specific answer."
Yinobra looks over to the halfling again, carefully saying nothing about his earlier reaction.
"Allies can indeed be a tremendous source of strength. However, there are times when even the best of them can be a liability."
She pauses, taking time to look over the group meaningfully.
"How does everyone feel about that?
I would give an example, perhaps you are on patrol and you are the point looking out for danger. You see a group of orcs that are nearby and quickly stop and hide to avoid confrontation, but your knight in plate armor makes just enough noise that you are now fighting for your lives. He is a great warrior and sure with a sword, but if he hadn't been there you wouldn't have had to fight in the first place.
Manly days where they weren't the only thing he wore.
"No matter what happens, you're damned.
Isn't that Miss Yinobra wants to teach us today? Getting ready to lose!"
Those in the room who know of the Verdun family might recognize their youngest son, rumored to be a bit eccentric or crazy, depending on who is asked. The name given is among the inconsistancies that make up his demeanor and appearance.
He pauses, then offers, "If the battle is a test of strength, then those allies that become liabilities are no longer strong enough to contribute. It becomes a different test of one's will to leave them behind if necessary to win the fight."
"Adaptability, knowledge, and willpower are winning attributes that can be rendered inefficient if compassion overrides them."
"It does not place a lower value on compassion necessarily, but it is a choice that must be made."
"No matter what happens, you're damned.
Isn't that Miss Yinobra wants to teach us today? Getting ready to lose!"
Pangur raises his hand and speaks up, slightly hesitantly.
"The rugged human over there makes a good point. I have another: when a group is attacked, the first one to be attacked is usually he that is seemingly the weakest."
Looking around, and mainly up, at the other recruits he adds: "The presence of these fine, able-bodied allies is reassuring, but when push comes to shove I doubt anyone is going to throw a punch at the exquisite initiate here when they have my nose in sight as well."
The small gnome rubs the nose in question with a wry grimace, as if anticipating such an event already.
Perhaps Yinobra wishes to teach us something about ourselves. A facet about how we think and may not wish to truely admit to ourselves.
I feel that if a liabilty threatens the group as a whole or the tasks at hand then a decision must be made to get rid of it or endure the greater hazard.
"Compassion," she says, "is a choice. Mercy... is a choice. Honor, loyalty, courage, ambition, desire... these are all choices. They can all be strengths, but they can also be liabilities.
"My goal is not to get you ready to lose," She stops a moment, as though trying to place the speaker's name. "My task is to help you recognize when loss can be avoided. It is not necessarily a loss to run away, or to abandon a goal..."
She looks to Elobi before continuing.
"...nor even to die. What one sees as loss, another may see as investment. What things do you value enough that you would give your life for them?"
"My family, the honour of my father's house, and those that are weaker than yourself and depend on yoru for protection" He responds to Yinoba's question.
"But I am not sure. Those are not choices I have ever had to face and though I pray to my ancestors I would face such a choice with strength in my heart, I know I am not infallible."
He licks his lips before continuing, seemingly trying to find inner strength.
"But my greatest fear is not being allowed to join the spirits of my forefathers when my time comes. I will do what I can to prevent that shame, and I know they will lend me their strength when I need it. That knowledge gives me faith."
She looks directly at Epherem until it is certain she has his attention, then turns away from the group, walking toward one of the room's balance beams.
"What would you risk your life for?"
"I am sure my forefathers do not deem me worthy of joining them just yet, so I know they will do what they can to prevent that from becoming a pressing issue. Like I said, I have faith. There is little risk as long as I trust the winds and my nose."
The small gnome's hands gesticulate in a curious flurry, as if his fingers play on the winds he's talking about - except, of course, that there is no wind inside the training hall.
"I will risk my life for family and friends, for the needy and deserving, for thankless causes and - occasionally - fame and glory."
"Honor, tradition, friends and family, all those are good motivators," En Siroc Var agrees soft-spokenly with the chorus of answers, "There are rules to guide behavior if you would follow them."
"But I have come to admit that I only truly feel awake when fighting."
"The answer seems simple and selfish, but I would risk my life to feel alive."
Siroc glances to the gnome and the leather wearing man next to him.
As if to disarm an expected worry he has encountered before, he states, "But just because I would, doesn't mean I could. Not when there are rules and responibilities to respect."
"I fully well plan on dieing in bed at an old age thanks to liver falure. What reason can there really be to die any other way?
To feel alive?
Sure, for a fleeting moment. If you want alive try a harder liquor"
"Alchohol is not permitted on the training path."
"Same as the consumption of animal flesh. For the benefit of body and soul," he says matter-of-factly.
What exactly is it that you're training so hard for?"
"Maybe it's just different training ways we follow. Your way may let you propel the dreams of survival and old age... My way stops the nightmares."
"Better to burn out than fade away, or something like that," the ash-blonde man shrugs as if he has had this debate before.
"Religious types are always the worst to try and be with, always higher power this, greater calling that, never here, now" he mutters sardonically to the general vicinity.
He says with his monotone voice.
Please correct me if I'm wrong En Siroc Var.
He tries a different analogy to the theory, "The ghosts of your various actions haunt you until the end. They are drawn to the light of your current state like mindless moths. An open flame will burn them up, a dwindling, caged ember lets them circle."
"Every time you act, each fight, it's a chance to redeem your flaws."
The pugilist stops here, thinking he has expounded enough of the Old Master's wisdom for one sitting.
Epherem says then leans back into the cornor.
"Religious types are always the worst to try and be with, always higher power this, greater calling that, never here, now" he mutters sardonically to the general vicinity.
"You have not thought this through far enough, it seems to me," Pangur pipes up, "although I am not a sage who sees to the heart of such questions".
"The here and now is all anyone has to answer to a higher calling. Those who concern themselves with such issues have all the more reason to take the here and now seriously."
Ideals seems like another worthy trade to for ones meger life. However, Father Kelly said that ideals inverably change as one ages. What one sees as a child to be perfection is usually the parent or role figure in their life. When they are older they see that their ideal is just as flawed as anyone else.
Honor is just a word that is given to those who have died in Xade's opinion. The Jackals pass is a fine example of honor, not many survived that nightmare, and remained unchanged. Such a horrible lesson, and it ended with another trip to the cellar. Xade shudders at the memory.
Voices is a discussion break his train of thought, and instead he focuses inadvertantly to the conversation at hand.
(En_Siroc_Var)"So it is thought," he nods to the other man.
He tries a different analogy to the theory, "The ghosts of your various actions haunt you until the end. They are drawn to the light of your current state like mindless moths. An open flame will burn them up, a dwindling, caged ember lets them circle."
"Every time you act, each fight, it's a chance to redeem your flaws."
The pugilist stops here, thinking he has expounded enough of the Old Master's wisdom for one sitting.
(Epherem)"Unless your primary flaw is fighting to much. . ."
Epherem says then leans back into the cornor.
"Ah, but can a flaw ever truely be redeemed? Will feeding all of the hungry today ever make up for those that have already starved to death in the past? I think that is how the saying goes." Xade inclines his head to both men
"My apologies, but your lively discussion sidetracked me from my own personal debate on what is worth giving my life for. It is not something for me to take too lightly considering that it is my life, and if I am to give it up I would like it to be not in vain. Unfortunately I am at an impasse in making a decision. I might need more time on this one Yinobra." he says with a serious look on his face to the woman
"I do not live for any one thing. To do so would be quite illogical, as time passes, things change after all. Right now, I am here, and charged with a task. Therefore I live for that."
He nods victoriously as he decides that was the correct response, at least for himself.
Almost everyone said they would fight, and die, for family. That must be a nice feeling. Then again, I suppose I would too. Just not with the intent of saving them.
"Religious types are always the worst to try and be with, always higher power this, greater calling that, never here, now" he mutters sardonically to the general vicinity.
The half-orc nods faintly in agreement. "I agree with that. Still, when the very gods themselves fight in the city streets, and their minions swarm the outlands, religion becomes the 'here and now'. It's easier to pray to the Mother when her dark son is standing over you, both literally and metaphorically."
Why doesn't she hear any of us? Why is it that Damen's forces meander this world, but there's no holy avengers of Ordemet coming to save us?
How do we know the other gods are still alive?
Perhaps the reason Damen's forces are everywhere now is beacuse he slew his brother and mother, unbalanced now evil can reign supreme.
Even alive, even when I went to church I remember being told 'don't bother praying, the mother wants you to fix things yourself.'"
As Epherem continues on his voice becomes strange, strained in some places, high pitched in others, and always fast. The patern seems random, if traumatic.
"Even alive, even when I went to church I remember being told 'don't bother praying, the mother wants you to fix things yourself.'"
"You take the cynics of the world too seriously, oh grim companion," Pangur chuckles.
"Why not pray first and then fix things yourself? It worked for 33 generations of Báns, I believe it might work for you too. Besides, what good are prayers without faith? It would take a true unbeliever to see such empty requests going unanswered as proof there is no-one willing to answer them at all.
And if you truly think an evil god is in power, then truly you have reason to pray for the rise of a benevolent power to bring balance."
"Some warriors we would be if we relied on the Mother intervening all the timeto protect ourselves. The fact that, despite the gods themselves battling in the streets we are here today ready to fight shows that we do not yet need a horde of avenging crusaders to do our fighting for us."
Kader grins.
"And hopefully we won't anytime soon."
He hopes that he wasn't. It wasn't his fault that the message had been sent while he was halfway through a lap around the fortress.
"Some warriors we would be if we relied on the Mother intervening all the timeto protect ourselves. The fact that, despite the gods themselves battling in the streets we are here today ready to fight shows that we do not yet need a horde of avenging crusaders to do our fighting for us."
A slow grin spreads across Savar's face, looking slightly off-balanced because of his orcish fangs.
"I was of the understanding that we were the horde of avenging crusaders. At least, in the minds of Garic's citizens."
He paused and ruffled his hat again. "Perhaps this conversation has already been had. Someone, probably with the mindset of Epherem, decided that the Mother and her good Son needed earthly soldiers to protect their interests. Isn't that why we're here? I'm sure that many people have prayed, and continue to, but we are certainly solving our own problems."
Why doesn't she hear any of us? Why is it that Damen's forces meander this world, but there's no holy avengers of Ordemet coming to save us?
I know she hears my prayers, otherwise I would not be able to invoke the gifts that have been granted to me. I doubt that there would be holy avengers of the mother it is not her way.
(Epherem)How do we know the other gods are still alive? Perhaps the reason Damen's forces are everywhere now is beacuse he slew his brother and mother, unbalanced now evil can reign supreme.
Even alive, even when I went to church I remember being told 'don't bother praying, the mother wants you to fix things yourself.'"
His forces have not run rampant and destroyed us all should be a sign that the mother and her bright son still exist. Hope, and action in belief of that hope will make a difference. The mother doesn't want you to be dependent on her. All children must grow up and fend for themselves. If any mother forever coddled their child then I would not consider them a good mother. While speaking he has a revalation on what he would give his life for
"I would give my life that others would not lose their hope in a better tomorrow." the halfling says to Yinobra
When Xade comments on needing more time, she says, "We always have time when the question is speculative. Remember this," then goes back to listen to the discussion before her. Savar's comment about family obviously piques her interest, but she says nothing even then, maintaining a neutral expression until the half-orc's observation about "avenging crusaders" elicits a small chuckle.
"I see you've let the conversation to focus your thoughts, Xade," she says in reply to the halfling's last statement. "Good. Knowing where you stand will help those who must fight at your side.
"If we do not speak, we cannot be heard. If we do not listen, there can be nothing gained from those who speak to us. As a child, I was taught that the gods speak through us. Maybe so. A king can speak through his messengers, if the messenger gets through and is received."
She takes a breath, then shares a devious look with the audience.
""Just remember that every messenger retains a personal voice as well."
Taking a moment to let that sink in, she then changes the subject.
"So now... would anyone here be willing to risk body and mind on a task of my choosing?"
"I would be happy to assist as needed in this task." as long as there are no rats he thinks to himself
When Yinobra speaks of a task, the man tenses his shoulder muscles a little as if warming them up.
"It is why we are here," En Siroc Var remarks, standing straight and looking ahaed.
"The first part of your task will be to land a convincing hit against me. Show restraint in your attacks, as I'll respond to lethal force in kind. Anyone else who's interested, feel free to join in. I don't care if you use spell or blade or bare hand, whether you make your point with a kick in the gut, sweeping my feet out from under me, or knocking this--"
She draws a black-bladed weapon, resembling a sickle but with less curve in the blade, from behind her back. En Siroc Var, at least, recognizes the kama, but few others can appreciate the subtle difference.
"--from my hand. I'm interested more in how you go about this than whether or not you can do it. Please keep that in mind, and when you are ready..."
Yinobra lets the words hang in the air.
Show
Casts Sleep
The barbarian starts pulling weapons out from underneath his poncho and setting them on the ground. After accululating a very impressive pile, he drops his faded hat on top.
Teamwork seems like the key here.
Setting his feet further apart and raising both scarred hands, he twists towards the others and says, "I think we should work together on this. If a few of us try to hold her down, pin her arms, or something similar, others can take that weapon away."
Savar's breathing starts to become heavier, as though he was psyching himself up. Closing his eyes, he punches his hands together, making a loud clap. Muscles tense, and the half-orc starts to shake. Then, opening his eyes, he lumbers forward with more mass than grace. Hands extended, breathing in heavy grunts, he tries to wrap around Yinobra to pin her arms by her side, and then wrestle her to the ground.
OoC
Going into Rage. Touch attack +8, grapple +8, 1d3+6 nonlethal.
Kader takes a few steps to get a clear path around Savar, then circles around to come at Yinobra from the side at the same time as Savar, advancing more cautiously than Savar and trying to get a temporary hold on her which the bigger half-orc can exploit.
OoC
[Can I Aid Another with a grapple check, or would I need to be grappling her before I could? If I can I do that, or else just try to grapple her also. Grapple is +7, no attack of opportunity
If possible, circle enough to flank, but not sure if that's possible : )
]
If possible, circle enough to flank, but not sure if that's possible : )
]
ooc
Where is Yinobra on the grid? Xade is working around the room to stand behind her
He reaches behind his back, under the flap of his robe and and unhooks something. The unorthodox warrior revelas a thin, carved mask - black, iron, and gold colors, with the lower portion stretching the nose and jaw into an ornamental beak design.
In a ceremonial manner, En Siroc Var dons the mask and tightens the strap. He shakes out his arms and raises alternating knees while walking a small circle. The ritual dance preceeds his entry into the fray and give him a moment to assess the positions of the large group of attackers.
OoC
Delay until top initiative next round. Next round, Improved Overrrun attempt with a flying knee if can find a straight path to charge
"This should be good for a laugh."
OoC/Map Review
At present, Yinobra stands in square i5. Harou, like most of the others, knows nothing of Yinobra as anything more than a trainer for the Silver Sword.
In answer to the other question, "aid another" shall be permitted on a grapple attempt, as with any other attack, but assisting on the grapple check requires that you are also grappling the opponent. (You can, however, use the action to add to the initial attack roll.)
[b]. ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
4 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
5 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
6 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
7 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
8 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
. .a b c d e f g h i j k l m n[/b]
Please declare squares on your next turn. Do not feel you have to wait for your specific turn to come up to post, but wait for the next response before posting again.
In answer to the other question, "aid another" shall be permitted on a grapple attempt, as with any other attack, but assisting on the grapple check requires that you are also grappling the opponent. (You can, however, use the action to add to the initial attack roll.)
[b]. ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
4 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
5 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
6 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
7 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
8 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
. .a b c d e f g h i j k l m n[/b]
Please declare squares on your next turn. Do not feel you have to wait for your specific turn to come up to post, but wait for the next response before posting again.
He quickly flashes a sterm look at Elobi.
"You wake them and master your skills!" he barks in commanding fashion.
ooc
F4, Grease the beam, DC 16 to all that climb on it.
ooc
Moving to k3, and using full defense.
"My name is Gerin I came here for training, I assume this is it? And what is the challenge?"
ooc
I was gone for the weekend. Sorry I'm late
I was gone for the weekend. Sorry I'm late
Epherem gestures to the lady on top of the balance beam.
"And they're doing a bang up job of it."
He then removes his flask from his belt and takes a quick swig, before bursting into laughter as he watches the half-orc try and grab the old woman.
"Oof," the air rushes from En Siroc Var's lungs as he is caught by surprise and off balance.
The man tumbles down onto his stomach and struggles to brace himself up on the back wall.
"Where did she learn to kick like that?" he thinks, impressed behind his masked face.
---
OoC
Prone in M6
Gerin pulls off his equipment and steps in beside Haro and flexs his fingers ready for what may come.
spoiler
F5 ready action trigger is if she enters his square.
Kader asks, shooting Ephanem an angry look.
"Sorry, I thought you were with us. You going to help or hug a bottle?"
He whirls to face Yinoba again, grinning as Harou conjures grease under her feet.
OoC
Hope speaking out of turn is OK.
"To my side, hunter of Thalos' woods."
In a circle of light appears an owl with silver feathers and greater than average strength and bulk.
Show
In F6, summon augumented celestial owl in G6 with a command to flank but not attack.
.oO(I could shoot her.
Okay, I could try to shoot her.
Bad idea.)
Looking around, his eye falls on the pile of mats and rope coils. Possibilities... He scoots over, keeping a comfortable distance between himself and their instructor, and tries to lift one of the mats to use as an impromptu shield.
Struggling under the ungainly weight, Pangur slowly advances towards Yinobra, intending only to offer a distraction. At the same time, he is muttering something under his breath in a strange tone, almost chanting.
"Strength in numbers allies gained
image of will that has remained
paths are lit by souls so bright
strength is given faith is might"
When he's 10 feet away from the fierce woman - and very much questioning the wisdom of his actions - a glowing, vaguely gnome-like shape springs into being on the other side and starts to advance at the same rate.
OoC
Cast Dancing Lights to create a humanoid shape, advancing towards Yinobra at the same speed as Pangur (presumably 10 ft/round due to encumbrance) but from the other side
Full Defense, +4 dodge to AC
Edit: Pangur will be advancing from K7 towards I5, the Dancing Lights from G3
Edit 2, since I missed a post: the above is probably too much for a single round, so after 1 round of observing, Pangur will use the 2nd round to pick up the mat and possibly move a little closer. Dancing Lights and advancing will be for round 3, barring anything happening that would make that impossible. Positions obviously change.
Full Defense, +4 dodge to AC
Edit: Pangur will be advancing from K7 towards I5, the Dancing Lights from G3
Edit 2, since I missed a post: the above is probably too much for a single round, so after 1 round of observing, Pangur will use the 2nd round to pick up the mat and possibly move a little closer. Dancing Lights and advancing will be for round 3, barring anything happening that would make that impossible. Positions obviously change.
That was unexpected...
After a couple more gulps of air, the sorcerer looks up to the beams and contemplates.
I suppose I should help out now that you guys have her up there.
Using the wall for support, Aridar begins an incantation.
Show
Cast Magic Missile from H3
OoC/Map Review
[b]. ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
4 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
5 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
6 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
7 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
8 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
. .a b c d e f g h i j k l m n[/b]
Aridar, h3
Gerin, f5 (ready action to do what?)
Harou, f4
En Siroc Var, M6 (prone)
Elobi f6, owl in g6
Malic, k3 (full defense)
Pangur, k7 to i5, dancing lights in g3
Yinobra, h4
[b]. ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
4 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
5 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
6 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
7 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
8 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
. .a b c d e f g h i j k l m n[/b]
Aridar, h3
Gerin, f5 (ready action to do what?)
Harou, f4
En Siroc Var, M6 (prone)
Elobi f6, owl in g6
Malic, k3 (full defense)
Pangur, k7 to i5, dancing lights in g3
Yinobra, h4
ooc
G4, Touch attack, no spell however.
ooc
Trip attempt, +4 to hit touch attack.
"Bad idea..." he draws in a breath.
Seeing the assorted chaos and a few dropped fighters, the man shakes his head slightly. Part of the weeding out process, he figures. He wants to make his actions count, even if he doesn't have many left before getting knocked out. Simple directness has failed him this time.
Feeling the spirit of the rising phoenix that is his namesake in his chest, En Siroc Var lets it lift him to stand straight. Seeking a higher perspective, the monk notices the pegs in the wall next to him leading to the lines of hanging rungs. He begin to climb up, trying to hook a foot onto the near ring and looking down on the training hall.
---
OoC
Move action to stand up, 5' step to M5 if allowed, start climbing]
.oO(Guy doesn't look to tough but he broke the rules.)
Gerin puts pressure on the wound and makes an attept at stopping the flow of blood.
ooc
Heal +1
Show
Owl to I4, full defense. Elobi Full Defense in F6
Out of the corner of one eye he sees one of the others going to Aridar's help, easing his mind before he focuses on getting close enough to the lightning-quick instructor to gain some sort of advantage for their side.
OoC
Pangur sticks with the plan: Dancing Lights on opposite side of Yinobra, move in using the mat for protection, Full Defense
Show
Switching to unarmed attacks, trying to flank her with Savar or anyone else around. Kader will take a 5 foot step if necessary to do so. Unarmed attack +3 (+5 flanking), damage 1d3+2 subdual, no AoOs
"Stand your ground! Don't let the pack break apart! JAVELINES READY!!" Once again, the almost incoherent words are in orcish.
OoC
I'm not exactly sure where Savar is on the map, but since you said Yinobra hit him after moving I'm guessing he's still close to her. If possible Savar moves opposite to Kader to flank her. Same actions as before: Grapple +8, 1d3+6 nonlethal.
Epherem smiles as catcalls the other men.
"If you are unwilling to contribute anything of use then you may remove yourself from our sight so we can train in peace. This is not ment to teach a person how best to insult another but how to fight."
"If you are unwilling to contribute anything of use then you may remove yourself from our sight so we can train in peace."
"Hey, you! In the grey cloak! Pick up his scrawny carcass and throw it at her! That might just throw her off balance, and it should shut him up at least..."
edit to correct description
Epherem says mocking and leaning on the wall.
"She's not trying to teach us how to fight, as much as learn how we fight."
Choosing to ignore Epherem Gerin turns to Malic.
"I don't know much about healing so I can't say, but there is a alot of blood."
ooc
Cure Minor Wounds to stablize Aridar, and then move to drag Aridar back by the door c5
"This is horrible."
"Excuse me a moment," she says, rolling away to stand before Epherem.
"This is a place of learning," she tells him, spinning to plant an elbow in his throat, "not entertainment. The rest of you, please carry--"
The sentence goes unfinished as an owl appears beside Yinobra, rising into the air to scratch her face. Savar tries to take advantage of the opportunity this creates, but a fist to the temple knocks him senseless. This leaves her back to Kader long enough for him to land a jab to the shoulder.
"Point!" Yinobra calls out. "Now, whoever brought this owl, call it off!"
OoC
Epherem takes 11 hp of nonlethal damage and is unconscious. (Please don't think this a criticism of how the character being played. On the contrary, you knew someone had to take a swing at him eventually, right? ;) ) Harou drew an attack of opportunity, but nothing came of it. Savar also drew an attack of opportunity, taking 10 hp of nonlethal damage, which leaves him unconscious as well. Kader, however, has successfully landed a punch. Malic, I assumed you were changing actions here, which is why I didn't include the results of the trip attempt.
Gerin's Heal check was unsuccessful, but Xade's spell stabilizes Aridar as -2 hp.
Elobi, unless you give a summoned creature specific instructions, it will take the default action described. In the case of creatures summoned by summon monster, that action would be to attack whoever you perceive to be an enemy. If it makes you feel better to know this, she's not going to pound on you for that, for reasons I'll explain shortly. ;)
Gerin's Heal check was unsuccessful, but Xade's spell stabilizes Aridar as -2 hp.
Elobi, unless you give a summoned creature specific instructions, it will take the default action described. In the case of creatures summoned by summon monster, that action would be to attack whoever you perceive to be an enemy. If it makes you feel better to know this, she's not going to pound on you for that, for reasons I'll explain shortly. ;)
He wasn't liking his chances, though. He'd just watched Savar go down hard and the half-orc looked a good deal tougher than Kader.
Show
Is there someone around to flank with? The owl maybe? 5-foot step if necessary to flank with anyone available. Unarmed strike same as last round.
The enormous orc, only distinguishable from a full-blooded ogre by his seven foot height, slammed another kick into the fallen, crumpled figure on the ground.
"You think you'll recieve the Hunting Scars?! Hah!! Half-bloods have no place!"
Laughing again, the larger orc kicked one last time, into the side of the other's head. Unconsciousness crept over....
OoC
Mwahahahaha! :evillaugh
"I believe we are overmatched here..." He says with his weak attack
OOC
Nonletal attack when she turns to crush someother attacker.
ooc
Yes that is what I wanted to happen thanks ST. 
ooc
cast create water dropping two gallons of water overhead of Yinobra if possible. if not bless for all allies
He pauses to scan the battle and realises he's out of useful spells. He looks distraught.
"Is surrender an option?"
"Sooo...what'd I miss?"
Pausing he glances around the room, "Obviously it's not going well."
He takes the large shield from his back and pulls a hammer from his chest. He takes a defensive stance and inches his way towards the chaos. He stays far enough away not to get immediatly caught up in the action and tries to think of a plan of attack.
OoC
Full defense action
ooc
+1=+5 attack bonus -4 subdual damage.
AC=19
Gerin pulled off his pack dropping his encomberance to light.
Blerg....need to update my notes....
AC=19
Gerin pulled off his pack dropping his encomberance to light.
Blerg....need to update my notes....
ooc
Moving to i6, full defense
At no point does she lower her guard, however.
"Oh. All right then."
He looks around to take stock. Three people down. It hadn't gone like clockwork that was for sure. Kader walks over to Aridar.
"Is he going to be all right?"
He is stable and should recover eventually. I was not going to do more for him since he broke the rules of the engagement. How else will he learn a lesson? Xade smiles
"Its a good thing I showed up when I did. She must'a known she was in trouble once I joined in. HA!"
He raises an eyebrow and decides not to push it.
"Sorry Im late, ma'am. I got.... lost somewhere.."
He puts his hands in his pockets and makes his way over to Savar. "He appears to be alright."
And she emphasizes that last word.
"--that you do so. Otherwise, what they learn will be up to the rest of you."
Nodding briefly to the dwarven newcomer, she lets the statement hang in the air and stoops to check on Epherem. Standing, she turns from him and says, "I want this one bound, however. He and I will have a private talk later."
Turning back to the group, she says, "I'm sure you have questions after this. So do I. We'll start with mine, since they'll take less time to answer."
She looks around, waiting until everyone appears to be ready.
They could all use my help, but I can not help them all. However none of them are in any life threatening danger at the moment, and they will all recover after a time. I choose based on my calling that none are currently in need of terrametrex's healing.
Balancing those in need of help with those deserving of help is not an easy task. It will not always make me popular. Suppose that both Savar, and Aridar were both in dire need of healing and I could only help one. In this hypothetical situation I would choose Savar over Aridar based on what transpired with rules. Savar in my opinion would be more deserving of the of help when both need it.
Does this explain a bit of why I do nothing more for Aridar right now? Xade pauses a moment for Malic to respond or ask a question
ooc
Cure light wounds Savar 1d8+2 if he wakes goes to Aridar next, and then Cure light wounds for Aridar 1d8+2.
ooc
Responding to Xade's Comments before Yinobra begins talking...
It seems I made a grave mistake.
The elf looks at those around him with his usual neutral expression, no anger or embarrassment seen. When he finds Yinobra, he bows deeply.
Please forgive me, I seem to have lost myself in the moment. It looks like in this situation I was the liability.
The sorcerer then addresses the rest of the group.
I also wish to apologize to the rest of you. I suppose my previous master was correct when he told me that I wasn't quite ready.
Still weak in the knees, Aridar nearly falls back down as he turns back to Yinobra.
Shall I leave?
OoC
Fortunately, Savar recovers 8 hp, which leaves him staggered; otherwise, Aridar's recovery speech would be... premature. ;) Aridar recovers 10 hp, putting him at 8.
"Due to all of us being mortals we are all vulnerable to error....We all may do our best to fulfill our obligation in a team but there will unvariably be an error. We cannot verbaly fight one another over a decision made during a confusing combat situation. However I belive that a person should do their best to keep the team going by doing their best. In this training situation, those that are lying on the floor are effectivly dead.....But the danger here was to Aridars life, and the danger was real, and needed to be delt with in a similar manner. I am not saying that he did not break the rules, and did not deserve the attack that was dealt to him, but as a result he was in true danger. And i do not belive he needed to die over it. I belive Xade did the correct thing in stopping the flow of blood and saving what he knew for possible other accidents, and Malic you are also correct but in a true combat situation. Lives are in the balance in such a situation."
*Hoping that he was able to stop the bickering Gerin moves to an empty space and disarms himself. At being addressed by Yinobra, Gerin quickly pulls back his hood to reveal a head of white hair, and stands up straight before replying.*
"My name is Gerin m'am and I did not attack immeditly because I saw Aridar fall under your attack. I saw the amount of blood coming from the wound, and judging this to be a situation that did not warrent a death, I went to aid him."
"Thanks for your help there friend."
"The rest of the spells I know for today are of no practical value in a fight, so I went with my summon. I intended for it to be a distraction so I went with the smallest creature I could communicate with. If I had wanted to inflict harm, I would have gone with one of Thalos' hunting dogs or even one of the centipedes that were used against the city in the past."
Elobi pauses, looking unsure.
"Physical action was an option that I did not feel was useful, seeing you dispatch others that are more prepared to deal with combat than I."
Friend? But he's a human... Maybe this town isn't so bad after all.
Turning to Yinobra, he answers, "I could have just swung at you. Then I might have scored a point, but no one else would have benefited from it. If I had managed to get a hold and drag you to the ground, then everyone could have easily made a point. Plus, I was a little hesitant about hitting you, and I didn't expect you to be quite so...skilled."
Setting his hat on his head, then ruffling it for good measure, he continues. "True, things didn't quite work out as I had planned." He rubs his temple vaguely. "I probably should have left the grappling to Kader. I'm strong, as you said, but he moved with skill whereas I tried to flatten you with muscle."
"Well we were not to harm you. Most spells that require me to place my hand on the target are quite deadly. It simply was a simulation, like this exercise."
He stands straight up smilying proudly.
"I had plan to say somthing once I had you, like 'bang' or 'zap' but after you nearly killed me with that counter, I left that course and went to the oak."
Thorik walks over to where Epherem is lying, takes his rope from his side and begins to bind the unconsious man to the best of his abilities.
"Sorry lad. Just followin' orders." he says to the unresponsive.
.oO(No points scored, no bruises taken - I can live with that.)
"I can request my ancestral spirits to add a little to Kader's efforts if anyone's still hurting," the gnome suggests.
"It'd be my most useful contribution so far..."
"That would be the first spell I cast at Yinobra, I must have caught you in its effect."
"Just give it a moment."
"You" he says rather crassly "The next time your magic entangles one of your company, you will be better served if you mend the deed as soon as maybe. I will not tolerate, nor should the rest, such irresponsable use of magic."
(Elobi)Elobi nods at Harou to confirm his answer.
"Just give it a moment."
"I was wondering in case something like that happens to us in the future. If there was a remedy, it could be useful for all of us to know."
She scans the others, then looks to Gerin again.
"It was a sensible call in this case. Well done."
She turns then to address another.
To Elobi: Yinroba waits out the exchange with Harou, then states, "In an exercise, you can afford mistakes, which is why we hold such exercises. We hold them so mistakes won't be repeated when it counts. Knowing your limits is admirable. Thank you for the show of restraint, but in the future... it would be wise to ensure you can restrain the creatures you call."
To Savar: Savar earns an appraising look. "Well reasoned. It cost you personally, but you improved the team's chances of success. Against the unknown, you put your faith in the abilities of the team, rather than your own. The others are fortunate to have you on their side."
To Harou: Yinroba raises an eyebrow, mild surprise in her features, then chuckles.
"Harou, if anyone ever calls you arrogant, tell them I said you've earned the right. You're the first wizard to think of that in a sparring match with me, which shows how little thought most of them give to being in a fight. Well done."
She nods to Thorik as he works, then turns to Pangur.
"Very well," she says to his suggestion. "I noticed that while others tried to engage me, you wandered over toward the mats. Something of interest there?"
He shoots a sidelong glance at Harou after Yinobra carries on with her talking, trying to gain an impression of the other mage.
Picking his discarded weapons one by one and sliding them back into place, he eyes the tension between Harou and Elobi. Strapping on his gauntlet last, he says awkwardly, "Magic seems like a rather unpredictable thing. I'm sure that mistakes happen now and then. 'The wind can move the arrows of even the best archer,' as they say."
She nods to Thorik as he works, then turns to Pangur.
"Very well," she says to his suggestion. "I noticed that while others tried to engage me, you wandered over toward the mats. Something of interest there?"
"Yes, ma'am - I mean, not as useful as I'd hoped but I think it was worth a shot. I'm a fair hand with a bow, but I don't have the skills or the strength to be of great use in an exercise such as this. I wanted to use one of the mats as added protection while getting close, and then perhaps try to barge into you or possibly just throw the mat. I figured if it might give one of the others an opportunity, that'd be the best way I could help out."
Pangur looks like he's about to shrug, but goes with a wide grin instead.
"Like I said, worth a shot..."
Harou moves his gaze back to Yinroba.
She grimaces thoughtfully.
"The approach has merit, though it is time consuming. If I were some undead horror risen in your midst, a number of your companions might have been killed before you could act. That may be a necessary sacrifice, buying you time to study the situation and work out a strategy... but only if someone else is keeping your enemy occupied. If there's anything you can do to assist them in the mean--"
She pauses to follow the conversation between Elobi and Harou, then returns her attention to Panqur.
"--time, it would probably earn you a little more gratitude -- at least from the ones who survive."
She stops talking again, looking around, seemingly doing a head count.
"Kader... Harou... and Panqur... based on what you've seen of the others assembled here, which two do you fell you'd prefer at your side in a fight, and why?"
"Those two" he says pointing at Kader, and Savar "They worked together, are strong and passionate, and accepted the challenge head on."
"These two" he says pointing at the dwarf and Malic
"While they did little during the exercise, they seem to be able to recognize cooperation and can follow orders."
"And that one." He says pointing to the gnome "He is.. creative. Aside from them, I either did not approve of the others' actions, or simply did not notice them. A bit of self perservation on my part, along with a bit of distraction is to blame for that."
He holds his hand up and nods realizing he gave more than two and points again.
"The half-orc for brute force, and the dwarf. He at least looks like he is skilled at arms and likely has a trick or two up his sleeve for various other tasks that may arise."He points to the now rope-bound member
"This man obviously has an eye fer talent." he says loudly with a broad grin.
He gives the man a nod leans back against the wall with his arms crossed.
Kader pauses for a moment to recall the parts of the fight not directly next to him.
"Harou. He timed his spell well and he did not fade into the background after taking one shot. Or before taking one shot for that matter."
"The approach has merit, though it is time consuming. If I were some undead horror risen in your midst, a number of your companions might have been killed before you could act. That may be a necessary sacrifice, buying you time to study the situation and work out a strategy... but only if someone else is keeping your enemy occupied. If there's anything you can do to assist them in the mean--"
She pauses to follow the conversation between Elobi and Harou, then returns her attention to Panqur.
"--time, it would probably earn you a little more gratitude -- at least from the ones who survive."
"With all due respect, ma'am, if you were some undead horror I'd have been trying to pincushion you in an instant and lethal damage'd be the first objective instead of something to avoid. I appreciate the point you're making, but the point of doing an exercise is figuring out what the best approach to a situation is so that in real combat, you have experience to fall back on."
Pangur sounds a bit contrary, but no more than a little bit. He wouldn't know military discipline if it bit him in the nose, but there is a great deal of respect for the instructor.
"As to your question, most everyone here appears to have some talents and skills to make him a valuable companion..."
The gnome purses his lips and considers his options briefly.
"Right now I'd choose these two humans," he says pointing at Elobi and Gerin.
"The mage's decisions were a bit rash but at least he's proven to be versatile, and there are fights where I'll want magic on my side.
The other one chose to look after a wounded comrade rather than try to score a point."
Shrugging, he continues: "I chose differently, but I won't be complaining if I'm the one bleeding on the ground. Besides, he looks capable and calm - that might balance out my first pick.
It's a bit of a gamble: some of the othes have shown more competence during the exercise, think, but taking a chance on some hidden potential has worked out for me so far."
"Dorian D'grey reporting as ordered M'lady. I appologise for being late but I received my orders but an hour ago on my return to the city"
None of the people here judge by race. It's so different from the city, and from back home. I may have finally found a place where parentage doesn't matter too much.
The newcomer is a welcome distraction from the still-bickering mages. Turning away from Elobi and Harou, the half-orc looks at Dorian and waits to see what Yinobra says to the newest member of the group.
"We're coming out of the woodworks..." he mumbles to himself.
The monk listens impassively to the conversation. He feels out of his element, but then again, that is nothing new for him. He would adjust as much as needed to survive without compromising his training path. En Siroc Var did not choose to come here, but he would mark the day as the start of his trial through ordeal.
"My god man. You're bigger than the damned Ogre. What were you fed as a child? Livestock?"
He flashes a slight grin showing the man its all in good fun...and he's not ready to die.
"Well said, Pangur, well said," she says, then listens to the rest of his comments. She seems about to reply as Dorian arrives.
"Then what matters is that you answered the call in the end," she says. "Even if too late to turn the fight, what you learn may be invaluable to those who have to fight the next one."
Shaking her head in mock exasperation at Thorik's latest comment, Yinobra turns to Savar.
"Your services appear to be in high demand," she says to him, with just a hint of approval, then appears to lapse into thought, looking back and forth over the assembly.
Finally, she speaks to them.
"You and Kader work very well as a team," she tells the half-orc, "and I believe the three of you would also work well together... but... yes. I'd like to team you up with Harou and our dwarven friend this time."
She looks over to Malic.
"And also Malic. Kader, I'm partnering you with Xade, Aridar, and... hmm. Let me get back to you on that. Pangur has chosen Gerin and Elobi... and... En Siroc Var, I wish for you to accompany them. Dorian, I realize you've only just returned from the field, but I wish to assign you to Kader's group."
She looks around once more.
"Does anyone have a concern with these arrangements?" she asks.
He goes over and stands next to the half-orc.
"Long as he doesnt try to eat me." he says looking up at Savar.
"The names Thorik by the way." he says to whomever may be listening.
At least the dwarf seems to be agreeable.
Grinning at Thorik's joke, the barbarian extends one hand. "I had a goblin on the way in, so you're safe for an hour or two."
Rubbing his temple, Savar looks to Yinobra and adds, "I hope the two groups aren't supposed to face off. I'm still feeling dizzy from that last hit you gave me."
"Won't be losing anything in size, that's for sure."
"Dont worry. Just stay behind me and you'll be fine."
He looks around Savar and makes eye contact with Harou.
"Nice hat..."
Yinobra doesn't have to tell them which pass. Until now, each of you has been advised to stay clear of it, sticking to the surrounding countryside on any patrols or investigations in which you've participated.
"All of you, yes," she confirms. "If you're up for it. If not, now's the time to say so. There's no cowardice in staying on watch, rather than venturing into the no-man's land between here and Hent Manevelins, but make it known here which you choose for tomorrow."
"I'm willing to go."
He looks to the other members of his team.
"Pain and forging by fire... maybe not so different after all," he thinks to himself.
The look in his eyes reveals his preparedness for the task.
The elf says as he takes off his shirt to inspect the large tear.
"I'm ready to go by first light tomorow, if somebody could show me your barracks so I can stow my gear. I was told to clear out my old bunk"
"I'm up for it, ma'am. It'll be good to feel the wind again."
He turns to his assigned team and offers a grin.
"For those of you who do not know, I am Elobi Anchors. I'll show you to the barracks once we are dismissed Dorian.
"Well I don't know any of the others so as far as I am concerned the division of forces is as good or as bad as possible.
So we're to be divided into three groups,
the first group Consists of the Half Orc, a mage named Harou and the dwarf, Thorik if I heard that well
The second group consists of Pangur, Gerin, Elobi and Siroc Var and the third group will be Kader, Xade, Aridar and myself. I hope I got the names right although with most I cannot yet match faces"
He rests it and turns to Yinobra. ""We have all been sent here for this cause, and I readily accept. However, you haven't specified details. I should like to hear what you have planned as soon as maybe."
He bows giving her back the floor and turns to the half-orc, the half-elf and the dwarf.
"And in case you were occupied, I am Harou. Well met."
He whispers to Thorik:"Thanks, I like it too.. Keeps the rain out of my pipe."
To Yinobra, he answers, "I have no complaints. The passes should be dangerous, but with the talent here I have no doubt we'll make it through. I do have a question, though. Can you give us any information about what dangers we may face in the pass? And, if you cannot, or will not, is there some place where we may gain such information? I understand that there is a library here, but I have yet to visit it. Would it have any knowledge on the subject?"
The big warrior pauses and ruffles his hat yet again. "Also, is this a test between teams? You said we wouldn't have to fight against one another, but is this a race to see who can find this thing in the pass first?"
"I am Tristram Malic Jannistaire, but you may call me Malic."
After that Malic goes quiet and listens for Yinobra's reply to Savar.
"As for what you seek..."
She draws a smooth dark stone the size of her thumb from one sleeve, passing it from one to the next. At first it appears to be jet-black, but shades to red where it's handled, fading slowly when it's released. Surprisingly heavy for something so small, it feels inexplicably sharp, as though covered in hundreds of tiny, invisible barbs.
”What is its purpose, and significance?”he asks as he gingerly holds it before passing it off to the next person.
Show
All knowledge checks for the stone and what she mentioned of the pass.Espec: Know Planes.
ooc
Knowledge checks
When handed the stone he takes it and rubs his thumb all along it. He holds it up to his nose and breathes in deeply.
"Strange..."
ooc
Appraise +5 if possible
"This is a strange material, it looks like a stone yet it is unlike any stone I've ever encountered. I'd wager one could make great arrowheads from these things if they can be worked, they already have a sharp feel if you know what I mean"
"Whatever the nature of this stone it comes from great evil...May I ask as to why we must retrive these? I do not intend on questioning the order, but I simply wish to know."
"Obsession with material possession leads down a path of decadence. Is this of value to someone? Are we to destroy it?"
Kader fiddles with the stone a little before handing it to the person next to him. Others have already asked his questions, so he simply waits for Yinobra's reply.
Pangur grimaces when he touches the stone's strange surface, passing it on quickly.
OoC
Bardic Knowledge +3, Knowledge (Geography) +4, if applicable
After a thoughtful look, she adds, "We're not even sure she's still alive. It's been over a week since she went out to find more of these."
The stone is unfamiliar to Elobi and Harou, though it seems as though it must contain magical properties of some sort. Thorik is uncertain how much he could charge for such a thing without knowing what it does -- perhaps a platinum or two, if the buyer doesn't mind the biting, cold sensation that's starting to creep through his hand as he investigates it.
Gerin's comment earns an appraising look from Yinobra.
"A few of the priests have made that very same observation," she tells him. "This is the only one we have left, so we're limited in our ability to study its properties. If we had more, that would not be a problem."
She shakes her head in repsonse to En Siroc Var's last question.
"Not as such, she replies. "We may destroy them yet, but it might be best to gain undertanding of them first. It's not what they are so much as... what they might tell us about ourselves."
"If I may, I'd like to cast a spell to learn a bit more about it. I can detect the aura on it and I can cast the spell again tomorrow to scan for any auras that match."
With Yinobra's approval, he takes the stone in one hand and begins to chant. Waving his left hand over the stone, his eyes take on a rock like appearance.
Show
Detect Magic
"Are we to find more of these rocks, or the wizard lady you spoke about?"
Before she can answer, "Or is it one of those, 'find one and you've found the other' kind of things?"
He looks to their instructor for confirmation.
"This thing is a bit small," he notes, handing it to the next person. "Are we supposed to search every inch of the pass for little sharp rocks lying on the ground? Or are these in more obvious places? Such as floating through the air, or sitting in the pockets of dark wizards and priests? I don't imagine that such little items would be easy to find without magical aid."
"I suppose we should find this wizard, whoever she is." He gives a glance to Yinobra as he takes the stone yet again, and hands it back to her.
"Yes, we find her, and either bring her back her safely, or continue her quest instead, possibly aiding her. Am I far from the mark?"
He continues quickly without allowing a reply just yet, and speaks somewhat like he has thought it through... logically of course.
"I have a few preperations that I wish to make, and perhaps we will be provided with some more supplies to aid us... I know that I would very much like to speak with some of my fellow arcanist, and gather from them a bit of their knowledge in exchange for some of mine." He stops with a brief look at Elobi, then blinks slowly and turns away with a sighing breath. "Of course, I have spoken out of place. Yinobra, you were not finished."
He clasps his hands in front of him and smiles.
"This is a pretty interesting rock!" he says with a wide grin
"Priests are studying it too, must be important. If not for my duties here, I would probably be in old library studying strange things. Although there would bound to be rats there. he laughs nervously and then passes the rock on to the next person.
"Tomorrow, once you are ready," she tells Malic. "That will give you time to requisition extra equipment from the quartermaster and otherwise make preparations.
"Ideally, yes," she answers Thorik, "though I fear it's unlikely. I wouldn't know where to begin look for Ferris, but she did tell me that she found such stones in a place where the skies are green and the blood whispers. En Siroc Var is correct, however; I'm hoping that between three teams, one of you might find the stones and increase our chances of recovering Ferris.
"You raise excellent concerns, Savar," Yinroba admits. "I've told you all I know. I do not know if you'll find such a place out there, as they come and go without pattern -- or at least one we've been able to discern as of yet. Tread the borders lightly, until you know the dangers and feel able to overcome them. Do not be too alarmed if they collapse, because the vanishing regions won't take you with them when they disappear. And continue your search for as long as you are comfortable. If you should find yourself in trouble, you should leave quickly."
Yinroba answers Harou's question with a nod, then later raises a hand to wave away the need for an apology.
"I think that should cover it, unless there are more questions. I've made arrrangements for this expedition with the quartermaster's office, so they should be able to fill most of your requests quickly."
By the time she has finished speaking, Elobi has been able to confirm a faint source of magic in the stone, but nothing more definite than that.
"I hope I'll have the chance for a good hot bath and a decent supper tonight. And some Ale to wash the stench of goblin blood from my thoat and nose.
on another note who will lead the separate groups and what will be our strategy? We need to lay a plan for this mission, it's no good galloping of into the pass without a plan"
"I want to talk about our strategy later tonight, maybe over dinner. In the meantime though feel free to find your bunk and move in."
He extends a hand.
"I'm Kader, by the way."
Kader turns to the others.
"Can we agree to meet and discuss the mission over dinner tonight? Also, Yinobra, where could we find you in case questions come up later tonight that we haven't thought of now?"
"One more thing... while I realize that you might feel your chances are better in a larger group, a big group is also more readily noticed. We're not the only ones with eyes on the Pass."
"As for where you can find me, if I'm to be found, it will be here."
OoC
But I'm not drawing you that map. :P What do you really want to know?
He looks to Pangur, Gerin, and Elobi.
"Should we wander back to rest and think of anything we'll need?"
The mage puts his hands in his pockets. "I don't recognize the stones from any of my notes, but there is a faint magical aura about it. This may or not allow us to detect more of them tommorrow, although I suspect the whole area will be suffused with magical energy."
to Yinorba "Just keep the rope my dear. Im sure the quartermaster can replace it."
Turning back to the rest of his 'team' "Lets make our way. Im getting hungry."
He nods to En Siroc Var. "We can continue this discussion in the mess hall.
He nods to En Siroc Var. "We can continue this discussion in the mess hall.
"Right!" Pangur pipes up. "And we can eat too!"
"I will take chalk indeed, but I will not rely solely on such methods, not when I have other tools." He says to Dorian in the same tone and turn to Eboli.
"Yes, well I can make scrolls of the spells I have now, and memorize the others tomorrow."
Since the others either didn't hear or understand him, or perhaps he is too impatient, Harou moves on.
"What about personal quarters?"
"As you wish. Of course, we are not in the same group, so you may apply my comments to the other wizards."
He frowns again looking to Yinobra.
"I am sorry, disregard my request for a personal room. I do not have the time. Perhaps a meal would be best."
"Well what do we want to bring?"
"I'll be glad to keep civil company tonight but I am going for an early night. Can't believe they're doing this to me. Fresh back from two weeks scouring the norhtern reaches for orcs and goblins one nights sleep and back in the field. .......Don't know why I even bother about it , I should be used to it after two years"
The big man grins and unpacks the rest of his kit bringing out a large dagger ( a decent shortsword to the smaller races ) and a well kept and oft used battle axe. There is also a quiver with arrows that now rests in a corner with his spear and bow. After that a few more items dissapear in the footlocker. The last thing that comes from the pack is a well made belt. From it hangs a baldric with a short dagger. This he buckles over the green shirt and then he turns to Elobi
"I'm ready, let's go get a bite to eat shall we?"
OoC
Do we just move onto the mess hall in this thread? Any info on what it's like? Or are we free to make that up? Also, what time is it?
Well for one when we find these shifts, how about tying a rope to an object outside of the shift, and inside the shift? Kinda like a bridge between two points?
Xade follows the others to the mess hall, listening intently to what others suggest
Well for one when we find these shifts, how about tying a rope to an object outside of the shift, and inside the shift? Kinda like a bridge between two points?
"Kind of obvious though. What if something other than us finds them? Its as good as a big sign saying 'here we are' then.
I was thinking maybe something less obvious, so that even if something else did find them they wouldn't necessarily realize that outsiders put them there. I've seen piles of small rocks used to mark trails before, maybe something like that?"
Kader accompanies the others to the barracks, pulling off his armor and setting it in a neat pile next to his bunk. After changing out of his sweaty training shirt, he joins the group in the mess hall.
He then turns to Xade. "I'd be willing to put some of my funds into healing."
Looking around doubtfully, "Course Ive no idea where that'd be..."
After locating the room, Thorik lays claim to his bed by messing up the linens and putting the pillow on the opposite end. He then lays his things out next to each other. There is a grappling hook, few pieces of chalk, half empty flask of whiskey, and a few mundane things including a half eaten piece of ham he'd apparently forgotten about, some rocks he'd thought were interesting, what looks like the inerds of a lock he likes to fiddle with, and a few pieces of parchment with almost unreadable scribble on them.
"Not much really. Im not really concerned with material things....HAHAHA!"
"Well what do we want to bring?"
"The usual for any trip: food and water, shelter, tinder and torches, rope, some medical supplies. Specifically for this mission: a container of sorts for those stones - how many are we expected to find at most anyway? - and maybe some paper and a pen to make notes about the terrain and possibly a map. Do these stones lie around somewhere, or are we supposed to dig them out? That would mean picks and shovels."
Once seated, Pangur looks about expectantly: "How do we get our food? Get it ourselves or is someone supposed to bring it out?"
In the same breath he goes on with his list though: "Do we get mounts from the regiment? I have a donkey we can bring along to carry stuff. She's not really fast, but she's dependable and we wouldn't have to burden ourselves. "
"That all sounds good. I'm not used to having all these resources at my disposal so I'll follow your lead."
"I'm not so sure about the food procedure," he looks back, hoping for a vegetarian alternative.
OoC
Well, since Thorik's already back at the barracks, I'm going to assume the group followed him, since we were kind of sticking together. If someone has a better destination, I'll edit this.
He continues looking it over trying to take it all in.
I was thinking maybe something less obvious, so that even if something else did find them they wouldn't necessarily realize that outsiders put them there. I've seen piles of small rocks used to mark trails before, maybe something like that?"
Kader accompanies the others to the barracks, pulling off his armor and setting it in a neat pile next to his bunk. After changing out of his sweaty training shirt, he joins the group in the mess hall.
Sounds promising, but wouldn't a pile of stones stand out too? I mean if they are stacked so that we recognize them as a marker wouldn't someone else who is observant notice it as well?
OoC
I may be out of commission for a few days. Please carry on without me in this thread for now. Just a few things to keep in mind:
1. Your status secures each of you small, independent sleeping quarters, built around shared common areas.
2. Your mess hall is located a floor above that for the rank and file. Dress appropriately. (Fancy dress is not required, but anything else must be modest and it must be clean. Armor is not appropriate attire. Other than a dagger (and anything you can keep properly concealed), weaponry is to be checked at the door.
3. You're each authorized to withdraw 100 gp worth of gear from QM stores; anything beyond that must be covered by personal funds. (You will be reimbursed in full for items returned to stores unused.) That can include potions or scrolls. (Note that house rules place the cost of most 2nd level potions at 200 gp.) Pooling resources for a given item is an option.
The following eleven wands are available from QM stores for this mission:
I'll give people notice when I'll be back again. Until then, please carry on from mid-afternoon of the day.
1. Your status secures each of you small, independent sleeping quarters, built around shared common areas.
2. Your mess hall is located a floor above that for the rank and file. Dress appropriately. (Fancy dress is not required, but anything else must be modest and it must be clean. Armor is not appropriate attire. Other than a dagger (and anything you can keep properly concealed), weaponry is to be checked at the door.
3. You're each authorized to withdraw 100 gp worth of gear from QM stores; anything beyond that must be covered by personal funds. (You will be reimbursed in full for items returned to stores unused.) That can include potions or scrolls. (Note that house rules place the cost of most 2nd level potions at 200 gp.) Pooling resources for a given item is an option.
The following eleven wands are available from QM stores for this mission:
- detect magic (12 charges, 90 gp)
- detect magic (36 charges, 270 gp)
- charm person (5 charges, 75 gp)
- color spray (18 charges, 270 gp)
- cure light wounds (3 charges, 45 gp)
- cure light wounds (22 charges, 330 gp)
- detect secret doors (5 charges, 75 gp)
- magic missile (3rd level caster, 8 charges, 168 gp)
- magic missile (5th level caster, 4 charges, 108 gp)
- invisibility (1 charge, 60 gp)
- knock (4 charges, 240 gp)
I'll give people notice when I'll be back again. Until then, please carry on from mid-afternoon of the day.
He soon appears in the mess hall in his adventuring clothes. While not formal, nor absolutely casual, they are a fine set of clothes. They are broken in, and only his boots show noticeable signs of wear and tear. His drink preference is a large flagon of ale, and he sits at the end of a table and smokes his pipe while the food is prepared.
Purchases
Harou will buy wand “i.” for exactly 108 gp. He will also buy a potion of cure light wounds for 50 gp store credit, two scrolls of arcane mark for 25 gp store credit, and a [i]detect secret doors[i/] scroll for 25 gp store credit.
Spying Harou Malic joins him and nods to the smoking mage.
Purchases
2 Cure light wounds Potions for the total 100 gp credit.
Harou smiles a bit and makes eye contact with Malic from under the brim of his hat.
"I am eager to see these strange happenings at the pass. Are you not?"
”That is what makes it most intriguing.” He nods again as one of the others passes by. His eyes follow until they cross Malic’s again.
”When we are attacked, or when we attack..he smiles remain beside me before engaging the enemy. I have a small enchantment I can place on your weapon to give it a sharper edge and keener balance.. It will not last long, but it should help if we are facing a rather tough foe. Then, you may commence your attack.”
"I'm afraid you will need to be more specific. I can tell you I do not dabbling in the darker forms of the art. I prefer light and courage over shadow and fear."
He laughs a bit to himself and speaks.
"There now, I sound like my father giving a lecture. My appologies. I would very much like for the other two to show up so that we may make plans."
"Well, it looks like what we really need is some healin'. Guess Ill pick up a couple potions at Quartermasters before gettin' a bite."
He makes his way to the Quartermasters and using the credits, buys a couple potions. There is a little bickering about having to replace the rope, but Thorik either convinces him, or the QM is tired of hearing him talk and hands over 50' of it reluctantly.
He makes his way to the mess hall and sits next to Harou and Malic. He pops the top of his flask and takes a shot.
"Hiya fellas. Whats t'eat around here?"
Purchase/Savar
Used store credit to get two clw potions. I didnt want to drag you along, Savar, if you werent ready. So kinda left it open.
”The ale will suffice. Aside from that I do not know, but I would imagine the vittles are typical for such a place; beans, bread and beast. Malic and I were just discuss our combat tactics…”
"Forgive me I must not have spoken my thoughts correctly. My tutor spoke of schools of magic, was he incorrect in his lesson?"
As Thorik approaches he smiles and greats the dwarf, "Hello."
Balancing it in one hand, he returns to the table. "Most of it's ready back there, if you're hungry."
He starts swiftly working his way through the unappitizing concoction.
En Siroc Var looks across to Pangur and Gerin as a thought comes to mind, "If the weather and light are so unpredicatable out there, do you think it's worth trying to obtain alternate forms of lighting from the stores. I don't know if they stock alchemical trinkets, but investing in one of those torches that require no fuel, or sunrods to split among the group. Things that won't go out at the wrong time."
The man seems to think back to past experiences.
Malic and I were just discuss our combat tactics…”
"Ah! I try'n avoid it all together. But I can throw my hammers pretty good, so if I gotta scrap, I do it from a distance."
Seeing Elobi come out of the kitchen with a bowl, Thorik rises from the table.
"S'cuse me. Ill be right back."
Thorik darts into the kitchen looking for substanance. Seeing the slop, he asks the cook if there is anything else to choose from. He's advised that there is bread and some stew in a pot. He gets a bowl and a couple chunks of bread and returns to his table.
"Sorry bout that. Couldnt wait any longer."
He smiles as he looks from the hungry dwarf to Malic.
"Oh, and Malic, I will show you personally what I specialize in. Your instructor told you correctly. "
Trailign off Malic puts a hand on his stomach and begins to stand, "Excuse me I'm getting somewhat hungry. Would you like some food Harou?"
"Here's to the last civilized meal for a bit... Unless anyone here is a good cook?"
Kader looks from person to person a bit hopefully.
Uh, just another random thought are there others who can heal injury? If not a priority would be healing drinks otherwise we could be in a lot of trouble.
"I've thought about that. You would have no trouble using the minor wand right? If you have that we should hopefully not run out of healing. Might be wise to get a potion or two in case you are incapacitated and yourself need to be revived. The wand is a lot more cost effective, though.
About the markings, its possible that they might be recognized regardless, but they would certainly be less conspicuous. I'm open to better ideas, though."
After hearing the others' thoughts on this, he turns to Dorian.
"So I've seen all the others in action and I think I know more or less what they do. How about you? You favor the bow, or that big spear of yours?"
OoC
If noone objects to this plan, Kader will use 95 gp of his supplies to requisition wand e and a single healing potion, and the remaining 5 gp on rations. How many days travel is the pass from here? If far, will buy a few more days food with personal funds.
Sorry about cramming alot into one post, I will not be on again till late tonight.
Sorry about cramming alot into one post, I will not be on again till late tonight.
From his own funds he aquires a small set of woodcutting tools which he adds to his toolkit along with a small handaxe. Once this is all stored with the rest of his gear he joins the others in the commonroom seeking Kader.
When he sits down with some stew and bread he takes a bite first before answering kaders question
"I prefer my bow but I can hold my own with that pigsticker I carry around"
"Whitestones..made a fortune in marble...excavating it...carving it into art...whatever.."
Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he finally looks up.
"All that bores me tho. Have no interest in it. Rather make my own way, if ya know what I mean."
"Indeed.."
Harou sets the pipe and picks up his spoon.
Letting his face soften. "Dont mean to sound so coarse, but thats all I heard about growing up. Honor. Tradition. THE CLAN!" Whatever. Im gonna make my own mark on the world. Be honorable to myself. And do something a bit more fun than carve on some damn rocks."
Malic lowers his eyes to his food and resumes eating.
After a moment of silence Malic turns back to Harou, "you mentioned ways of marking our path, should we have soem backup plans incase the magic fails?"
"Aye. But we can leave mundane marks as well. I have chalk, and can draw a line in dirt as well." He smiles and takes another bite.
"I hope our half-orc friend has a few skills in the wilds at least. My knowledge is simply that, knowledge. I cannot readily guide us in those lands."
OoC
Wow! No new posts this morning, but I come back from school and I'm almost a full page behind. Let's just pretend that Savar tagged along with Thorik, since it makes no sense for him not to have.
”I speak a number of languages as well.” He turns back to the group.
”I doubt that will aid us very much, but we shall see. As far as matters of the wood, we will simply work together.”he adds the last bit rather cheerfully and continues his meal.
He gives a smile to Savar and devours the last of his bread.
"Need more ale...."
Gerin eyes the food aprehensivly as well.
"I understand you can use magic, what can you do mostly with it. I understand little about the Arcain. I know much more about the gods and the blessings they bestow, but nothing from what a mage pulls from a book.
Pagnar I did not see much of your abilities while we were in there but can you do a substantual amount of healing? I have seen that every other group is investing in potions to heal themselves with but if we can invest more in to, an alternate light sorce as En Siroc Var mentioned.
I belive that we should bring much food on the trip. I do not think that hunting in the pass would be a wise choice. As for a light sorce I know of a torch that never goes out. It is somewhat expensive but very useful. I belive that we could get one at the price of about two of the potions that every one else seems to be purchasing. As for a beast of burden goes I'n not sure that would be prudent. The area is fell. An animal unacoustomed to such things would be terrible frightened. If the border reacehs out and grabs us then the animal may become a burden. If we were to teather it a good distance from the pass then it would be safe from the borders but not from whatever preditors that may be prowling the area. My thought is bring extra food and water. A tent is heavy but may be key in protecting us from whatever weather the area has. Something to mark our path, possibly chalk, in conjunction with a map. This would require parchment, a quill, and ink. Rope i found is always present when one doesn't need it but needed if left behind. I do not think we all four will need to bring rope only two lenghts should suffice. If at all possible we should try and avoid battle at night. Us humans cannot see well by torch light. I know you can see well by that light Pagnar. So the question about lighting comes up again."
"If the weather and light are so unpredicatable out there, do you think it's worth trying to obtain alternate forms of lighting from the stores. I don't know if they stock alchemical trinkets, but investing in one of those torches that require no fuel, or sunrods to split among the group.
"Good idea," Pangur nods before haring off to fetch a plate of food of his own.
"It's not that bad," he says after tasting his first spoonful. "It's not goat either though. I haven't had a good goat stew since forever..."
"One or two of those special torches would be handy, if we can get them. I have most of the regular things we may need - aside from tents and blankets and stuff for everyone, of course - but for those special items we'll need to see the quartermaster."
"Pagnar I did not see much of your abilities while we were in there but can you do a substantual amount of healing? I have seen that every other group is investing in potions to heal themselves with but if we can invest more in to, an alternate light sorce as En Siroc Var mentioned.
"Substantial? I don't think so. I can request my forefathers for help, they're usually willing to do something about cuts and scrapes and the occasional broken bone, but there are limits to what I can request. But, they can also help me handle certain magical devices - that doesn't require much of them, if anything, so with the right kind of item I could heal all day long. That kind of item is cheaper than a comparable number of potions, I think, so we might be able to save some there. It would mean you would all have to rely on me though. If something happens to me, the item won't do you any good.
What could we afford if we pooled our resources?"
OoC 
I just noticed the differences in our alignments. Two LG, one N, and one CN. I can't wait for our first moral delima :D .
I just noticed the differences in our alignments. Two LG, one N, and one CN. I can't wait for our first moral delima :D ."My magic specialises in the calling forth of extradimensional creatures. I've studied some of the work done by the sages of Castille that allows me to summon stronger allies than are usually possible for my skill level. " He sips at his ale to refresh himself.
"However, my concentration in Conjuration hasn't been to the exclusion of the other schools of magic like some mages. Although I avoid necromancy, the emperor does not look kindly upon practicioners of the dark art." He leans forward onto his elbows. "As for pooling our funds, I have over two hundred peices of gold to my name as well as my credit. I am interested in investing in some of magical goods if it would allow me to cast more effectively, but I'll willingly pay for Panguar's access to extended healing.
"Dont be doin yer magiks in here now. I dont have much of it, but Im fond of my hair where it is, thank you."
He eases back to towards the table keeping his eye on Harou
"Its not that I dont trust ya, but I doubt they'd think too kindly of a rogue fireball soaring thru the air!"
"Fear not Thorik. I am still an apprentice in the eyes of a true master of the art. I do not hurl fireballs, not yet. However, when I do, I will know exactly where they will be going. There are no rogue spells despite what some fools may have you believe, only rogue casters. Hopefully Savar, we will not need much in the way of magic on our first outing in the pass."
"I would add my credit to the pool for the greater benefit of the group," he states simply.
"If a magic stick would allow for more healing, then that might be a good investment."
"Here's to the last civilized meal for a bit... Unless anyone here is a good cook?"
Kader looks from person to person a bit hopefully.
"I've thought about that. You would have no trouble using the minor wand right? If you have that we should hopefully not run out of healing. Might be wise to get a potion or two in case you are incapacitated and yourself need to be revived. The wand is a lot more cost effective, though.
About the markings, its possible that they might be recognized regardless, but they would certainly be less conspicuous. I'm open to better ideas, though."
After hearing the others' thoughts on this, he turns to Dorian.
"So I've seen all the others in action and I think I know more or less what they do. How about you? You favor the bow, or that big spear of yours?"
I would not have much of a problem using a wand to cure, but I remember a lesson from Father Kelley who taught me. Sometimes, when healing someone quiet will be needed. A wand requires a spoken activation, but a potion is silent.
From his own funds he aquires a small set of woodcutting tools which he adds to his toolkit along with a small handaxe. Once this is all stored with the rest of his gear he joins the others in the commonroom seeking Kader.
When he sits down with some stew and bread he takes a bite first before answering kaders question
"I prefer my bow but I can hold my own with that pigsticker I carry around"
I have some ability with a mace I think it was called. I have decent aim throwing rocks. My true strenghts are the abilities granted by terrametrex healing repulsing the undead and such. In a pinch I can always try and hide! he smiles jovially
I agree. I have already purchased two healing potions as well as a wand to add to my limited arsenal. With my remaining gold, I can help one of you to purchase something we might also need.
Aridar sits back for a moment and lightly touches his chest before looking back at the others.
You should also know that I'm more of an evoker than anything else. Once I run out of spells to cast, I will have to rely on my crossbow or longsword. While I may be able to cast more often than a mage, I am very restricted to the amount of different spells I know.
Show
Aridar purchased 2x cure light wounds potion(credit) and (h.) wand (personal fund)
"aye I have seen you little ones in action and you're tough to spot once your hidden. I 'd you to hide some where near us so that you may be able to help from cover. I'll try to keep any brutes away from you so you won't need to hide. Do we have anyone in our group who serves the divine? I myself am skilled in the arts of surviving and tracking. Beside that I pack quite a punch if it comes to scrapping"
"Fear not Thorik. I am still an apprentice in the eyes of a true master of the art. I do not hurl fireballs, not yet. However, when I do, I will know exactly where they will be going. There are no rogue spells despite what some fools may have you believe, only rogue casters.
"Good ta know. I've always been intrigued by magik. Making something out of nothing... There werent many who could use it where I'm from, but those that could were gifted indeed."
He says smiling as he takes a drink off the tray.
"As for pooling our funds, I have over two hundred peices of gold to my name as well as my credit. I am interested in investing in some of magical goods if it would allow me to cast more effectively, but I'll willingly pay for Panguar's access to extended healing.
"I have next to nothing in coin. My funds are all in my equipment. I have a few golden coins left plus my credit here. I planned on getting a single curative potion for my self but the remainder of it may be applied to whatever the group needs. ... This will however put a larger amount of pressure upon you Pagnar. If you are to come to harm that would endanger the rest of us."
"I would add my credit to the pool for the greater benefit of the group," he states simply.
"If a magic stick would allow for more healing, then that might be a good investment."
Pangur looks longingly towards the kitchen for a moment as he scrapes the last bits from his bowl, but decides against seconds.
"I appreciate the concern for my well-being in the interest of the entire group," he says with a wide grin, "but perhaps it'd be possible to spread our eggs over several baskets, so to speak: we could all get a single potion for personal use, like my protective friend here, and supplement those with what I can offer through the grace of my ancestors.
I have a score or so gold coins at my disposal, with that and my credit I should hopefully be able to cover a potion of my own and the magical item, if it doesn't have too many uses in it. The rest of the credit combined should suffice for the other potions and one or maybe even two magical torches, and that would leave master Elobi the entire use of his personal funds to fortify his magical arsenal in any way he deems useful.
Does that leave everyone with enough for food, water and other essential supplies? If it does, I think we have a sensible list of purchases. We could check with the quartermaster right away."
He leans closer and almost wispers, "..no matter how hard they try to keep me out."
"Im also quick on my feet..." with this he jumps to his feet landing on the bench he'd been sitting on and does a perfect backflip, planting his feet firmly on the floor. He either does this to show off, or the whiskey shots and ale is starting to take effect.
"Specially fer a dwarf..." he takes his seat again and continues "It keeps me out of some tight situations from time to time."
"Genetics was kind to me...hard training didnt hurt either."
rather pleased with himself..moreso, that he didnt fall..he takes another pull from his flask, but a smaller one.
"We are well rounded enough, though a healer would be nice, we should do fine."
He says in an aside to Gerin to reply to his earlier question, "Siroc will do if you need a shorter handle."
Pausing Malic looks around at the others, "Perhaps we should go back to conversing on how best to do this mission. Harou, you're probably the most educated among us, do you know anything about the pass other than what Yinobra told us?"
"However, I am fairly learned about other dimensions and their inhabitants. Some creatures exists soley here, or there. Others, may be normal here, but grossly mutated there or vise versa. The pass sounds like a place where these worlds are weaved together. I expect to find many things that were once familiar to our world, now strange, and altered."
En Siroc Var nods to Pangur with no objections.
He says in an aside to Gerin to reply to his earlier question, "Siroc will do if you need a shorter handle."
"I'm ready to head off when you guys are." Elobi makes his way back to the kitchen with dishes and quietly washes them before returning them to where he found them.
He makes his way to the side of the table and waits for everyone else to be ready.
The wizard sparks up his pipe again and slowly puffs the embers to a rich red glow.
"I'm ready to head off when you guys are."
"I'm ready too."
Pangur followed Elobi's example and cleaned up his bowl and cutlery, swiping an apple as he exits the kitchen.
"Shall we go to the quartermaster first, before the others empty out his stock?"
Listening to Harou, the half-orc starts to look a bit worried. "You mean we might meet some kind of horrible, previously unknown monsters?" He makes some vague finger-wiggling jestures to emphasize the 'horrible' part.
Draining another cup, he adds it to the growing pile of empty mugs at his elbow.
"Tactics are important," Savar agrees. "I think by now we have a good idea of what everyone can bring to the table, so to speak. Malic and I can probably hack away on whatever we meet while Thorik tosses hammers and Harou does...whatever it is that Harou does."
He shrugs. "Sure, it'll probably be a little more complicated than that, but it's a start."
"Will you be able to control yourself?"
"Oh, that." Savar scratches his head. "Sure." He laughs.
"I don't really 'lose control.' It's hard to explain. Things just...seem different. Like in the training hall. It was like I was part of a hunting party, and Yinobra was some kind of beast we were trying to capture. I still know what I'm trying to do, and my mind's still there. It's just like the part of my mind that does the fighting comes out in front, and the rest takes a step back."
The warrior frowns. "It's not like that for the others, the pure-blood orcs. I've seen them throw themselves, screaming bloodily, at enemies. You can see it in their eyes. It's like looking at an animal that's gone crazy with hunger or disease."
Savar shivers a bit, and lifts another mug to his lips.
.oO(Bet I'll be dreaming of it on a long mission...)
I would not have much of a problem using a wand to cure, but I remember a lesson from Father Kelley who taught me. Sometimes, when healing someone quiet will be needed. A wand requires a spoken activation, but a potion is silent.
Kader nods.
"I got myself a potion as well."
He hands the thin ash wand to Xade.
"Here you are."
Kader turns to Aridar.
"What spells do you know, then?"
He smiles slightly before turning his eyes back to the hall.
He says with an unreadable expression.
"Malic and I can probably hack away on whatever we meet while Thorik tosses hammers and Harou does...whatever it is that Harou does."
"Well hopefully it wont come to that...if we're careful enough and dont get lost. But if it does, we'll be ready."
Thorik puts his flask to his lips again, but thinks better of it and stashes it away for the night.
"Kader, it seems I know the speciality of each member of our team except for yours. I was the last to enter the training hall and I seem to have missed a demonstration, would you mind filling me in?"
Dorian notices the newcomer
OOC
Kenric
He shrugs.
"Knowing how to fight with any given weapon is very useful when fighting against it."
Kader turns to examine the new arrival.
"Can't say I recognize him... I've only been here a few weeks, though."
"I'm ready too."
Pangur followed Elobi's example and cleaned up his bowl and cutlery, swiping an apple as he exits the kitchen.
"Shall we go to the quartermaster first, before the others empty out his stock?"
The man with light-dyed hair stands and nods.
"That would be a good idea," he walks with the others once they are ready.
"And a full night's rest would be prudent," he hints to himself that he cannot rely on equipment to substitute for his training.
En Siroc Var adjusts his foreign-looking cloth outfit and walks along with sandaled feet.
"So do we have more to discuss, or do we make some final preparations for the night? I know I want to get some sleep before we set out in the morning."
OoC
Just tryin' to keep things movin' :D
"Just wonderin' for me every face here is new so I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Tell me, do you know anything at all about the Jackalls pass? I've heard rumours but I don't know whether they be true or false"
After a long pause when no one speaks, Savar finishes his latest cup of ale and sets it down.
"So do we have more to discuss, or do we make some final preparations for the night? I know I want to get some sleep before we set out in the morning."OoCJust tryin' to keep things movin' :D
OoC
100 gp store credit for 4 scrolls of CLW
That leaves the group with 300 gp store credit + 20 gp from Pangur's personal funds + whatever Gerin and Siroc have + 200 gp from Elobi. I suggest 150 gp store credit for 3 potions of CLW and 110 gp for an everburning torch. The remaining 40 gp store credit + 20 gp from Pangur + 200 gp from Elobi can go towards items to boost Elobi's casting. What we have beyond that + whatever's left after Elobi's purchases we should probably spend on extra rations and waterskins.
That leaves the group with 300 gp store credit + 20 gp from Pangur's personal funds + whatever Gerin and Siroc have + 200 gp from Elobi. I suggest 150 gp store credit for 3 potions of CLW and 110 gp for an everburning torch. The remaining 40 gp store credit + 20 gp from Pangur + 200 gp from Elobi can go towards items to boost Elobi's casting. What we have beyond that + whatever's left after Elobi's purchases we should probably spend on extra rations and waterskins.
"You dont have to talk me into it. Good to meet you all and I look foward to the journey ahead."
He starts for the door and calls out "See you at dawn!"
He makes his way back to his quarters and readies his things so they're ready to 'grab and go' in the morning. He crawls in the bed and drifts off to a deep and pleasant sleep. As always, before an expedition, he is up just before dawn. He grabs his gear, and remembering he is out of rations makes his way to the quartermasters to stock up. Once purchased he makes his way to the meeting place with still a bit of time to kill.
ooc
Didnt really know if we needed rations and things of that sort. So if we do, he buys enough rations and water to last him.
.oO(This is part of the school of necromancy. I already know the spell, so I'm harming the reputation of my house by using it.) He picks up the scroll and adds it to his stack of goods. Realising that he hasn't brought any supplies for traveling, the mage picks up a bedroll, some chalk, a waterskin and an additional ten bolts for his crossbow. He looks to his teammates before making his purchases.
ooc
-90 gold for detect magic wand a.
-1 cp for chalk
-5sp for bed roll
-10 gp 20 rations
-1 gp waterskin
-25 gold, scroll of touch of fatigue and Arcane Mark
-50 Gold, scroll of magic weapon (2)
-1 Gold 10 crossbow bolts
177gold, 5 silver and one copper. I agree with the distribution of potions and the everburning torch. I'll make my purchases out of Elobi's funds first.
-90 gold for detect magic wand a.
-1 cp for chalk
-5sp for bed roll
-10 gp 20 rations
-1 gp waterskin
-25 gold, scroll of touch of fatigue and Arcane Mark
-50 Gold, scroll of magic weapon (2)
-1 Gold 10 crossbow bolts
177gold, 5 silver and one copper. I agree with the distribution of potions and the everburning torch. I'll make my purchases out of Elobi's funds first.
I think the best way to go about searching for these rocks would be to look for ones similar to it and then collect as many as we can. Then we can detect to see if any are the special rocks that Yinobra wants. After that we can decide if we want to keep searching or head back.
"My apologies perhaps, I did not explain that very well." thinks for a moment before continuing "I do not need to prepare the healing energy or the harmful energy. I can do it as needed as long I can still cast. That way we have more options based on the severity of the situation."
Aridar leaves the mess hall and makes his way to his room to rest.
Xade, takes the remains of his dinner and returns it to the kitchen so it will be easier for them to clean. He talks briefly with others group before heading to his bunk to rest for the rest of the evening. Carefully the halfling priest searches the room with a rock in hand searching vigorously for hidden rats. Not finding any he wears a smirk as he climbs into bed with the rock still in grasp
Back in his small room, the half-orc repacks his things and does some last-minute polishing on his armor and weaponry. After sliding his short sword beneath the bed, he lays down for the night. In moments low snoring issues from the private room as Savar sleeps with uneasy dreams of the past.
Dorian nods at Kaders remark
"Just wonderin' for me every face here is new so I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Tell me, do you know anything at all about the Jackalls pass? I've heard rumours but I don't know whether they be true or false"
Just a bit of the history, the battle when the Jackals got wiped out and stuff related to that. I've never been to the pass itself, so I guess we will have to test the rumors first hand."
" Kader, have you thought on a strategy or are we going to think one up once we get there? and I'm not talking combat tactics. How are we going to find these rocks if the place they're found is not around or are you planning to go for the missing mage and forget about the rocks? "
Kader grimaces.
"I hadn't planned on searching for the mage, no. Obviously if we happen across her, that would be nice, but I've even less idea how to find her than these rocks. Yinobra seemed to think she is probably dead, too."
"As for finding the rocks themselves, yes, I was thinking we'd come up with a plan when we get there. Just don't know enough to plan for anything past the basics at this point."
Kader nods to Xade and Aridar as they head off to bed.
"Meet here in the morning. Say, a half hour after dawn? That should give you both plenty of rest."
Kader, clearly not in the mood for an early turn in, sits back and takes a pull of ale, then turns to Dorian again.
"Not much point talking business with half the team gone to bed. I've noticed that a lot of the people here have interesting stories to tell about how they came to be here. I don't suppose you would be one of them?"
"Well, I joined the imperial army as a scout a good two years ago now. Before that I used to be a sellsword, hiring my skills to caravan masters and the like. Since I joined the army I ran a few errands and fullfilled a few objectives to the satisfaction of my supreriors. In the end they deemed me good enough to be re-assigned to the silversword"
It's clear that Dorian is not telling all there is or is mis representing part of the situation. Whatever it is part of the story is not quite true.
When they get to the quartermaster's, Pangur has him explain about everything there's available. He is quite disappointed that the wand that fits his requirements exactly was taken by someone else earlier that evening, but as luck would have it there is a viable alternative: he invests his store credit in four scrolls, each of which will allow him to heal someone. The twenty golds he has in his purse are put towards the purchase of a magical torch or some other useful device.
En Siroc Var looks for the heatless torch he has seen before, and nods to Pangur's purchases after they are explained.
"These should be useful," he nods, "I prefer tools that enable us to use our own abilities to their fullest, rather than ones that become crutches."
He looks from the gnome to the others, "Anything else you gentlemen would like to discuss? Strategies or other ideas? Or should we turn in for the evening to prepare?"
He looks to his teammates before making his purchases.
Pangur nods while following Elobi's choices.
"You've got your magic covered, and you made some sensible mundane purchases, but shouldn't you be getting one of those healing potions as well? I have these four scrolls to use in a pinch, but it'll be safer if the three of you can take care of yourselves at least once in case something happens.
Other than that, I'd say it's a pretty good selection. Lots of rations though, unless you're planning on not having to eat in the mess anymore..."
"Anything else you gentlemen would like to discuss? Strategies or other ideas? Or should we turn in for the evening to prepare?"
"I'd like to talk to master Elobi about the kind of spells he usually employs, to avoid mishaps like what happened during the practice session, but we can do that tomorrow. It'll be a while before we get to the Pass."
purchases
Gerin
Everburing Torch 110 (50(Gerin credit)+(20(Pagnar coin)+40(Siroc credit))
CLW potion (50 Gerin credit)
17 rations (8.5 Gerin gold)
Elobi
-90 gold for detect magic wand a.
-1 cp for chalk
-5sp for bed roll
-10 gp 20 rations
-1 gp waterskin
-25 gold, scroll of touch of fatigue and Arcane Mark
-50 Gold, scroll of magic weapon (2)
-1 Gold 10 crossbow bolts
177gold, 5 silver and one copper.
Pagnar
100 gp store credit for 4 scrolls of CLW
Siroc
Nothing
---------------------
Do i have all that right?
Gerin
Everburing Torch 110 (50(Gerin credit)+(20(Pagnar coin)+40(Siroc credit))
CLW potion (50 Gerin credit)
17 rations (8.5 Gerin gold)
Elobi
-90 gold for detect magic wand a.
-1 cp for chalk
-5sp for bed roll
-10 gp 20 rations
-1 gp waterskin
-25 gold, scroll of touch of fatigue and Arcane Mark
-50 Gold, scroll of magic weapon (2)
-1 Gold 10 crossbow bolts
177gold, 5 silver and one copper.
Pagnar
100 gp store credit for 4 scrolls of CLW
Siroc
Nothing
---------------------
Do i have all that right?
Eventually, he uses the other half of his credit to obtain a flask of healing liquid as others have done. He shrugs to himself, rationalizing that it might make the difference in staying in the fight longer, should one break out.
Bowing slightly to the others, the pugilist retreats to his austere accomodations. Spending the time between light body loosening exercises and stretches and sitting in breathing meditation on the floor, he finds a somewhat restless sleep as his mind wanders in different directions.
---
OoC
CLW potion (50 gp credit)
"'Evening, master Elobi. Something you want to talk about before calling it a day?"
He cracks his neck by rotating it. "I have a nunhc of weaker spells I can choose from, but those are the ones I tend to employ. My strongest spells also include an illusion and summoning a riding horse."
I pulled my hood back, stepping through the door. I looked around at the men in the room. Some humans, a halfling, a gnome, a dwarf, and an elf. Not an inconspicuaous group at all.
I rubbed my head and called out, "Well, it appears I'm running a little later than I thought."
"1... 2... 3..."
Starting with Sit-ups and followed by push-ups the half-elf pushes himself to the point of exhaustion and than past that, before doggedly crawling into bed.
"Thank you kind sir. I'll make sure to pick it up before we set out"
Dorian slips the man a few coppers then turns his attention to Kader just before Kenric speaks up
"I suggest we have a look at that map before we set out tomorrow, it may prove helpfull in planning a more exact course of action and......"
At this point Kenrics voice interrupts his conversation and Dorian turns towards the newcomer
"Would you mind keeping your voice down a bit at this hour, also it would be considered polite for the newcomer to present himself first. If you are looking for the lady Yinroba, she has retired for the night"
It's clear that Dorian is not telling all there is or is mis representing part of the situation. Whatever it is part of the story is not quite true.
Kader gives Dorian an odd look, but does not pry. He takes another pull of ale.
"So you were in the army too? I was an infantryman before coming here."
Kader shrugs.
"Not much use for martial skills, mostly what they hoped for was that you'd learn to stand in a line and point your spear straight. Not an exciting prospect to look forward to for the next five or ten years, you know? I can't afford a horse and armor, so I came here instead."
The newcomer's speech makes Kader turn back to face him.
"Quite late, if you're here for Yinobra's group. Half of us are to bed already. Welcome, though."
"I am not a master of my craft. You said earlier that you wanted to speak with me about the magic spells I employ. You've seen most of my usual arsenal today."
"It wasn't meant as an honorific, just a polite term I use for most people I address. I suppose we can dispense with such by now.
I'll make sure not to let master Tyrvidar - Harou, I mean - know about this admission though."
Pangur grins and shrugs, rubbing his nose.
"So it's just that spell that tires people out that we'll have to be careful of when engaging, and maybe the illusion, but that should be less dangerous. It shouldn't really pose a problem if it's just the one spell, that'll leave Siroc and Gerin all the oportunity they need to attack up close. And I'll be using my bow mostly anyway."
OoC
Unless I miss my guess, Elobi and Pangur have retired to the personal rooms - we're not in the common room anymore, Kenric. I think a few others are asleep already too. There'll be plenty of time for introductions in the morning though.
"Morning!" he says as he's right behind him.
He plops down in the seat next to him and gives him a grin.
"Did ya sleep well?"
"Of course. I always do. Yourself?"
"Well, I will see you tomarrow."
I walked up the stairs. Finding a mess hall I poked around untill I found an unoccupied room. Lighting one of my candles by feel, I got a look at it. Well, its certainly nicer than some of the cells of the abby.
I set my bag on top of a chest, stripped down and fell into bed. Definately nicer than the abbey
* * *
After another minute of small talk, he disappears into the kitchen and comes back with some hot tea, and a little something to nibble on.
"Must admit." *sip* "Looking foward to this expedition. Even tho I've no idea what to expect..or where to find what we're looking for."
"I'm looking forward to it too," he mumbles sleepily. "I haven't been on a real hunting expodition in a long time. This isn't really the same thing, of course, but you get the idea."
After taking a sip of his tea he frowns at the cup, "any idea on when we're leaving?"
"Good morning comrades." He says as Savar and Malic join them.
"I would imagine we leave when we are given the order..." He shrugs and lights his pipe.
"I wonder whose to give that order? Yinorba I assume, but I didnt know if we were to see her this morning..and if so, where?"
Rubbing the back of his neck Malic starts his meal, "Has anyone put thought into how best to travel through the pass?"
"Ive thought on it some, and have come up with nothing. Guess we'll have to see what we're dealing with once we're there."
He takes another drink and thinks another second.
"As far as keeping track of where we are and not getting lost in the pass..the fact none of us have any survival skills worries me a bit, but I think our combined common sense should be enough. Least I hope.."
He grins and gives a shrug
He looks amongst the notes and sighs, "If we're going to be leaving tomorrow morning, I'd best get started on my studies." Without waiting for a response he begins running through the preperations for the next day.
Show
Summon Monster 1, Sleep, Ray of Frost, Arcane Mark, Read Magic.
Show
Aridar purchases x1 weeks worth of rations and 2x torches.
"If we're going to be leaving tomorrow morning, I'd best get started on my studies."
"Of course. Good night, ma... Elobi."
Pangur takes the hint and leaves the mage to his books and notes. He heads back to his room to find his bed and get some sleep.
"And perhaps I did as well. It sounds like they're not too sure of it themselves."
.oO(Not the talkative type, it seems.)
Looking around Kader sees that everyone else is going to bed as well. He shrugs, drains his ale and takes his leave. Back in his quarters, he carefully sorts through his equipment, selecting what he will take and what to leave behind, packs most of it, and crawls into bed.
"Has anyone seen Kader or any of the others from my group, Xade or Aridar?
"Aridar was here just a minute ago..he might be in the kitchen." he says to the tall man.
The question comes with a smile and a few inviting taps on the map
"If you're qurious about the lay of the land you come and have a look at this. 'Tis a nice piece of work. A map of the pass area from before the change"
Ooc
Dorian's map shows that the main route through the pass runs north of the river, but there's also a much narrower second line (something that could be held by a line of four or five) running along the mountains north of that and a third line one can take to the south of the river.
(This thing is starting to gain weight.)
"You need to stop eating so much."
Gerin moves down to the mess hall and checks all his equipment at the door. wrinkling his nose slightly at the all the tea being drank about the hall. He moves into the back in search of coffee and a breakfast. Comming out of the kitchen he sets at a table and awaits the arrival of his group. Happily sipping from his steaming cup and eating a full breakfast Gerin waits.
”I would venture that each group should take a pass. Whether these are assigned to us or not, I do not know. If we are given full leave to go wither as we wish, our group will likely go through the middle. Thank you for your generosity with the information. I will return the favor in time.”
He looks at the map for a short time more and then begins to secure his gear.
"Still need some more information before we can make a decision I think, but up the middle sounds like a good idea. Splitting the groups to one a pass each would make sense, but who knows..."
Looking just a bit longer after Harou quits.
"Yeah, thanks for the look. Good travels."
He starts to make his way back to the others, then turns back to Dorian
"Do ya happen to know where we're suppose to meet, and whom our next orders are to come from?"
.oO(Since we're not taking Felicity along, I might have to take a look at my saddlebags and the things we'll be taking along. Better not spend too long eating, I want to be ready to leave when the others are.)
"Good morning, everyone," he says when he enters the hall and scurries towards the kitchen. He returns shortly with a plate of food and a mug of goat's milk. The gnome's practically chewing before he's sitting down.
"Any news? Assembly in the training hall, I presume?"
"Hi Dorian, Aridar. Any sign of Xade yet?"
He makes his way to breakfast with his arms crossed in his large red coat. He makes his way to the kitchen and gathers himself some tea and oatmeal. Balancing his foods precariously, he sits down beside Pangur.
"Hi Dorian, Aridar. Any sign of Xade yet?"
The elf looks up and shakes his head.
I'm afraid not.
Balancing his foods precariously, he sits down beside Pangur.
"Good morning, Elobi. Did you prepare your arcane arsenal?
Pangur is wolfing down his breakfast, but he still manages to find time between bites to be polite.
Finishing both soup and half of the ale, he takes a peak at the map too. "Either of the three routes looks acceptable."
"We should probably round up enough food. A day and a half there and back, right? So that's three days of food for each of us, at the very least. How long are we planning to stay? I'd personally suggest packing at least a weeks' worth of food, just in case. We can go hungry if need be, but I'd prefer to not have to."
Pangur shakes his head in wonder and finishes his plate with relish.
"We'll be going on foot then, that's decided? In that case, I'll have to sort out the essentials from my supplies and pack again."
"Morning Kader, Aridar all ready to head out?"
Good morning.
"Pretty much. Couple questions. Either of you bringing rope, and what have you got for food?"
I have a weeks worth of rations and two torches.
Pulling the avian styled mask off its hanging spot, the monk makes his way out to join the others. He sits quietly in the back, watching the rest of the troupe gather.
"We should probably round up enough food. A day and a half there and back, right? So that's three days of food for each of us, at the very least. How long are we planning to stay? I'd personally suggest packing at least a weeks' worth of food, just in case. We can go hungry if need be, but I'd prefer to not have to."
"I agree," Malic responds softly, "perhaps we should head to teh training room to see if Yinobra is there."
Dorian points at the map
"And we have this, don't know what good it will do once inside the pass but it will help us plan our actions a bit better. Now Harou and Thorik have opted to take the central path with their team. I vote we take the southern route alongside the river and let the third team deal with the high grounds "
As he speaks Dorian points at the different routes on the map
Kader looks at the map.
"That seems sensible. If there's anything to be found, then, at least one team should be in a position to find it."
Pangur takes his plate to the kitchen and hurries out.
Finishing the last of his soup and taking a last mouthful of ale, he exits the mess hall again, the blanket swishing around his ankles like a cape. Heading strait to the quartermaster for the second time, he purchaces a massive amount of food that takes a substansial chunk out of his coin pouch.
OoC
Savar buys a weeks worth of food for four people, 28 days worth of rations. 14 gp down, bringing his total to 27 gp. For good measure he also buys three additional waterskins, making his total 24 gp.
"You are a gem Savar, my thanks. Honestly in all my plannings and preperation, I had not considered this."
.oO(Crikey... He doesn't like the food from the mess either or what? But Elobi's bought twenty days' worth of food already, I'm sure I can have some of his if I run out. Too much to carry to buy even more.)
"Hello, Savar. Feeling a bit peckish?" he says with a smile.
The gnome picks up a sturdy backpack sized for his stature and returns to his room. There, he upends his saddlebags on his bed and stows everything he wants to bring along in his new acquisition. Leaving the rest where it is - except for his violin, which he puts away safely after following his better judgement and deciding it'd be better not taking it with him - he hurries to the training hall so he won't be the last one there.
At least, he hurries as much as he can.
.oO(This isn't going to work. I won't even make it out of sight of the city's walls if I have to drag all of this along. I'll have to ask one of the others to carry some of this for me.)
Making a mental note to bring Felicity a little treat before leaving for carrying all his stuff without balking (much), Pangur staggers through the corridors under the weight of his backpack.
OoC
-2 gp for a backpack, leaves 2 gp and change
items taken along in or tied to the backpack:
bedroll, winter blanket, ink and inkpen, rope (hemp), paper (x5), rations (x3), soap, spade, tent, torches (x2), waterskins (x2)
items in the beltpouch:
chalk, flint and steel, whistle, whetstone, remaining cash
also bringing armour, weapons, scroll case (belt) and spell component pouch
weight carried: 52.625 lb. (heavy encumbrance)
items taken along in or tied to the backpack:
bedroll, winter blanket, ink and inkpen, rope (hemp), paper (x5), rations (x3), soap, spade, tent, torches (x2), waterskins (x2)
items in the beltpouch:
chalk, flint and steel, whistle, whetstone, remaining cash
also bringing armour, weapons, scroll case (belt) and spell component pouch
weight carried: 52.625 lb. (heavy encumbrance)
Thorik takes a few days worth and stuffs it away.
"Think we should make our way to the training hall?" he asks the group.
"If you are agreed I think we should go find Xade and assemble in the traininghall."
"You got more questions for Yinobra, then?"
Kader nods.
"I'll go look for Xade, meet you outside the training hall once I roust him out."
"I suppose, although I would imagine we should get a move on sooner than later. It would be a good idea to make sure they do not have any more information for us though."
Harou follows the group as it leaves the mess hall.
*back in the mess hall*
Savar waves away any talk of repayment. "This should be enough for all of us, and I bought it for the good of the team. Do I have to pay you for every time you open a lock or throw a hammer?" He begins packing the food in with his other supplies.
Succeeding in making his already huge backpack even larger, the half-orc pulls it on with a faint grunt. "If you're really serious about repaying me, you can buy the first round of ales when we get back. Good dwarven drinks, so we can drink in style while telling everyone about our daring exploits in the face of certain death."
Checking to make sure that all of his equiptment and weapons are in place, the half-orc sets his hat on his head, pulls it down firmly, and jogs off after Harou.
"If you're really serious about repaying me, you can buy the first round of ales when we get back. Good dwarven drinks, so we can drink in style while telling everyone about our daring exploits in the face of certain death."
Walking with the rest of the group
"That I will! We'll see who can drink the most at that. Malic and Harou can join us, if they dare.."
With that Thorik jabs Malic in the side with his elbow, and gives him a grin.
Malic smiles and nods at Thorik's nudging, "I think I can manage that."
Standing up Malic nods to the others, "Shall we meet up at the training hall after we've gotten our weapons?"
"I say we leave right after we talk to Yinorba. Im ready to make way. But like ya said, we'd better make sure we've got all our orders.."
Malic gathers up a bag of rations and heads off to gather hi armor and weapons before heading to teh training Hall.
Aridar falls in behind Harou and Savar as they make their way to the training hall. While walking behind the two, Aridar examines Savar's huge pack and touches it in several different places to get an idea on how heavy the pack is. At one point, he even attempts to lift the pack from the bottom while in step with Savar.
Being one that notices such things, Thorik peers around Savar and gives Aridar a strange kind of suspisous look.
"Anything we could help ya with friend? If yer looking for more equipment, there's a quartermaster around here somewhere..."
He stops and kind of steps in front of the elf to stop whatever it is he was doing.
"What's going on guys?"
"I do not believe our friend was looking for equipment. He is simply awed at the mass of our large friends backpack."
Having said his opinion he steps through the doors of the training hall.
Seeing that the other teams are also assembling in the hall, he raises his voice a little to address everyone: "Are we travelling to the Pass together, or do we split up here? It's probably easier if we all travel at our own pace, but there are obviously also benefits to staying in one group."
"Well I'm ready to set out. What is the plan men? Will we make our way to the pass together and divide once we're there or do we all start out in our separate teams? "
Heavy...
Aridar walks by Thorik and stands just outside the gathering of comrades.
"Yinobra said that too big of a group might attract unwanted attention, didn't she? Plus, I remember the last army that tried to go through the pass. I think that our smaller groups would be the best way to go. We could travel together for a while, but once we hit the pass I think we should split up."
"Ohh kay..."
As Aridar walks away he's left staring at Malic. He shrugs his shoulders and turns to Savar.
"Ill let him carry my things if he wants to..."he says as he shakes his head and continues on into the room.
Shaking his head the half-elf follows Thorik into the training hall. Upon hearing Savar's comments he joins in, "I have to agree with Savar, but there are different ways to take so if each group takes a separate path at the pass at least one group will be gauranteed sucess."
Pangur couldn't help but overhear the conversation.
"Sounds like a good idea to each take a different path then. Of course, that's assuming the paths are still there - a big assumption since we've been told the area is very mutable - but it's a good starting point. Did you divvy up who goes where yet?"
Kader nods.
"I'll go look for Xade, meet you outside the training hall once I roust him out."
When Kader arrives at Xade's room he can hear the prayers of the priest being finished up and then the door opens and the halfling exits with a smile
"Oh hello, Kader were you looking for me?"
ooc
Spells prepared:
0 lvl
Detect Magic
Guidance
Resistance
1 lvl
Bless
Magic Weapon
0 lvl
Detect Magic
Guidance
Resistance
1 lvl
Bless
Magic Weapon
He walks with his arms in his coat pockets to the training room and stands quietly beside Pangur. "I'm all ready"
"Harou and Thorik have offered to take their group through the central path, I have volunteered my group for the southern path near the river. That would leave the norhtern path through the high grounds for your team if you agree. I personally think that all three pats are equally dangerous due to the current state of the pass"
"That would leave the norhtern path through the high grounds for your team if you agree."
"It's not just my decision, but I don't see why any of the others would have a problem with it. As you say, they're probably all equally dangerous and the odds of finding anything are the same for each as well. This way at least we're fairly sure to cover most of the area without everyone having to go everywhere."
Pangur waves at Elobi, Gerin and Siroc to come and take a look for themselves while he memorizes the basic features of the map.
"Good idea to ask for a map, and thank you for sharing it with us."
"The groups are splitting up for certain then?" the man asks.
"This should be challenging."
There is a hint of excitement in En Siroc Var's voice at this notion.
"... I just hope that the information will aid you in returning safely and in the completion of our mission"
"I'm sure it will. Only having to cover a third as much terrain will make things a lot easier and limit the risk of running into something nasty."
"This should be challenging."
"I'll take that as a 'yes' on whether we should split up or not," Pangur grins. "Sounds like you're eager to get going. After having seen this map I don't really have any more questions for mistress Yinobra, unless there have been recent developments we're not aware of yet. And I doubt that."
"I could use some bread, an apple, and a drink for breakfast and then I could meet you there?" Xade says hopefully as his stomach growls at him
Show
Picking up 2 days worth of rations and a couple waterskins out of personal gold, for 5 gp I think?.
Xade hurries off to the mess hall to get some breakfast. He gets an apple, a small loaf of bread and a glass of milk. He sits down and says a quick blessing over his food before happily muching away.
oO(Once again I find myself wondering the fate of strangers now linked with mine. Who will return and who will be fall on the field of battle. Sometimes I wonder if it's even worth making new friends)
Pangur plops down on top of his too-heavy pack to wait for everyone to get ready.
"The trip shouldn't take more than a day and a half, two days on the outside. I'm sure we can get through that without getting on each other's nerves."
"I believe we are ready to go and as far I as remember the lady gave no orders for us to meet her here before departing. Do you feel the need to consult with lady Yinroba before we depart? If not I'd like to head out. The trip to the pass will take a day and a half, if we leave now we can be there tomorrow just past noon. That would allow us to set up camp and explore the area a bit before we take to the pass"
"Are we all ready? I am, except that since we're not taking my donkey Felicity - are you really sure of that, by the way, since she can outrun me with my entire pack strapped to her and me in my birthday suit - I'm either going to have to leave something here or one of you guys has to carry it for me. I'm going to slow us down way too much otherwise. I brought this spade, for instance, in case we have to dig for those weird rocks: take it or leave it?
And we're decided then? We travel just with the four of us?
OoC
FYI: Pangur has over 20 lb on him just from his armour, weapons, scroll case and 2 waterskins. 25 lb. or over means medium encumbrance, IOW a 15 ft. speed instead of his regular 20. Felicity can carry up to 50 lb. and maintain a 30 ft. speed while doing so.
"Maybe she had other things to do this mornin'...or she's still asleep. Either way, he's right." he says motioning towards Dorian "She said nothin' of meeting here this mornin'. Course I did have a question or two I'd of liked to ask."
He puts his hand on his chin and gets a sort of blank stare.
"Dont remember what they are now, tho. I guess if its all the same to the other groups, we'll take the middle path. Shouldnt be a problem since I'm bettin' it'll be the most perilous."
He picks up what gear he had sat down and turns to look at his group.
"Unless ya want to wait on her longer, I say we leave out."
The man with dyed-hair sniffs and rubs his nose with a knuckle.
"Whatever tools you think would suit you best for the assignment," he shrugs, "If you are okay with the fact that it may be lost at any moment along the treacherous path."
There is a tone in his voice that seems to indicate some perceived foreboding.
"Our group should be fine," he nods, "I'm guessing we may share the same road with the others for a time until our destinations split."
"Hmm, perhaps you are right. To the mess hall. One drink before we go, a send off, and then if we have heard nothing, we leave."
He walks off after a nod to his comrades.
"That's fine by me. It's still early and it'll make travel easier. Least I think it should..."
ooc: I'm at work and will not be posting until tomorrow late. So feel free to move things along without me.
I believe it might be wise for us to go over tactics while we travel.
Having said that, Aridar then looks down at Dorian feet and stutter steps into the same rythm.
Kader accompanies the others out.
I had some questions, and thoughts before we head out for us as a group. How long do we wish to spend out their searching? A day, two, or more?
Will we run from danger and fight only if we have too or fight and run as a last resort?
Anyone good at climbing because I am not, and I could get left behind without help.
Perhaps before we head out we should agree on some simple hand signals if one of us hears something so we can know to stop and be quiet without saying a word?
Xade stops short when he realizes he is starting to ramble.
"MY COMPANIONS! Good to see you again."
He looks at Savar and appears to have trouble focusing on him. His head bobbles as he continues.
"Now wer'nt we t'go somewhere today? Seems I recall sumthin' of th'sort, but I canna quite remember."
He attempts to sit down, but misses his seat completely and ends up in the floor. Before the two men with him can react, he is back on his feet, and whirls around to look behind him at absolutely no one.
"Whose tha sorry dog that did it? I'll kill ya with me bare hands!! Show yerself!"
He stays staring for a time looking back and forth around the empty room, then turns back to Harou and Savar with a grin and a wink.
"HAHAHA! I only jest...I'd drink ya both under the table and still'd be able to walk without stumble. Lets go! I grow tired of waiting..."
He gives Harou a slap on the back as he gathers his things.
"And where the hell is Malic?" he says to no one in particular.
Chuckling, the half-orc gets a mug of his own and drains it. "We'll just have to see about that," he says in response to the bold drinking promise. "As for leaving...I guess we could, as soon as we find Malic. I thought we were supposed to see Yinobra before we left, but she'll be able to figure out why we're all gone."
OoC
So what are we going to do, exactly? Does anyone know what the countryside looks like outside the fort? I guess we could rp a day and a half to the pass and hope that ST didn't have anything planned during that time. Or a huge storm could strike and everyone could be delayed for a day or so.
Pangur rushes off, half-dragging, half-carrying his backpack. He unceremoniously dumps the contents in his saddlebags, lashes bedroll, tent and some feed for the donkey on her back as well, and trots out to rejoin the others.
"I think we're finally all set to go. Any objections?"
OoC
Pangur carries his weapons, armour, scrollcase, belt pouch, backpack containing rations (x3) and two waterskins on his person (light load). Speed 20 ft.
Felicity carries: bedroll, winter blanket, ink and inkpen, rope (hemp), paper (x5), soap, spade, tent, torches (x2), feed (x2) (light load). Speed 30 ft.
Felicity carries: bedroll, winter blanket, ink and inkpen, rope (hemp), paper (x5), soap, spade, tent, torches (x2), feed (x2) (light load). Speed 30 ft.
“My concern lies in whether we are the first sortie sent on this mission or simply another attempt to make up for past failures.”
His normally friendly face darkens, but a slight smile and a pat on Savar’s back drives the dark thoughts away.
“I will stiffen if we linger further. Gather Malic and meet us outside. Thorik! Stop your yammering and come with me. It is time.”
Harou marches off and down the steps finding his way to the courtyard
Leaving the other two, the half-orc trots off in search of Malic.
As Savar is walking away in search of Malic, Thorik calls out to him from a distance.
"Last I saw him he was still in the training center."
Hoping the half-orc heared him he continues on. When the two reach the courtyard and begin their wait, Thorik turns to Harou.
"I was kind of wonderin' the same thing myself about us being the first ones to take this fools errand. They dont seem to know much about where these things might be, and are mighty cautious about making the trek themselves."
He lets his statement hang a minute and continues.
"Seems like a lotta trouble for some magic rocks.."
"Aye... I do not believe we can look at it simply as a treasure hunt though. We were not sent here for that, so I hope that our task is simply the first leg in what will be a long journey."
Pulling his collar of cloak up and standing so that his back is against the wind, Harou looks from the fortress to the gate.
"We will know soon enough..."
"What are you still doing here?" he asks. "We thought you weren't coming and voted for Epherem to take your place." With a final grin to show he was just joking, the half-orc turns and starts back out of the room to go meet up with Thorik and Harou.
Malic yells as he gathers up his gear and chases after the half-orc. As the half-elf catches up to Savar he asks.
"So is everyone leaving now? Well I guess they are otherwise I'd still be training..."
As Malic and Savar enter the courtyard the half-elf waves to Harou and Thorik.
To Dorian, Kader, and Aridar before they leave
I had some questions, and thoughts before we head out for us as a group. How long do we wish to spend out their searching? A day, two, or more?
Will we run from danger and fight only if we have too or fight and run as a last resort?
Anyone good at climbing because I am not, and I could get left behind without help.
Perhaps before we head out we should agree on some simple hand signals if one of us hears something so we can know to stop and be quiet without saying a word?
Xade stops short when he realizes he is starting to ramble.
"We can discuss that on the road Xade, we have a day and a half before we get to the pass and we're waisting daylight. Come on"
Once outside Dorian leads his group to the city gate and out of the city
"Yinroba said there would be eyes watching the pass, if that is so there's probably eyes on the road as well.
I know the area around here pretty good. I suggest we head for the cover of the forest and stay of the road as much as we can. It may take a while longer to reach the pass but we would escape the eyes on the road"
.oO(I hope he's not one of those bookish types, always with their heads in the clouds. Makes a body prone to running into trouble...)
"Ready, Elobi? Where's the others gone haring off to?"
"Sorry, I'm not sure where they are. I would be worried if they got lost in the building, considering where we're going to be navigating."
"Not everyone can have a nose as magnificent as mine, capable of sniffing out the proper road to take. I hope they'll be here soon, so we can start our journey."
At length, he offers, "I prefer to see the sunrise. If we prepare a watch routine, I'd like the early morning shift if that's not a problem."
The pugilist then steps back, seeming to blend in to the tones of the wall in his beige clothes.
.oO(Crikey... Sneaky, for such a big feller.)
"Not a problem for me, master Siroc. Maybe the first watch would be best for Elobi? Wizards need their rest, don't they, and it wouldn't be smart to have him combine his watch with his morning studies. Gerin has the look of a military man, he probably has a soldier's habit of sleeping when he can and being alert when he has to be. I don't mind a middle watch either, I enjoy the quiet of the night."
"We all ready to get going? Sunlight’s burning away."
With a smile isolated to his lips Gerin waits to go.
He nods an agrement to Gerin as he arrives.
"I'm ready when you are."
Pangur steps out into the street, Felicity in tow, sniffs the morning breeze deeply and sets a course for the city gates.
[OoC: over to Led by the nose]