.oO(We make for a fine sight to behold, we do,) he thinks to himself looking over his shoulder to the three others.
"I wonder what Yinobra has in store for Epherem. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes..."
"He didn't do as he was told, he's going to be punished for it. I also would not like to be in his place."
"The sort of behavior displayed by Epherem is not acceptable for what we do. No matter how good he thinks he is I would not have him by my side in a fight. I'm glad that he is being...Detained. It means that he isn't putting the lives of others in even more danger."
Gerin rustles his pack around a little letting things settle in it and continues to walk without more comment.
(with permission Gerin loads Felicity with: )
Rations
bed roll
Hemp rope
2 water skins
New weight 74 Lbs light load
Elobi's eyes continue to be focus ahead, not giving indication who he's talking to.
Despite a suffering look from Felicity, Gerin gets to stow some of his belongings on the donkey's back. The added weight slows her down some, but she's still easily capable to keep up with her gnome owner.
"I do not belive that Yinobra plans anything for us. She does not seem the type to tell us that she is sending us somewhere only to try and catch us in her own trap. The only danger we are in is the type that she has no control of."
"Did we learn anything from our session about how we will approach danger we come across as a group?"
"All I was reminded of is that charging in hurts sometimes."
"But I already knew that," the pale-haired human smirks a little to himself.
Pangur grins reassuringly to indicate friendly fire from him is not something for the bruisers of the group to worry about.
"I think we'll want to avoid fighting most of the things we might run into inside the Pass head-on though. There will be situations where we can use Elobi's magic from a distance."
"Otherwise, please take your time aiming," his tone is deadpan, though it could be taken as a joke.
"Not that I think you'd need my help in a fight. You seem pretty eager to test your skills. Even from the little I've seen, it's clear you have an unusual style. How did you learn to fight like that? If you don't mind my asking, that is."
Elobi walks along quietly, running through his spells silently in his head.
"Guess it would be considered prize-fighting here. Down there, it's a tradition of master and student. At first, it was just a diversion for me, you know, fist-fighting for sport. I eventually convinced my family to send my down to study abroad."
En Siroc Var picks up his walking pace as he recalls days of long training.
"Got me out of their hair, gave me some space, win-win. And in Sederlund, I found my way into Old Master's stable and walked the path there. Til I was recalled..."
"You all the same? I mean, sent out here to the frontier for some reason or another. Does anyone really choose to come out here?"
Pangur scratches his head, not entirely sure what to make of the strange human, but again pleased to have him on his side rather than the opposite.
"I wouldn't say I was sent, it's more like I was called. I just followed the wind, like all young gnomes of my tribe do when they come of age. The wind told me where to go, and Felicity here told me why: she stopped in front of the Silver Sword headquarter's gate and wouldn't budge until I went in. All that was required of me was a little faith."
"Sounds somewhat like tornaments. Fighting men come together to test their abilities against one another in a friendly combat."
When the conversation turns to the reason they are all here his face visably darkens.
"I chose to come here. I was not sent nor did I wander here."
"This is a wasteland. One way or another, we are all here because we belong here now."
Stepping next to the pack animal, the man pats the creature on the neck.
"We're cast aways."
"Since I ended up here without knowing my purpose on beforehand and you three apparently came for a reason, maybe you could explain the situation a little bit more to a curious little gnome from far away? I've heard some tales about invasions from other realms or something evil like that, but nothing really coherent or even very believable..."
Gerin speaks the last as if he was spitting
"Some belive that nearly thirty years ago, There was a war waged by Kakodemmion against Agathalos. Some go even further to sat that when Lord Malifaeyr, the Jackles, and the Silver Swords that marched to what we now call Jackles breach, marched to the breach they were marching to stop the Dark ones minions from entering our relm. But the armies brought here by Demmion were far more powerful then Lord Malifaeyr's company. They were slaughtered in the pass. But while they were gone another group of monsters attacked the city, destroying the mages guild here. It was once known as the hightower and it was renound to be one of the most magicaly powerful organisations in the empire. But these minions marched on to attack the Church of Agathalos. But when the minions arrived they were met by a giant in golden armor. His axe brought down his foes in single blows but there were hundreds of monsters. Creatures to powerful that even the most powerful of dragons would have been unable to stand against even one. The giant was brought down to his knees along with all the men and women that rallied beside him to do battle. But before the final blow was struck another two giants came into the scene. A woman and a man. They came forwards and spoke with the fallen giant. But the monsters came forwards and tried to attack the woman. The other giant that came with the woman felled many more of these firey monsters. When the beasts fell the three giants dissapeared. From that time on there have been more gods. I belive that the three giants were the three original gods. And because of the damage done to who I belive to be Agathathalos, all three were shattered into multiple entities."
Gerin stops speaking for several steps.
"Jackles Breach has since been filled with danger. Strange and twisted creatures, the place reaks of evil, and corruption."
Pangur rubs his nose pensively.
"My rite of passage should be a test of my valour, courage and skill, but this sounds like a lot more challenging than what my uncle Jens had to do. he just had to catch the biggest pike ever seen four settlements down to the east. It only took him two years and seven months. I don't normally question my forefathers' wisdom, but they sure picked a doozy for my mom's favourite son.
Though I guess my dad might disagree. He had to reconcile the Jansen - one s in the middle - and the Janssen - two s'es - branches of the family, and that meant getting great-aunt Fien Jansen to talk to her cousin Theis; let me tell you, my mom despaired of ever seeing him pronounced fit to get married when she found out about that one. My dad managed in less than a decade, he's practically a legend because of that."
His sandals click softly as he steps, his wrapped legs shifting smoothly under his pale, short monstastic robe.
"It will be a trying test if any of that is true," he agrees with the gnome, "But could be some fun yet. Might as well make the best of being out here."
From under long, messy locks, the human's eyes scan sharply side to side ahead of them in a bird-like fashion. He lets his fingers brush against the low foliage along the path, keeping his senses awake.
The mage removes his backpack and roots through until he finds some hard bread to eat.
"And it's not like we're knowingly heading towards a great army to do battle. We're going to the Pass to get a job done and we'll leave again as quickly as possible, hopefully without having to fight our way out."
The gnome looks sideways at En Siroc Var for a moment when he makes that last comment, but he doesn't think the human would actually seek out danger when it would involve others than just himself.
Pangur keeps up the pace, despite his stomach starting to remind him it's been at least an hour since breakfast.
"Looks like bad weather. Hopefully it'll steer clear of us, or we'll be in a for a very unpleasant trip. I brought a tent for shelter, but don't want to stop just yet; there's plenty of road left for us to cover today."
Elobi continues on while not taking his eys off the road.
Pangur increases his pace to a trot, fast for him and for Felicity with her load but not beyond normal walking speed for the humans.
OoC
Pangur will hustle for an hour, increasing his speed and Felicity's to 30 ft. (not 40, unless the others start to walk faster too). After an hour, when fatigue would set in, he'll slow down to his normal pace if they haven't stopped by then already.
"Agametrex sends her blessings."
Glad he did not weigh himself down with excess equipment, En Siroc Var keeps pace with the others. Sandaled steps leave their prints in the soft spots along the path.
"In case the mage actually is to be found in our area of the pass do we have a way of finding her, aside from blind luck? Does anyone of you know how to find and read tracks, maybe? That'd be a really useful skill either way, now that I mention it... Elobi, can you search for a person - any person, maybe simply any human - with magic, even if you don't have any leads to help? I know I can't, I tried something like that already but my ancestors chose not to help me out. I guess it's asking too much. I can help with looking for traces of magic though, that's easier."
He carries his staff over one shoulder and makes a fist with his free hand occasionally to keep the fingers warm.
"We should be able to handle this without, but it'd sure help... If we can't look for tracks, what's the plan? We'll be in the hills - presumably, if things haven't changed too much - so do we try to find a vantage point and look for promising areas from there, or do we methodically divide the area in sectors and go through them one at a time?"
Gerin adjusts his cloak clasp a little and continues on normaly
"So we'll head for the high ground, pick a likely spot to search and hope for the best then?"
He buttons up his coat and tries to fit himself into it as much as possible.
Pangur shrugs.
"And it's probably wishful thinking but if there are nasty critters walking around, maybe they'll prefer staying out of the rain too.
Which reminds me: supposing we need several days to conclude our business, are we going to move out of the pass every night or are we going to set up camp in the weirdly shifting demon backyard?"
"Think we can keep going til dark? Maybe reach the hills for shelter?"
The monk doesn't seem much bothered by the prospect of pushing on in the potentially inclement weather.
The little gnome keeps his pace up, aware he's the slowest of the bunch and that he'll get to rest his feet soon enough.
As the rain dies down, their footing is a mite slippery, but a fall here would mean nothing worse than being coated in mud. Soon enough, they find themselves climbing a slope alongside an overhang; the hollow beneath the overhang seems to have been sheltered from the worst of the cloudburst. It also offers protection from the lighter rain that is still falling.
Pangur and Gerin are certain that the sun will be setting shortly behind those clouds. Regardless of whether the four choose to stop here for the night, camping with this wet gear is going to be unpleasant.
"Well I don't think we can get a fire with all this wet wood but we can try I guess."
He goes about the area finding what he can for fire fuel. When he finds enough or can't find any more he comes back and sets to lighting it. Hopefully.
ooc:And his name isn't Geric....thats the cities name. Its Gerin...pronounced like Sherin except it has a light J sound in front of it. I can't think of a word in english that sounds like it...."I" in french (Je) is what it should sound like.
He leans back against the rock wall and pulls a knee to his chest and then the other to stretch out the leg muscles. It reminds him of the hot and cold weather training designed to toughen a fighter's resolve.
"Think we could set up some kind of flap on the overhang to shield more rain?" En Siroc Var asks the others.
He wrings out some water from the faded black, block-pattern trim of his clothing. His pale robe darkens with the moisture.
"If we are stopping, that is," he sees Gerin collecting materials.
He continues to work with the wet wood.
Pangur considers Gerin's attempts at building a fire and weighs his desire for something warm to eat or drink against the need for being inconspicuous.
"Do you think you can get a fire going that won't smoke too much, with all the wood here completely soaked? I suppose we can shield the fire itself from sight, but a column of smoke might be visible for miles. And the smell can travel far on the wind, even in this weather."
He waits with taking off his cloak until they manage to set up a more effective shelter and takes some of his belongings off Felicity's back.
"I brought a tent. Maybe we can use that to rig something up?" he responds to Siroc. It'll be easier if one or two of you do it though, I'm a little short to reach that high."
The monk sits down.
"Best I can do unless you have any ideas," he says to no one in particular.
Pangur smiles at Gerin to express his gratitude and goes looking for more wood, so he won't have to get back into his wet cloak to fetch some later. He also keeps an eye out for fresh shoots and shrubs for Felicity to eat. The feed he brought will only last so long, after all.
In the morning, the four and their beast of burden continue their trek. The going is more difficult, as the hills are becoming steeper. The ground is rockier, as well, but this is actually helpful given the slick mud that would otherwise be dragging at their feet.
They walk a long time in the morning. Around them, the trees and brush are gradually replaced by barren rock and mud. The rain seems to have stopped, but the wind is rising and gusting about them as they climb higher.
Finally, as they approach the pass, fog creeps up on them. Perhaps a cloud is passing over the mountain. Or perhaps something else is at work: before them stands what seems to be a lump of fog, immobile even when a gust of wind whistles in their faces. The air is much colder here, too.
"We are here."
He pulls his shield out and checks his armor straps.
"Be ready for anything"
All the happieness that surface with the rain last night is gone and replaced by the sullen and brooding person the group know before.
Though he cannot recall them exactly, the last night's disquieting dreams still have left a shiver in his spine that he does his best to disregard.
"This does not look natural."
The pugilist looks both ways to see if there is any way of circumventing the haze.
"Pfech... There's something foul on the wind, not just the cold."
The gnome nocks an arrow while trying to judge if and how far they'd have to go through the eerie fog.
"Just an idea, but if we have to go through that I suggest we tie a length of rope between the five of us. Call me chicken, but I don't like the looks of that one bit."
"I do not trust this fog either. It is not bound by nature's laws. While I am in agreeance to the idea of being bound together, allow me to see if it is hazardous first."
Pointing the slim wooden wand at the fogbank, Elobi shouts the command word.
The others see the wizard drop his wand just a moment after he shouts the command word. His body shudders, and his face goes pale as for several seconds he seems unable to move.
OoC
Elobi is stunned for 1 round. He drops any items held, and is unable to take any action.
This is assuming Elobi is using a wand of detect magic, correct? Please notify me if I'm wrong — and everyone, please specify (preferably in an OoC note like this or in Noise) what you're using that's not on your character sheet in the future. I can't edit the first post of this thread yet, and this game is a lot more fun if I don't have to hunt through all 500 posts in the beginning thread to figure out what you're using.
This is assuming Elobi is using a wand of detect magic, correct? Please notify me if I'm wrong — and everyone, please specify (preferably in an OoC note like this or in Noise) what you're using that's not on your character sheet in the future. I can't edit the first post of this thread yet, and this game is a lot more fun if I don't have to hunt through all 500 posts in the beginning thread to figure out what you're using.
Pangur drops his bow and hurries over to the mage as soon as he sees his reaction to the spell's effect.
OoC
If it'd help, I could edit the first post. Or we could all edit in our equipment info in the first IC posts we made on this thread.
The monk keeps his eyes peeled as the gnome checks on the spellcaster.
"What was that?"
---
Equipment
As character sheet:
minus iron pot, hourglass, 3 clubs, 5 shuriken, 5 cold iron shuriken
plus 1 CLW potion.
Encumberance: light.
minus iron pot, hourglass, 3 clubs, 5 shuriken, 5 cold iron shuriken
plus 1 CLW potion.
Encumberance: light.
Bright lights flash over his feilds of vision. His breathing eventually slows as he calms down and then finds Pangur standing close to him.
"I t-think so, the magic is a lot stronger than I thought it would be... It overwhelmed me. I w-wasn't able to get an idea to what it m-might be."
The mage coughs and scrambles around for his wand.
"It is definately magic and I was unable to determine its nature. It may have bee a spell cast by the wizard we are tracking down or it may be an inherent effect of the pass. I recommend we try and move around it or find another route. For all we know it could be an ambush on the othe rside."
Pangur agrees with avoiding the fog if possible, but if the phenomenon is related to the magical nature of the pass, that might not be an option.
"How are you feeling? Just a little shaken up, or do you need patching up?"
He turns to Gerin. "It would not stick around long enough to take us through the mist. I can send it in to test the mist though."
He begins to circle the candle above the bag, he turns to the rest of the troupe. "The dog I am summoning takes less damage than any of us would from certain things, but will indicate if anything is amiss." He begins to chant and brings forth a hunting hound as he finishes his spell with a shout.
(Celestial)"Walk into the mist. If there is trouble bark once, bark twice if there is nothing. My will be done."
Celestial "It is good to hear the language of the angels."
It seems an inferior notion to rely on aid beyond his own hands, but the southern monk nonetheless hopes the summoning could provide some clues.
"Nice one, Elobi. Very useful spell."
OoC
Not to pester our magnificent DM, but could we get some info on what we can see regarding the fog? I presume it blocks the entire path, but how high is it?
Moments later, both Elobi and Pangur hear the dog bark twice, though the sound is distorted and seems to come from far away, as if they can only hear an echo of the original noise.
A distinctly canine voice, speaking in a tongue unfamiliar to Pangur, follows. Elobi has a hard time being sorting out what it says, but it may have been, "Mind the hill."
OoC
When it's been this long, you don't have to worry about bugging me, Pangur. Life got... a little busier than I had expected. A gentle prod with the poking stick would not have been unwarranted.
The dimensions of the block of fog are approximately twice the height of a single-story home, and twice that in the width it spans in front of them. It's hard to tell exactly, as there is natural fog moving all around it. Nevertheless, should they choose to go around it, the terrain here will allow that.
Life got... a little busier than I had expected. A gentle prod with the poking stick would not have been unwarranted.The dimensions of the block of fog are approximately twice the height of a single-story home, and twice that in the width it spans in front of them. It's hard to tell exactly, as there is natural fog moving all around it. Nevertheless, should they choose to go around it, the terrain here will allow that.
"Should we try to go around the standing fog?"
"Elobi, could you make out what that was? It sounded like the dog was saying something, but that's ridiculous."
"Well if the dog is fine then I see no reason not to investigate this. As long as no ill came of the dog."
Gerin looks at Elobi
"Was there one or two barks....or have there been none?"
"There seems to be an incline, but other than that they way is clear. He barked twice."
He looks at the rest of the party, blankly.
"Though is there anything to gain by going through the thick of the fog first?" a strand of common sense from the monk's mind.
Ugh. Maybe we should go inside ourselves and see what's what after all."
Pangur doesn't sound like he's convinced, but he won't oppose the idea either.
"Nothing to lose by taking a quick look around first. It is very strange that there is an incline hidden in there though, and that the dog sounds like he's much farther away than you'd think he would be.
Ugh. Maybe we should go inside ourselves and see what's what after all."
Pangur doesn't sound like he's convinced, but he won't oppose the idea either.
"We could stand by all day debating, but someone needs to take the first step."
Elobi cautiously makes his way into the mist, putting his foot down lightly before actually steeping to make sure he down't trip over the incline.
"Follow, but be cautious."
What Elobi sees
Elobi finds himself standing on the edge of a mound of mud. It is slippery, but he finds his balance with ease. Falling wouldn't likely have been fatal, but it wouldn't have been painless, either, given that the mound is about twice the height of a man.
The dog has either already returned to the plane it was summoned it from, or has wandered off into the clammy mist that fills this place. Elobi finds he can only see about 40 feet in any direction. It would be dark, except that the fog here seems to sparkle with its own purplish — or is it reddish? — light.
Behind him, there is no sign of his companions or the pass. There is only the other end of the oblong mound.
The dog has either already returned to the plane it was summoned it from, or has wandered off into the clammy mist that fills this place. Elobi finds he can only see about 40 feet in any direction. It would be dark, except that the fog here seems to sparkle with its own purplish — or is it reddish? — light.
Behind him, there is no sign of his companions or the pass. There is only the other end of the oblong mound.
Pangur is too late to stop the mage from stepping into the fog. He grumbles: "You forgot the rope..."
Raising his voice, he calls out: "Can you see anything, Elobi? I'm not stepping into that fog to try and find you if we can't see anything. You better try to find your way out then, so we can step inside together and won't lose each other."
.oO(He should have waited and let me go in first...)
*When he enters the mist he whispers roughly to Elobi.*
"Get over here you....Stay close."
The fist-fighter picks up the end of Gerin's rope to feed him slack.
"Nothing dangerous, but I don't think we're in the same world any more."
Pangur's nerves are stretched a little more taut than advisable, and his voice is a tad squeeky.
He hurries back through the mist, grabbing a fist full of rope on the way. "Well, we know it isn't dangerous."
ooc
If I dont see Gerin or I can't get back through, I'll edit.
OoC
Waiting for confirmation before posting anything significant
When Elobi wants to go back through the fog, he realizes that there's nothing around him that looks like a portal. The fog isn't even the same color here.
The other end of the rope tied around Gerin disappears into the fog at a point in the empty air above and over the edge of the mound.
"Whoa," the monk lowers his stance for stability, trying to keep from falling.
"We don't know that we can't go back for sure. The fog is still there and we didn't know that this would happen. Lets back up and see what happens."
Gerin walks backwards with the rope as his guide.
Nearly stumbling Gerin throws out his arms for balance but manages to stay standing. With Elobi next to him and slightly paniced he looks around.
"We don't know that we can't go back for sure. The fog is still there and we didn't know that this would happen. Lets back up and see what happens."
Gerin walks backwards with the rope as his guide.
Elobi takes a deep breath and follows Gerin, grabbing a hold of the rope himself.
.oO(Hundred dancing djinnies on a pin, aren't wizards supposed to have a really big brain? I mean a big one each, not one single big one for the whole lot of them... Gah, I knew it was a bad idea just jumping in like that. It's a good thing Gerin apparently found him, even if they can't come back Siroc and I should be able to get to them if we step inside the fog too. Especially with the rope between Gerin and Siroc.)
"What's going on in there? Are you coming back out?"
Siroc and Pangur are startled when the rope again moves under their grasp. They find themselves being pulled slowly toward the cloud.
OoC
You each have the option of letting go of the rope or being pulled in. Include your choice in your post.
Pangur braces himself, trying to resist the tug on the rope, but he quickly realizes they won't be able to hold it.
"If we let go, we may never find them again. I'm going in while we still have the rope."
.oO(That pea-brained wizard's stupidity must be rubbing off on me... A heat-struck chicken would know better than to run headlong into this.)
"This is different."
Elobi finds there is little to protect himself from, except the inescapable soiling by the mud.
As they all get to their feet, there is a low rumbling of thunder. Eerily, the thunder almost seems to be speaking, though none of them can discern any words. Three of the men feel the hair rising on the backs of their necks. Only Gerin, focused on regaining his footing in the soft mud while wearing his heavy armor, remains unperturbed.
"Ouch... That was unpleasant. Hey! What's that?!"
The gnome scrambles upright quickly and looks around, half-expecting the fog to part making way for some frog-like rumbling monstrosity. Not immediately seeing anything, he follows the rope down the hillside to rejoin the others.
"Is everyone alright? Maybe we could get out of this fog first and then assess the situation?"
"Be careful. If feels like something is amiss. Let me take the worst of what may come."
"Maybe there is no way out... except through," the man says to the gnome.
En Siroc Var wipes away some mud from his eyes.
"There is a path to follow."
The monk tries to gauge how much difficulty he would have sliding down to where the other two are.
Pangur reaches the bottom of the mound with no trouble, as does Siroc.
Thunder continues to mumble and mutter in the distance.
OoC
I'm holding back after this until you decide on some course of action, or at least discuss it with one another IC.
"Ok, lets get into some sort of order and get moving."
Gerin begins moving along the path taking the front, eyes looking around for anything that may come and ears perked.
.oO(Cousin always said I would never hear a raging bull beating on my door but he was not always right...Just mostly right.)
The caged fighter definitely feels out of his element without a foe he can see, without a ring bounded off, and without an expected length for this encounter.
.oO(We want to keep an eye on that one, before he goes off on another hare-brained whim...)
He holds on to his bow and a single nocked arrow with his left hand, but the gnome decides to hold a knife ready in the other. In this fog, ranged weapons are probably next to useless. The knife is more reassuring. Eyes and ears wide open, he follows Gerin down the path.
OoC
Listen +5, Spot +2
OoC
To clarify, there is no path to follow from this point. The "path" I mentioned is a slide of sorts, carved in the mud when Elobi and Gerin slid down the side of the hill. The mud doesn't impede your movements now that you're not trying to balance on the hill, but it's easy to see every footprint you make.
I'll assume you're marching off into the fog, though, unless someone objects.
I'll assume you're marching off into the fog, though, unless someone objects.
"Did you hear that? There's something nearby. It sounds hungry too... Maybe we could go a little faster?"
"Didn't hear it," a slightly muffled voice from under the carved mask.
His eyes search back and forth from behind the eye holes.
"Think anything can see in this soup?"
En Siroc Var keeps his measured pace, stepping in some sort of pattern that may seem like line dance steps to the uninitiated but which hide a defensive method for the monk.
OoC
Pangur takes 4 HP of damage; Elobi takes 2. None of you can tell what these things are.
Initiative from this point:
Gerin
Elobi
Pangur
Siroc
Critters
Post at will. I'll resolve in order.
Initiative from this point:
Gerin
Elobi
Pangur
Siroc
Critters
Post at will. I'll resolve in order.
Pangur cries out when the sharp pain of a heavy blow nearly bowls him over. He almost stumbles, but manages to stay on his feet and wildly swings his short blade at the creature attacking him. After the quick swipe he backs up to where Elobi is, so they can cover each other's backs.
"To arms! To arms! We're under attack! Stay close!"
OoC
single attack with knife followed by a move to get adjacent to Elobi (5 ft. step if sufficient, regular move otherwise) - dagger +2 (+1 if those things are goblinoids) (1d3/19-20, slashing); AC 17; DCon 2; hp 10-2 subdual
OoC
Step up for flurry of blows if able, against a single target unless first is knocked down and another is nearby, otherwise, attack with staff.
Pangur and Siroc strike almost simultaneously at the other creature, and it too falls at their feet. As they wipe the mud from their faces, thunder rumbles in the distance, but in their thrill of victory it bothers none of them.
Somehow, Pangur thinks he can still hear that squishing, slurping sound he heard before they were attacked. Siroc, too, gets the feeling they're still not quite alone in this fog.
"I think there might be more of them. We'd better stay alert. Anyone knows anything about these things? Probably not..."
The gnome shoulders his bow to have an extra hand free.
"We should keep going. I want to get back to Felicity as quickly as possible, and getting out of this fog wouldn't be bad either."
"Didn't even feel it, no harm no foul."
He doesn't have long to look, though, as each of his companions is charged by another of the creatures coming out of the fog. Fortunately, these three are a bit more clumsy than those already on the ground; the first bounces off Gerin's armor, while the other two collide with each other and never touch any of the men at all. Siroc lands a quick blow to one of these, knocking it down immediately; but it seems to have thrown him a bit off balance, as his rapid kicks to the other do it no harm.
DM note to self:
Show
Initiative:
Siroc
Critters
Pangur
Elobi
Gerin
Siroc
Critters
Pangur
Elobi
Gerin
"Again, they are very odd. They do not hold an entirely solid form."
OoC
single attack with knife followed by a move to get adjacent to Elobi (5 ft. step if sufficient, regular move otherwise) - dagger +2 (+1 if those things are goblinoids) (1d3/19-20, slashing); AC 17; DCon 2; hp 10-2 subdual
The creature is left without allies, though, when another mighty blow by Gerin fells the other.
OoC
-4 hp to Siroc. And Pangur, that's not subdual damage you have.
"What's the big idea, you slimy little runt? Better not try anything... Does anyone speak Abyssal, or something else this thing here might understand?"
Show
It isn't? I guess I jumped to the wrong conclusion based on ST's armour houserules. My bad.
"My Master did not teach me any of the Dark languages. He thought that it was unfitting for a member of a noble house.
He holds his staff at the ready to strike again in anger, though the monk holds off while Pangur still speaks to it.
<"Down,"> he quips in Ignan on the off chance it might understand.
As Pangur moves to surround the creature, he catches more of the squishing noises that herald these creatures' arrival.
Elobi's knife wounds the creature further, but it remains standing, and cries out in a tongue only Gerin understands:
"Intruders! Foul infernal things. Tresspassers!"
Thunder rumbles in the distance, as if in response to the creature's cry.
OoC
Good guess with Infernal, Pangur. ;) And you're right about 2 points of that damage being nonlethal — I missed that.
I'll be waiting a bit so Gerin can post an action before I go on.
I'll be waiting a bit so Gerin can post an action before I go on.
Pangur stays alert for a possible arrival of others while blocking this one's escape.
OoC
We knew we were likely to run into demons, I figured Pangur would know enough to make that guess. I'll wait for Gerin to post too.
I'll wait for Gerin to post too.Gerin brings his weapon down and looks at the creature. Still ready for an attack.
[Infernal/Abbysal]"We came here by accident. We mean no harm to anyone but were attacked. We simply defended ourselves. The only reason to fear us is if our hands are forced. Please be at ease if you mean no harm to us."[/Infernal/Abbysal]
OOC:
Wolf suit said infernal but Pagner said abbysal. Gerin speaks them both so it is of little matter.
I'm having some inconviences happen to me....to understate the situation a bit but I'm going to be somewhat unavailable for a short time. I'll do what I can to be here but I'm unsure how much I will be able to.
Diplomacy +6(2nd level +7)
Sense motive +5(2nd level +6)
I recommend that these two skill updates are unapplied until after this little encounter.
Wolf suit said infernal but Pagner said abbysal. Gerin speaks them both so it is of little matter.
I'm having some inconviences happen to me....to understate the situation a bit but I'm going to be somewhat unavailable for a short time. I'll do what I can to be here but I'm unsure how much I will be able to.
Diplomacy +6(2nd level +7)
Sense motive +5(2nd level +6)
I recommend that these two skill updates are unapplied until after this little encounter.
The creature continues to shriek as it turns to hit Gerin. Its blow slides feebly off his heavy armor.
Another two creatures come out of the fog — this time, Pangur happened to be looking in just the right direction to see one approaching just as it came into view. He can see how slowly it moved as it sneaks up on them before speeding up as it charges at the group. Fortunately for him, his failure to notice the other one approaching doesn't do him any harm, as the force of its blow is entirely absorbed by his chain shirt. And Siroc moves nimbly aside as the other rushes him.
OoC
Gerin: It's Abyssal. Infernal was a typo. Your necessary absence is noted, and you'll be NPCed as necessary; thanks for the notice.
Creature count: One wounded and screaming, two fresh.
HP
Elobi: 14/16
Gerin: 19/19
Pangur: 10/12 (2 nonlethal)
Siroc: 10/14
Initiative:
Critters
Siroc
Pangur
Elobi
Gerin
Creature count: One wounded and screaming, two fresh.
HP
Elobi: 14/16
Gerin: 19/19
Pangur: 10/12 (2 nonlethal)
Siroc: 10/14
Initiative:
Critters
Siroc
Pangur
Elobi
Gerin
Spinning his staff in a figure-eight and then over his head, En Siroc Var brings down the ends of the weapon against the foe that attacked him.
"Shut him up," the monk says of the screaming foe.
OoC
Flurry with staff
Pangur drops his dagger and throws himself bodily at the wounded creature to wrestle it to the ground and try to clamp its mouth shut.
OoC
unarmed attack +1; grapple -3; AC 17 (14 without Dex) ; DCon 2; hp 10-2 subdual
Gerin Turns his blade 90 degrees in his palm bringing the flat of it to bear and swings at the the creature that attacked Pagnur
"Its screaming "Tresspassers, Intruders, Outsiders" ....It thinks we are attacking its home. Try not to kill them."
ooc:
I know I failed the first one and a second is not really practical but he is continuing to try even though he failed.
Subdual against Pagnurs attacker. +2 attack
Diplomacy +9
Sense motive +5
I know I failed the first one and a second is not really practical but he is continuing to try even though he failed.
Subdual against Pagnurs attacker. +2 attack
Diplomacy +9
Sense motive +5
Elobi levels a kick at the beast making all the noise.
The other two are easily fended off. Over their blubbering cries of, "Out, out, out!" Pangur can barely make out the wet sound of something else moving out in the fog. And while Gerin knows nothing of this, he can't help but notice that the creatures fight with no sense of strategy beyond hitting the nearest moving target.
OoC
The good news is that:
a) None of the party got hit this round.
b) Pangur did manage to avoid his attack of opportunity to grab his opponent, but failed the grapple check (close, though).
c) Gerin's nonlethal attack dropped the wounded one.
The bad news... well, I'm sure you got that part. ;)
a) None of the party got hit this round.
b) Pangur did manage to avoid his attack of opportunity to grab his opponent, but failed the grapple check (close, though).
c) Gerin's nonlethal attack dropped the wounded one.
The bad news... well, I'm sure you got that part. ;)
"These things are not using any sort of brains in the fight. They are just running about without any forthought."
*Gerin move in to the creature closest to Pagnur and Elobi, and tries to smack it in what appears to be the head, with the flat of his sword.*
Since pummeling with his fists likely won't do much good, Pangur tries his failed tactic again and grabs at another of the slimy creatures.
OoC
unarmed attack +1; grapple -3; AC 17 (14 without Dex) ; DCon 2; hp 10-2 subdual
"Getting some place where we can actually see what we're fighting would be good."
OoC
Flurry of Blows again
"Where do we run when deal with these two?"
OoC
Pangur's grapple attempt was spoiled by an attack of opportunity; he sustains 1 hp of nonlethal damage and 2 more lethal (acid) damage. This leaves him at 9/12 hp (+3 nonlethal).
Elobi and Gerin both would have hit if it wasn't for the fog. I mention this because they'd be aware of what was spoiling their aim. En Siroc Var, however, managed to hit both times and eliminate his opponent from the fight.
I've also inclued a small tactical map to make it a bit easier to figure out where you are.
Pangur's grapple attempt was spoiled by an attack of opportunity; he sustains 1 hp of nonlethal damage and 2 more lethal (acid) damage. This leaves him at 9/12 hp (+3 nonlethal).
Elobi and Gerin both would have hit if it wasn't for the fog. I mention this because they'd be aware of what was spoiling their aim. En Siroc Var, however, managed to hit both times and eliminate his opponent from the fight.
I've also inclued a small tactical map to make it a bit easier to figure out where you are.
Tactical Map
._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|C|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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C = Creature you're fighting.
A = En Siroc Var
E = Elobi
G = Gerin
P = Pangur
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|_|G|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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C = Creature you're fighting.
A = En Siroc Var
E = Elobi
G = Gerin
P = Pangur
The gnome moves away from the remaining foe and picks up his weapons and the rope.
"If there is more comming then I think the best thing to do is avoid it. We have come into their home, and we should try and leave if at all possible."
"Let's go then. But we should try not to get separated too far."
OoC
Flurry one more time
Four more of the creatures come charging out of the mist behind Elobi, two of them running headlong into him. He barely notices until his skin starts to blister where they struck him.
OoC
I've assumed Elobi stepped 5 ft to the side and make another attack for his actions in order to move things along.
En Siroc Var suffers 4 hp of damage, including 3 hp of acid damage. Elobi sustains 5 hp of damage, including 3 hp of acid damage.
Elobi: 9/16 hp
Gerin: 19/19 hp
Pangur: 9/12 (3 nonlethal)
Siroc: 6/14 hp
Initiative:
Critters
Siroc
Pangur
Elobi
Gerin
En Siroc Var suffers 4 hp of damage, including 3 hp of acid damage. Elobi sustains 5 hp of damage, including 3 hp of acid damage.
Elobi: 9/16 hp
Gerin: 19/19 hp
Pangur: 9/12 (3 nonlethal)
Siroc: 6/14 hp
Initiative:
Critters
Siroc
Pangur
Elobi
Gerin
Tactical Map
._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|E|C|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|G|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
C = injured opponent
C = monstrous reinforcements (but not yours)
E = Elobi
G = Gerin
P = Pangur
S = En Siroc Var
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|E|C|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|G|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
C = injured opponent
C = monstrous reinforcements (but not yours)
E = Elobi
G = Gerin
P = Pangur
S = En Siroc Var
"A retreat wouldn't be a bad idea about now," he voices, reluctantly ready to withdraw if the others are willing.
"Well, I guess we wouldn't be going that way..."
ooc
Total defense.
Pangur tosses one end of the rope to where the three others can reach it, waits for them to pick it up and then sets off in the opposite direction of where the last four slime creatures came from. He runs as fast as he can, figuring he's the slowest of the lot and heedless of any obstacles that might be hidden by the fog.
"Don't let go! Yell if we have to stop, but keep going!"
OoC
Waited to see if anyone was planning to change an action, based on Pangur's suggestion. However, the actions everyone described do leave them with the move action necessarily to take hold of the rope. (I've assumed that Siroc Var delayed long enough for Pangur to offer his plan.) Since this counts as picking up an item, it does draw an attack of opportunity. However, said attack missed.
It was a hard judgment call, but I've awarded the wounded kobold-like creature an attack of opportunity against Pangur (which means that Siroc will be able to pick up the rope without drawing an attack against himself -- assuming the creature doesn't have Combat Reflexes, of course). I based this decision on the fact that while it's not quite an attack or picking up an item, it's not quite dropping one either. The deciding factor was the fact that the rope pretty much has to travel through the creature's space to be within reach of Elobi and Gerin.
If you wish to have your character grab the rope, let me know if you're grabbing it as part of the actions you've already taken for this round, or in the next round.
I've held off on posting actions for the critters until after we've determined who's picking the rope up and who's leaving it where it lies.
Elobi: 9/16 hp
Gerin: 19/19 hp
Pangur: 9/12 (3 nonlethal)
Siroc: 6/14 hp
Initiative:
Critters
Pangur
Siroc
Elobi
Gerin
It was a hard judgment call, but I've awarded the wounded kobold-like creature an attack of opportunity against Pangur (which means that Siroc will be able to pick up the rope without drawing an attack against himself -- assuming the creature doesn't have Combat Reflexes, of course). I based this decision on the fact that while it's not quite an attack or picking up an item, it's not quite dropping one either. The deciding factor was the fact that the rope pretty much has to travel through the creature's space to be within reach of Elobi and Gerin.
If you wish to have your character grab the rope, let me know if you're grabbing it as part of the actions you've already taken for this round, or in the next round.
I've held off on posting actions for the critters until after we've determined who's picking the rope up and who's leaving it where it lies.
Elobi: 9/16 hp
Gerin: 19/19 hp
Pangur: 9/12 (3 nonlethal)
Siroc: 6/14 hp
Initiative:
Critters
Pangur
Siroc
Elobi
Gerin
Tactical Map
._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|E|C|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|G|_|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
C = injured opponent
C = monstrous reinforcements (but not yours)
E = Elobi
G = Gerin
P = Pangur
S = En Siroc Var
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|C|E|C|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|G|_|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|C|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
C = injured opponent
C = monstrous reinforcements (but not yours)
E = Elobi
G = Gerin
P = Pangur
S = En Siroc Var
OoC
Pick up rope as part of last actions
Unfortunately, Pangur must have gotten turned around in the fight; by the time their foes are out of sight (but not yet out of hearing), he and the others still haven't reached the edge of the hill. Instead, they find themselves running toward the edge of a thickly wooded area.
OoC
The woods in question are about 40 ft ahead of the party. The pursuit is... somewhere behind the group, currently out of sight. The team will either have to stop running when they reach the treeline or turn to run in another direction.
Gerin takes 1 hp of nonlethal damage and 3 hp of acid damage. (He barely avoided taking a critical hit, by the way. Score one for good armor.) The other attacks of opportunity missed, but siroc was hit by one of the new attackers, taking 3 hp of damage, including 1 hp of acid damage.
Running draws another attack of opportunity in the next round, and the runners lose their Dexterity bonus to AC. As a result, Siroc took another 2 hp damage (including 1 hp of acid damage), leaving him with 1 hp. Pangur took 3 hp of acid damage and 1 hp of nonlethal damage, which leaves him only a little better off than Siroc.
Elobi: 9/16 hp
Gerin: 18/19 hp (+1 nonlethal)
Pangur: 6/12 (+4 nonlethal)
Siroc: 1/14 hp
Initiative:
Critters
Pangur
Siroc
Elobi
Gerin
Gerin takes 1 hp of nonlethal damage and 3 hp of acid damage. (He barely avoided taking a critical hit, by the way. Score one for good armor.) The other attacks of opportunity missed, but siroc was hit by one of the new attackers, taking 3 hp of damage, including 1 hp of acid damage.
Running draws another attack of opportunity in the next round, and the runners lose their Dexterity bonus to AC. As a result, Siroc took another 2 hp damage (including 1 hp of acid damage), leaving him with 1 hp. Pangur took 3 hp of acid damage and 1 hp of nonlethal damage, which leaves him only a little better off than Siroc.
Elobi: 9/16 hp
Gerin: 18/19 hp (+1 nonlethal)
Pangur: 6/12 (+4 nonlethal)
Siroc: 1/14 hp
Initiative:
Critters
Pangur
Siroc
Elobi
Gerin
OoC
I'll edit in Pangur's proper actions, but I have a quick question first: does it look like there's no fog inside the forested area, so we can at least more or less see where we're going, or does the fog extend into the forest?
OoC
Yes, there's still mist, though not quite so much of it. What there is reflects light off the trees. This might produce more consistent lighting. It might offer better visibility -- well, when there aren't trees in the way -- but it's harder to be certain of that while you're running.
"Everyone still with us? I'll need to rest soon, but I want to have as much distance as possible between us and the slimy horde first."
He keeps following with the party, fighting the exhaustion setting in.
Elobi falls behind Siroc, looking back from time to tiome for signs of pursuit.
Tactical Map
[FONT=Courier New][size=4]Sorry for my lack of a neato grid, but this is what I've got. Imagine the forest to the left.
C
CC
PC
S
E
G
C
CC
PC
S
E
G
ooc:
Oh by the way, I noticed that ST said 1 nonlethal and 3 acid damage. The status in the text block said that he has 18/19 +1 nonleathal.....thats only one damage.
Oh by the way, I noticed that ST said 1 nonlethal and 3 acid damage. The status in the text block said that he has 18/19 +1 nonleathal.....thats only one damage.
Pangur's reeling from the sudden impact, but he recovers speedily and backpedals to put some distance between him and the creatures. Now finally seeing how bad a shape Siroc is really in, he offers a heartfelt prayer to his forefathers to lend the prizefighter some strength.
"blood flows freely/grinding bone
knit what's severed/faith will atone"
.oO(We should have tried our luck among the trees, maybe they don't want to leave the protection of the fog...)
"Retreat into the forest! Maybe they'll leave us alone there!"
OoC
5-ft step back + CLW on Siroc
As the gnome chants, Siroc feels a measure of strength flow back into him. Even the eerie complaints of the thunder now rolling and the unintelligible shreiks of the creatures are not enough to dampen his spirits now. The same cannot be said of the creature standing nearest him, after Siroc's roundhouse kick knocks the breath out of it.
Elobi's retreat takes him a few yards into the forest, as far as he can go without turning around to watch his path. He's still easily close enough to make use of his crossbow, if he can get a clear shot around his friends.
OoC
Initiative
Critters
Pangur
Gerin
Siroc
Elobi
Critters
Pangur
Gerin
Siroc
Elobi
"Pagnur!! Pull back carefuly. Siroc try and get between Pagnur and the cretures."
Gerin takes swing at the creature directly north of him.
ooc:
Requesting Pagnur five foots to the south west and Siroc takes a five foot into the position Pagnur is currently occupying.
Just trying to get the vulnerable characters out of direct danger.
Oh and I love my sword. :D
Requesting Pagnur five foots to the south west and Siroc takes a five foot into the position Pagnur is currently occupying.
Just trying to get the vulnerable characters out of direct danger.
Oh and I love my sword. :D
Careful not to get jumped and covered with more of that scorching slime as he makes his getaway Pangur scrambles after Elobi, already reaching for his bow and an arrow.
"Don't give them any more chance to come at you than necessary, or we'll be overcome eventually! If you can make a break for it and they don't follow us, we're getting out of here!"
OoC
retreat to spot immediately to the north-west of Elobi; no other actions to avoid AoOs
With a whirl, En Siroc Var hefts his staff up to his chest with both hands. He punches out with both arms, trying to catch the enemy in front of him with the middle part of the wooden weapon. Quickly releasing one grip, he twists the staff around for another swing.
The monk moves back carefully, trying to cover off the gnome's retreat as Gerin suggested.
OoC
Flurry with staff against creature in front of him, then 5' step toward Pangur and Elobi's position.
"I can't get a clear shot!"
Even as one of the other creatures throws itself toward Gerin, his sword rends one end of it from the other. Siroc's first blow glances off another creature's elastic hide, but he drives the staff home on his second pass: that creature will not rise again.
And try as he might, Elobi cannot spot a clear shot among the combatants, moving as rapidly as they are and with the fog partially obscuring his view.
OoC
Initiative
Critters
Pangur
Gerin
Siroc
Elobi
Critters
Pangur
Gerin
Siroc
Elobi
ooc:
5' step to west and attacks remaining creature.
5' step to west and attacks remaining creature.
"Finish the last one and let's get out of here!"
OoC
Flurry again
As it falls, thunder mutters angrily again in the distance. It has an unnerving effect on both Gerin and Elobi — or perhaps that's from the slurping sounds of something moving across muddy ground, which they can hear after the thunder's died down? Either way, at least — for now — the battle is over.
"Lets go."
He jogs into the trees with the rest, and picks up the end of the rope intending on taking up the rear.
"I say we move away from the fog. It's not like we know where to go anyway. I do hope we won't have to go back in there to get home again though..."
"Escaping the fog sounds like a good idea."
"Sorry about this mess... I did not know it would lead us to a hell dimension filled with squishy burny things.
The Mage hangs his head and follows quietly.
As they walk, there are occasionally cobwebs they walk through without even seeing them first. It's an unsettling feeling when one clings to your face, but no harm seems to come of them.
After a few minutes, they see ahead a tree much larger than most in this forest — and there are no saplings here. Its boughs sweep down to the ground well away from the trunk, but a tree that large is likely to have a space underneath those branches.
Note
Anyone who feels their character would be likely to have sheltered under such a tree in the past is free to recognize this possibility.
In addition, Siroc can hear running water somewhere beyond the tree; Pangur hears the same thing, and feels certain it's a stream small and slow enough to be easily crossed.
In addition, Siroc can hear running water somewhere beyond the tree; Pangur hears the same thing, and feels certain it's a stream small and slow enough to be easily crossed.
Pangur is still catching his breath and when they approach a large tree that might likely provide some shelter, he slows down noticeably.
"Anyone mind if we rested for an hour or so? That fight really took it out on me..."
"Sounds good, I could use the rest as well.
"Don't get too comfortable guys. Something may pop up at any moment"
I have no idea where we are, Siroc, so no idea where to go either. I could put my nose to the winds for guidance, but I'm not sure any wind here wishes us well. Any special landmarks to be seen, mountains or rivers? We have a better chance of finding both those rocks and the missing mage around those."
"It all seems like mist and trees to me. Besides, any ideas on how we get back?"
Pangur shudders briefly.
"I really don't want to head back into that fog again though. Besides, I don't think logic has much value in this place.
I'd like to get back as soon as possible too, but we're here now. We should make the best of it and see if we can find the mage or some of those rocks. But if we find something that looks like it might be a way home in the meantime, I'll be a happy little gnome..."
"Yes, if there's no way back, we might as well go forward."
"You'd think the trees have an end somewhere."
The monk pauses and looks up with grey eyes.
"Do you hear the water that way? If it flows, it has a direction we could follow either way."
Pangur inspects his clothes and skin, wincing as he touches the ugly burnmarks left by the creatures' acidic secretions.
Gerin begins in the direction Siroc spoke of.
"Does anyone need his wounds taken care of? I think I probably used up all the help I'm likely to get from my ancestors today patching up Siroc earlier, but we still have our scrolls. I'd rather not use them if it isn't absolutely necessary though..."
Elobi looks to Siroc, as to if he should follow the others or not.
"Let's see about that water. I think I could out-drink a camel right now."
As Pangur bathes his wounds, Gerin catches sight of what could be the faintest of trails through the woods. It may be an animal's trail, perhaps a deerpath, but it could at least be a path to follow. What chills his blood is the face he momentarily sees in a tree rooted next to the little path, gazing woodenly at the water. A trick, surely, of the strange lighting here, and when Gerin blinks and looks again it looks only like a cluster of knots in the bark.
*
Meanwhile, back at the tree they had sheltered under, Siroc feels something wet fall onto the back of his neck. The barehanded fighter wipes at his neck and takes a few steps forward while checking to see what has dripped onto him. The substance is bright red and looks like blood, but it's so thick and sticky he's certain it's not his own.
Looking slowly up, he sees that a trickle of the substance is oozing slowly down the side of the tree from a gash well up its side. The tree's wound would seem to be days old, judging by the number of tiny insects crawling on the trunk to sup on its sap.
OoC for Elobi
I wasn't clear on where you would be at this point, so I left it up to you. Just post appropriately for whatever you decide.
"That's not right..." he says under his breath.
He glances over to Elobi before walking toward the water.
"Something about the trees here, sap like blood," the monk informs while shaking his head.
"Pagnur...Back up away from the water....I saw something on the tree over there."
"Huh? What? Where?"
Shaking his head, the gnome slowly gets up and looks around.
"What did you see?"
"Sap is basically the blood of trees. Why do you sound concerned?"
Gerin moves forwards his weapon not held at the ready but his grip on the hilt would break bones if used in a handshake. When next to the tree that he spotted the face in, he kneels and looks very closely at the spot.
[celestial]"As of yet I'm unworthy to carry your light Agathalos, but so I may one day please show me the way."[/celestial]
This is said as much to the tree as the god of his family. His eyes dart to the trail that he noticed earlier and back to the tree again.
The prizefighter rubs his fingers together, red substance still sticking. He feels the need to wash it off.
Pangur's eyebrows shoot up.
"What kind of face? The friendly face of a kindly tree spirit, or the ugly mug of another demon?"
He pinches his nose and shakes his head in disgust.
"Ugly mug, right? Why do I even bother asking..."
Gerin reaches out and touches the tree. If nothing happens he will move to the stream dip his fingers in and taste the water to see if it really is water.
Pangur winks, even though it's clear the gnome has a hard time seeing any humour in the situation.
Back at the stream, the fighter finds the water cold and tasteless, as water should be.
And Siroc and Elobi approach the stream now, without further incident.
"Desert sands, I needed that. So, you couldn't see anything special in that tree then, Gerin? And Siroc, what was it you got worked up over just then?"
Pangur shudders briefly.
"I was going to consider setting up camp here and building a little fire for some warm food, but all of a sudden it doesn't seem like such a good idea anymore."
Gerin takes a drink from the stream as well
Pangur, with no small regret, lets go of the idea of taking a short nap. If there's a trail, there might be people. Or what goes for people in this demon dimension anyway. Actual people would have been so much better.
"That was good water, Let's return here if we need aplace to reconvene should we be seperated."
The light-haired human seems to be more on-guard. It isn't the sight of blood or sap that affects him. It's what might have left such a gash. He hopes it is just a natural cracking, but his imagination runs on in the grim surroundings.
After dipping his hand in the water to rinse off the sap, En Siroc Var moves with the group.
"Trail makes sense to me."
.oO(A pleasant surprise at the end of that path would make for a nice change...)
"Guys sorry if I seem rather paranoid right now....Reason is that I just happen to be at the moment."
Pangur is itching to find a nice cosy tree to hide under and wait for the winds to change, but strange faces and bloody juices don't correspond with his idea of 'cosy'.
It is Elobi who first picks a voice out of the murmurs.
"Better look out behind you."
"Who goes there!?"
Pangur jumps two feet in the air, not knowing where to jump away from first: the low whisperings all around them or Elobi's crossbow suddenly being pointed a little too close in his general direction for total comfort.
"Easy there, Elobi! What's going on? What did you see?"
A long moment later, though, they all hear a noise that... could be a laugh, or could be a breeze rustling the leaves in the trees around them.
"The woods... It seamed like something from there was warning me to look behind..."
He scans the path behind them nervously.
"Sorry about that."
"Never lead with your right," the pugilist recounts a bit softly while he listens to the laughing wind.
"Meh, we should keep moving. If something is noticed, it's better to probe for an opening before unloading."
"Siroc is right, we should keep going. Better if we're on the move than getting caught out here in the open."
The little gnome sniffs loudly.
"I don't like these winds. I don't like them one bit..."
With that unhappy remark, made in a low voice, he starts walking again.
Pangur looks frantically in all directions, trying to make out where that voice is coming from.
Gerin looks about slightly
"But if something does come out to get us then don't act like a brave little gnome....Try and keep yourself unharmed. Let Siroc and I deal with anything that gets too close."
Gerin gives Siroc a look.
"I want everyone going home with me by their own power."
Gerin then continues down the "trail"
"Home sure sounds good right about now..."
"Home is a state of mind, breathe deeply and imagine your home and you shall be at ease.
Pangur still looks a little green around the nose but he takes a couple of deep breaths on Elobi's advice and scrambles along with the rest of the group, staying in the shadows of the bigger men.
Whatever's out there, it's apparently moving quickly from the sounds it makes. How it manages to remain hidden despite that remains a mystery.
OoC
At your best guess, whatever's moving out there is probably between 30 and 100 ft away at this time.
"I think that qualifies as 'anything that gets too close', Gerin," he says while scanning their suroundings.
"Who goes there!?"
"Something get your attention?
"It sounded almost like speech, but nothing like those phantom voices earlier. I think we should pay this a little more heed..."
Gerin has placed himself between wherever the sounds are comming from and the rest of the group, 10' out. Weapon out and ready the kill whatever comes close.
ooc:
Ready action, if something comes within reach he attacks.
Ready action, if something comes within reach he attacks.
"What did it sound like. I speak most of the dark languages."
"Unfortunately, I don't."
Pangur tries to come up with a good description of what he heard.
"It was very high, and creaky, not like anything I've heard before. Maybe a little like lots of people walking over a really bad wooden floor?"
The words is followed by a sharp cackle, trailing off into a barely audible murmuring. Though they can't make out words, the patterns sound vaguely familiar to both Pangur and Gerin, familiar enough that both are certain it's a language. The gnome can even make out at least two, maybe three, distinct voices. While he can't pinpoint their origin, he's sure they're all coming from further back along the trail, somewhere to each side of it.
And then there is silence once again.
Pangur looks briefly in the direction they were going, and then reluctantly turns around again.
"I suppose we can't ignore these voices like the other ones," he mutters under his breath.
"We have to go and take a look. I'm not going any further with those creepy things running around behind my back..."
Then all is silent once more.
OoC
Naturally, if your character does not speak Abyssal, you'd not have recognized the previous post. (Darn inability to edit my posts from this machine...)
"I'll cover your back... Do not want to be surrounded again."
"Oh, yes."
"Can't be trusted at all."
Another cackle is shared, then all is quiet once again.
OoC
I meant "You won't recognize what was said in the previous post," which is post #297 of this thread. Drat.
The dialogue in this post, however, is entirely in common.
The dialogue in this post, however, is entirely in common.
"You gonna talk to them then?" he asks Gerin.
"It will be of no use....I belive it would only be a waste of words....However if you want me to try I will...But I still belive it would fail entirly."
Gerin looks closer in the direction the voices are coming from and waits for the groups opinion.
"It doesn't like we'll find them easily otherwise, whoever they are."
Elobi double checks that he has loaded his crossbow.
"Seems so."
[Abyssal]"Can we have the small one?"[/Abyssal]
"Wait."
OoC
Please note that if your character doesn't speak Abyssal, you didn't catch that comment. Maybe Gerin will translate for you. The rest, however, is in Common.
"They are talking about you my little friend....If this is to end we need to end it....I'm going to advance towards their voices. Careful Pagnur they may have it out for you....try and stay clear if this turns violent."
With a look at the other two Gerin begins towards the voices weapon draw and shield slung.
[Abyssal]To have the little one you will need to kill me first, and I do not fall easily. Show yourselves so we all leave alive.[/Abyssal]
[Celestial]Show me the shining light my Lord.[/Celestial]
"They are talking about you my little friend....If this is to end we need to end it....I'm going to advance towards their voices. Careful Pagnur they may have it out for you....try and stay clear if this turns violent."
.oO(I really didn't have to know that...)
Pangur puts on a brave face and winks at the large human.
"Figures they'd immediately pick me out as the important one in the group. The majestic bearing we gnomes have... It's a curse as often as a gift, I tell you."
Drawing the string of his bow taut, he nods and adds: "Let's go get them."
"Uh... no."
There's a quick burst of harsh laughter.
"No, you wouldn't want that."
"Bad for your health."
Again, the voices cackle, but something in the words suggest to Siroc that the speakers might not want to test what they say. Gerin's thoughts lead him a little bit farther ahead, leading him to wonder: What if their goal is also to keep him talking?
What if the goal is just to slow them down?
Pangur tries to keep up with Gerin as well as possible, running where the terrain allows it.
OoC
Out of town this weekend. NPC advancing and supporting Gerin as needed.
"Mirages you should ignore, but djinnie should be dealt with very carefully..."
Not seeing anything that might indicate who or what the voices are coming from, the gnome takes a deep breath and recites in a singsong voice:
"Two that see/a third that's blind
awake the orb so I may find
trails of magic/mystic light
revealed to me by third eye's sight"
OoC
Pangur casts Detect Magic
"I'm not sure if it'll help any, and I don't notice anything special yet, but you never know."
The gnome turns around and walks - carefully - in the direction of the sounds he just heard.
"Come out come out wherever you are..."
"Be carefuly with the sight, it's what knocked me down earlier. It might do the same if we run into something really powerful."
Show
I've been moving, connection will be spotty for the next little while.
OOC:
Intimidate +4
Wiggle you little buggers...I dare you.
:D
Intimidate +4
Wiggle you little buggers...I dare you.
:D
He hears something grunt as it moves, then determines it's a second source of noise, coming from off to the left of the first. Since both are still in the same general direction, the gnome presses on. Within a few more yards, he finds that which he seeks.
OoC
I use the word "rage" in the literal sense above, of course. :P It takes a minute to perform an Intimidate check to change another's behaviour, but I'm going to put Gerin three rouns into the action at the time of this post. If En Siroc Var is unable to post before the remaining seven rounds have passed (and circumstances, such as an attack, do not call for a change of plans), I will take his last instruction literally and have him aid Gerin in his Intimidate check. (He'd describe it better, though.)
It will take Pangur another round to determine how many sources of magic are present, and a third to pinpoint their location, assuming they don't move out of range in the meantime. As long as he takes a standard action to concentrate on his spell, however, his own movement should reduce the risk of that happening.
Pangur, I left the description of how you sensed the magic vague, in case you wanted to describe it a particular way. I didn't know whether you wanted to go with visual cues, a tingling sensation, or even how it smells, so I'm leaving it up to you.
It will take Pangur another round to determine how many sources of magic are present, and a third to pinpoint their location, assuming they don't move out of range in the meantime. As long as he takes a standard action to concentrate on his spell, however, his own movement should reduce the risk of that happening.
Pangur, I left the description of how you sensed the magic vague, in case you wanted to describe it a particular way. I didn't know whether you wanted to go with visual cues, a tingling sensation, or even how it smells, so I'm leaving it up to you.
"I found something," he pipes up during a brief lull in Gerin's stream of verbal abuse.
"Several somethings even..."
There is only the faintest trace of magic on the wind, coming from two distinct sources. In a few more seconds, he should be able to locate them precisely.
Naturally, it's at this moment that a glowing ball of blue light appears off to his left, hovering just a bit too far away to determine for certain if it's as magical as it seems.
Naturally.
OoC
The good news is that everyone can see the light, which is floating about five feet off the ground to the left of the group. The bad news is that it's at least a little bit more than 60 ft from Pangur, out of his spell's range. Also, it's almost directly to his left; scanning it would require shifting the radius of the cone at least 45 degrees, since he is scanning ahead of him at the moment. If the auras he's currently sensing are to his right or straight ahead of him at this time, he'd lose them in an attempt to confirm that this source is magic. He still needs one round to get a location for those first two auras (and possibly the school[s] of magic to which they belong)
Gerin is now four rounds into his efforts.
Gerin is now four rounds into his efforts.
"Crikey... Hey, everyone, can you keep an eye on that ball of light and make sure it doesn't go for my throat or something? I've nearly got something here..."
The gnome moves a little sideways, away from the direction the nearby sound seems to be moving in and towards the last apparent location of the one he lost.
OoC
I've assumed Pangur will try to keep the effect of the spell pointed in the general direction of both sounds, if possible.
Halfway into that Intimidate check.
Halfway into that Intimidate check.
The gnome points towards the location he sensed the stronger magical emanation to be in.
When Gerin breaks into a charge, En Siroc Var cracks a smirk behind his avian-themed visage and jogs in behind.
[Abyssal]"May the mother find your soul akin to lead and cast you out."[/Abyssal]
.oO(They only know strength and anger....I must show both....Wonder what Siroc is thinking about this display.)
Gerin raises his shield and weapon to strike down whatever may be in his path that doesn't belong there.
"How odd. I would think that if the first spell is an illusion, the second one would be an illusion as well. If that is not the case we might be dealing with multiple spell casting beings, or the second spell may not require the spell caster's focus."
Elobi pauses from his ramblings...
[color=red]
They are quite taken aback by the creature's appearance: were it not for the leathery wings that trail behind her, they would take her for a beautiful human female, clad only in a filmy, pale green tunic. Beautiful or no, her face is a mask of amused contempt, betraying only a moment's annoyance as Gerin sidesteps her attempt to claw his face.
Pangur's spell confirms that whatever this is, she is the other source of magic. Unfortunately, he can't identify exactly what kind of magic she carries, only that it is not very strong.
Elobi notices how the light to their left weaves back and forth behind the trees, but never coming any closer. Gerin's plight brings his attention round to the more immediate threat, which might help explain why he doesn't hear the other noises behind him and Pangur.
The gnome hears them, however. Voices, whispering in the wood.
"Now?"
"Not yet."
OoC
Initiative
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Siroc
- Elobi
""Pangur, watch the lights, I am not sure what it is, but we have more immediate concerns. Hold on Gerin!"
As Elobi rushes to aid their comrades, Pangur again hears whispered words.
"Now?"
"Wait."
OoC
Resolved Gerin's action. Will give Pangur and Siroc a few hours in which to post before resolving Elobi's, as the latter is at the bottom of the initiative count.
As undergrowth hampers movement, stepping into q12 drew an attack of opportunity. Fortunately, this is the second time I've rolled a 1 on her attack roll.
Unfortunately, a 2 wasn't good enough for Gerin to hit either, and that's what I rolled for him. Both Gerin and his foe gain a +1 cover bonus to AC from the trees in their squares.
As undergrowth hampers movement, stepping into q12 drew an attack of opportunity. Fortunately, this is the second time I've rolled a 1 on her attack roll.
Unfortunately, a 2 wasn't good enough for Gerin to hit either, and that's what I rolled for him. Both Gerin and his foe gain a +1 cover bonus to AC from the trees in their squares.
Initiative
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Siroc
- Elobi
"That seems about right..." he shakes his head slightly.
En Siroc Var skips to his right before stutter-stepping forward around the tree trunks. He holds is staff resting across his shoulders with one hand while he jabs out with his wrapped left fist at a sharp angle.
OoC
Try to flank from p12, unarmed strike, Power Attack for +1/-1.
OoC
I've opted to move Siroc based on his intended action (flanking) rather than the destination given, since he wouldn't flank from p12, but has enough speed left over to reach q12, from which he would. If I'm mistaken, please let me know and I'll make the edit.
(I'm not going to tell you if it would be the difference between success of failure, however. :P)
Elobi switched weapons (a free action to drop the crossbow another free action to draw the dagger as part of a move), preparing to rush forward, but does he? I have to go, so he's got until tomorrow morning to either verify the intention or post another action.
(I'm not going to tell you if it would be the difference between success of failure, however. :P)
Elobi switched weapons (a free action to drop the crossbow another free action to draw the dagger as part of a move), preparing to rush forward, but does he? I have to go, so he's got until tomorrow morning to either verify the intention or post another action.
Initiative
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Siroc
- Elobi
(Net cafe is not leting me use square brackets, Elobi will move so that he can take a 5 foot step into combat next round.)
.oO(My bow's no good with all these trees, and if I go at it with my dagger I'll probably get in the way of the others... But if I can get a good sniff of that light, maybe I can get a good idea of what it is.)
(Power Attack for 1)
He has time to determine that there is magic coming from the direction of the light before the trees themselves close in on him. Branches as thick as a man's arm lash out at him, but Pangur ducks and blocks them. He suspects he won't be able to manage this for long, even as he leaves the woods cursing with frustration.
Gerin's swing comes too late -- his opponent takes to the air, soaring into the nearest tree. Licking her bruises, she curses Siroc's ancestry, swearing to bring death to his mother and mothers's mother. Perhaps it is fortunate that he can't understand a word of what she says; Gerin, understanding every humiliating word, is not so lucky. A short spear appears in the creature's hand, cluing both Siroc and Gerin into the fact that her appearance is... off. It's hard to say how exactly -- a certain blurring of her features at times perhaps -- but this creature might not entirely be what she seems.
OoC
The "lady" in green is about 15 ft off the ground, hanging from a tree. She's speaking in Abyssal, and thus comprehensible only to those who also speak it.
The trees that move are roughly seven and a half feet tall, and about as wide around as an person. There is the slightest hint of facial features in their bark. And though there are three of them, not one managed to strike Pangur.
The trees that move are roughly seven and a half feet tall, and about as wide around as an person. There is the slightest hint of facial features in their bark. And though there are three of them, not one managed to strike Pangur.
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Siroc
- Elobi
Pangur laments the unfairness of life for gnomekind as he backs up out of reach of the tree branches, trying to keep the floating light in sight even if he doesn't dare getting close enough for his nose to catch a good whiff.
"We got more trouble over here!"
OoC
Withdraw just far enough not to be threatened by the trees, if possible to a position from where Pangur can see (and maybe even shoot at) the floating ball of light.
Regardless of the reply he gets Gerin rushes off to help the gnome.
(14n)
ooc:I think I can get Gerin there w/o a double move. I don't have the rules handy right now so I'm unsure if i can double move through this terrain. But I want him as close as possible to Pagnur.
The light reply is muffled more by the monk's mask.
Looking at his surroundings, En Siroc Var skips back to duck behind a near tree. He sticks a hand into his robe and comes out with two throwing spikes held at the knuckles. The man knows the tools were meant more to distract than cause harm, but distance didn't seem like such a bad idea right now. At least give En Siroc Var a chance to assess this strange foe.
OoC
Step back to q11, flurry with 2 of the 5 shuriken he has on him.
"Sleep, creature of the darkness!"
ooc
Elobi casts sleep 10 feet above the green lady so he doesn't catch siroc in the radius.
One of Siroc's shuriken catches his target in the throat -- with no apparent effect, falling broken to the ground. The other flies wide of its target.
Elobi is pleased to see his spell have some effect. His target groggily stirs herself from the tree, trying to fly away.
OoC
Armor appears to agree with Gerin; he wasn't hit once.
Siroc's first attack roll was a 20. The critical was not confirmed (2), but it still seems to have had less of an effect than it should have.
Sleep works slightly differently in GsC: standard action to cast, but the target is exhausted if it fails the initial save, falling asleep if it fails on the caster's next turn (or improving to fatigued for one round/level if it succeeds). He knows the initial casting was successful, with the final result due at the start of his next turn.
Siroc's first attack roll was a 20. The critical was not confirmed (2), but it still seems to have had less of an effect than it should have.
Sleep works slightly differently in GsC: standard action to cast, but the target is exhausted if it fails the initial save, falling asleep if it fails on the caster's next turn (or improving to fatigued for one round/level if it succeeds). He knows the initial casting was successful, with the final result due at the start of his next turn.
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Siroc
- Elobi
OoC
Can Pangur take a shot at the floating light from his position with a reasonable chance of hitting it, of do the trees provide too much cover?
OoC
longbow: attack +5, 1d6/x3, 100 ft. range inc.
1st arrow from the quiver, if I'm not mistaken (19/20)
1st arrow from the quiver, if I'm not mistaken (19/20)
(attacks the tree at k15 from l14)
Keeping the tree in front of him, En Siroc Var spies the green creature stumbling.
"That your magics working?" he looks to Elobi for explanation but holds his ground.
OoC
Delay until after Elobi
Gerin has some trouble steadying himself as he backs away; his initial swing is easily blocked.
OoC
My dice seem a bit lethargic of late, rolling a 5 for Pangur and 3 for Gerin.
But at least the terrain maps work again in this post. :D
But at least the terrain maps work again in this post. :D
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Elobi
- Siroc
"Yes. Wait a moment longer to see if it takes full effect before engaging her again."
Elobi rushes forward. peering warily about for more opponenets.
[move to N05]
"It's just trees, Gerin: they can't get to us if we stay far enough away from them. Let's concentrate on the other dangers first."
OoC
Good grief.
A roll of 3 on the saving throw. I think I need to take this die out for a walk in the fresh air.
The bad news is that falling would be as effective for waking a person as striking one. The good news is that it's still going to hurt and will have to spend a move action to stand.
En Siroc Var, having delayed his actions to follow Elobi's, still has a turn available to him after the green lady fell from the trees, but before the start of her next turn. (This would give him just enough time to reach the enemy, but not enough time for an attack during his turn. On the other hand, it would allow him an attack of opportunity if she stands. Alternatively, he has enough time to run toward Gerin's position.) She then gets to act at the start of the initiative order again.
A roll of 3 on the saving throw. I think I need to take this die out for a walk in the fresh air.
The bad news is that falling would be as effective for waking a person as striking one. The good news is that it's still going to hurt and will have to spend a move action to stand.
En Siroc Var, having delayed his actions to follow Elobi's, still has a turn available to him after the green lady fell from the trees, but before the start of her next turn. (This would give him just enough time to reach the enemy, but not enough time for an attack during his turn. On the other hand, it would allow him an attack of opportunity if she stands. Alternatively, he has enough time to run toward Gerin's position.) She then gets to act at the start of the initiative order again.
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Elobi
- Siroc
OoC
Move to n06
"Siroc! Give me a hand!"
ooc
Initiate grapple.
OoC
Follow to help Elobi, though can't attack til next turn.
.oO(I knew I saw a face.)
He barely has time to register the change before Elobi has joined the pile.
The orb of light hasn't moved at all, apparently oblivious to Pangur's threat. The trees, however, advance on Gerin, clubbing him repeatedly before he manages a counterattack that sends one of the trees reeling for a moment.
OoC
Elobi has already acted for this turn, having advanced to n5. I'll allow his intentions to redirect Siroc's movement toward l6, with him making a grapple attempt on the attack of opportunity as their enemy tried to stand. (My pardon if grappling was not your intention.)
This in turn drew an attack of opportunity against Siroc, but it was unsuccessful. His attack, however, was, and he won the opposed Strength check (16 vs 11 were the rolls, Siroc rolling higher), initiating grapple. He also drew an attack of opportunity (as she'd had a turn between his action and Siroc's), but a roll of 3 didn't make much of it.
Elobi, joining on his turn, hit with a 12 and established grapple (18 vs 4 for opposed Strength rolls).
Despite being set upon by two opponents, the green lady seems no worse for wear yet. Incidentally, what En Siroc Var sees and what Elobi (along with everyone else) sees are two entirely different things. Siroc's view is a lot less pleasant -- not that anyone's judging on looks right now, I suspect.
Eek.
Apparently my die heard me, because the attacks against Gerin resulted in rolls of 18, 19, and 20 in succession.
(At least I only rolled a 6 on the attempt to confirm the crit, which spares him that abuse.) The damage rolls were 5, 6, and 2 hp in order before taking his armor into account, which results in 5 hp of damage (+8 nonlethal). He's still standing, at least, and 9 was sufficient to hit his target. (The damage roll was 10 before modifiers, by the way. The target is still standing, but it seems worse off than Gerin is.)
Pangur and Siroc have yet to act this round, but all may post.
This in turn drew an attack of opportunity against Siroc, but it was unsuccessful. His attack, however, was, and he won the opposed Strength check (16 vs 11 were the rolls, Siroc rolling higher), initiating grapple. He also drew an attack of opportunity (as she'd had a turn between his action and Siroc's), but a roll of 3 didn't make much of it.
Elobi, joining on his turn, hit with a 12 and established grapple (18 vs 4 for opposed Strength rolls).
Despite being set upon by two opponents, the green lady seems no worse for wear yet. Incidentally, what En Siroc Var sees and what Elobi (along with everyone else) sees are two entirely different things. Siroc's view is a lot less pleasant -- not that anyone's judging on looks right now, I suspect.
Eek.
Apparently my die heard me, because the attacks against Gerin resulted in rolls of 18, 19, and 20 in succession.
(At least I only rolled a 6 on the attempt to confirm the crit, which spares him that abuse.) The damage rolls were 5, 6, and 2 hp in order before taking his armor into account, which results in 5 hp of damage (+8 nonlethal). He's still standing, at least, and 9 was sufficient to hit his target. (The damage roll was 10 before modifiers, by the way. The target is still standing, but it seems worse off than Gerin is.)Pangur and Siroc have yet to act this round, but all may post.
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Elobi
- Siroc
.oO(By the tails of the nine Sphinxes, we got more trouble than we bargained for...)
Hesitant at first but quickly increasing in volume, the gnome starts chanting an eerie text:
crawling darkness blots out stars/as crimson drops erode the seals
the wicked wage their eternal wars/wound the hearts whose courage heals
a few must stand to raise the bars/rekindle hope as innocence reels
Steadying his nerves, he lines up another arrow and aims for the tree Gerin already dealt a blow.
shattered seals destroyed by hate/age old sorrow found the key
furious onslaught through the gate/our demise the hopeless see
a ragged weave, unravelling fate/last stand is made against what can't be
OoC
Pangur inspires courage +1 (1/2); he continues chanting the next round and fires an arrow as well (18/20 left)
En Siroc Var struggles to keep a grip on the true shape of the foe.
"You made of plants or something?"
He tries to bend whatever limb he can control in a scissoring motion, applying extra force with his knee.
"This thing is strong," he cautions Elobi.
OoC
Attempt to damage in grapple
The trees sound like they're breaking into a heated discussion as one withdraws from the fight. The other two continue to flail at Gerin, but their actions are more guarded now.
OoC
This round went quite well for the party. I'll update the map later tonight, but the trees are currently at g13, l13, and l15. Despite being flanked, Gerin was not hit.
Before resolving Pangur's attack, I have to ask: will his target be the tree that withdrew or one of the two still engaging Gerin?
All four members of the party receive a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects, as well as a +1 morale bonus to weapon attack and damage rolls. It won't help with grapple checks, but it will help with the damage (and with melee attacks made while grappling). May it be enough. ;)
Before resolving Pangur's attack, I have to ask: will his target be the tree that withdrew or one of the two still engaging Gerin?
All four members of the party receive a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects, as well as a +1 morale bonus to weapon attack and damage rolls. It won't help with grapple checks, but it will help with the damage (and with melee attacks made while grappling). May it be enough. ;)
"For a lady in a dress she seems to be holding out quite well..."
ooc:Full power attack, Sorry for the shortness of the post but I'm rather preocuppied.
OoC
Try one more time to damage in grapple.
Pangur and Gerin fail to hit their intended targets, though the latter's sword is barely blocked by its intended target. The trees continue to cautiously flail away at Gerin, but he is easily able to rebuff their efforts.
OoC
Elobi does well on his grapple check (roll of 17), but doesn't appear to hurt his target at all. En Siroc Var's roll of 6 is insufficient, but the green lady didn't hit him back.
Pangur missed with a roll of 6, while Gerin, taking a 2-point penalty for Power Attack, missed with a 12. The trees didn't do so well either, fortunately. The wounded one has continued to retreat, making its way to c20.
Pangur missed with a roll of 6, while Gerin, taking a 2-point penalty for Power Attack, missed with a 12. The trees didn't do so well either, fortunately. The wounded one has continued to retreat, making its way to c20.
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Elobi
- Siroc
Pangurs curses loudly when his second arrow goes astray as well. The haunting energy from his chanting starts to dissipate, but will resonate for a little while longer. Grumbling to himself the gnome shoots again, hoping to drive off the remaining trees as well.
.oO(Lots of good I'm doing...)
OoC
longbow: attack +5, 1d6/x3, 100 ft. range inc. (17/20 left after this one)
"Either way Siroc, Finish her!"
Determined, En Siroc Var drives both knees into his foe, trying to leverage a position out of the seemingly unbendable opponent.
OoC
Another damage attempt
Siroc feels something give in response to his efforts. His opponent shudders wildly, then collapses.
OoC
To help move things along, I repeated Gerin's previous action for this round. Hope it's less hectic for you soon, Gerin! Sadly, a roll of 10 was not high enough to hit.
Pangur's roll of 11 (total of 13, as he's firing into melee) wasn't good enough either.
Elobi's grapple check resulted in a roll of 1.
En Siroc Var was more successful, however, with a roll of 18 vs 13 on the grapple checks, doing a total of 9 hp of damage. Good thing, because this renders his opponent unconscious (and just as she'd finally have managed to hit him back, too).
Pangur's roll of 11 (total of 13, as he's firing into melee) wasn't good enough either.
Elobi's grapple check resulted in a roll of 1.
En Siroc Var was more successful, however, with a roll of 18 vs 13 on the grapple checks, doing a total of 9 hp of damage. Good thing, because this renders his opponent unconscious (and just as she'd finally have managed to hit him back, too).
Initiative
- Trees that move
- Green Lady (down)
- Gerin
- Pangur
- Elobi
- Siroc
Resisting the temptation to run over and just start whacking the trees with his bow, Pangur shoots again.
OoC
I repeated Gerin's action once again, and a roll of 18 was good enough to make it work. Pangur's roll of 10... not quite.
Two trees have withdrawn now, one of them already a good distance away, with the last thankfully speaking Common. Of course, there's also still that light source out to the right side of the map, not that it's moved from that spot the entire time.
Two trees have withdrawn now, one of them already a good distance away, with the last thankfully speaking Common. Of course, there's also still that light source out to the right side of the map, not that it's moved from that spot the entire time.
.oO(What's a tree going to do with coin? Maybe it's a trick...)
"I'll stay here if you wish to help Gerin."
The man scratches back his long hair and nods to Elobi.
"If she moves, don't hesitate."
Scouting the situation, En Siroc Var stands ready to charge in but is unsure what the party intends to do.
"What is it that you have to offer us?"
"Well... uh... uh... we know where it lives," it says, sounding desperate to be helpful as it tips toward the demon Elobi and Siroc felled. "It has... stuff? Things you might like?"
The demon in Siroc's grip twitches occasionally, but gives no indication of resistance or awareness.
And in the distance, a ball of light continues to hang in the air.
Making sure to sound noncommittal, Pangur shrugs and suggests taking the tree up on the offer: "Can't hurt to go and take a look, and we can save some time if treeface shows us the way."
Gerin then directs a question at Siroc
What do you want to do with the winged woman? And is every one ok?
Gerin flicks the tip of his sword indicating the tree to lead the way.
"I am fine. I was not injured. If you want her moved, I might be able to carry her with us."
Gerin shifts his armor a bit to lift some of the weight off the bruises that the straps made.
.oO(I wonder if we could take the woman prisoner back to Garic City. I doubt she would be of no use to us. We will see how things go.)
Gerin looks back at the tree and frowns. He then looks at the rest of the trees that are surrounding them. What if every one of them was sentient? Maybe cousin Herals has heard of trees such as these. With the passing and painful thought of his family Gerin remembers what his mother said of the two daggers strapped to the small of his back.
"Take these daggers son...They are not made of steel like your sword so where your blade fails these may succeed."
Gerin prods the tree in the direction of Elobi, and Siroc.
"Siroc under my cloak on my belt there are two dagger hilts take one of them and give it to Elobi. Elobi the dagger may be able to work better than yours. Use it."
The blade is not shaped so much like a dagger as a very small version of a scimitar. The blade is curved back in an elegant curve and the hilt is made of a silvery metal. The dagger as a whole is by far the most elegant thing that Gerin has in his possession. Which is strange because everything about him seems rather plain, and nondescript.
"Um Pagnur do you have any clue what that...light is?
"Not really. My temporary ability to sniff out magics petered out before I could get close enough. I shot an arrow at it - and missed - but it didn't move an inch."
Pangur makes a grimace when he remembers his consecutive misses and checks his quiver.
The rest of my arrows are with Felicity. I'm sure she can take care of herself, but I wouldn't like to run out of arrows before we get back to her. Maybe I should see if I can find the ones I shot.
After examining the weapon, he hands the dagger to Elobi and sees if he needs help moving the unconscious creature.
"Sure you want that with us?"
"Sure you want that with us?"
"I don't know if it's a good idea to hang on to a prisoner when we still need to find a way back. She'll probably slow us down. But if we're going to take a look at her belongings, we should probably keep her with us until we've done so. Either way, I think we should tie her up if we can."
Gerin gives the tree a very dark look through his helm.
"I'm not really liking you at the moment...try not to push it."
Gerin begins to feel the fight more now that the heat of battle is wearing off. His bones are aching and his head feels rather heavy.
.oO(I'll wait until we let this tree go...Then use the potion.)
ooc:I had totaly forgotten about the leash we tied to ourselves...
"I'm not bad with knots, but if anyone's an artist in the field..."
He lets the suggestion hang in the air for a moment, waiting to see if anyone claims more skill with rope before tying up the captive.
Neither Elobi nor En Siroc Var have any expertise with knots either; Pangur's talents are likely as good as any other.
OoC
Just trying to help move things along without interfering too much.
"I'm not good with knots, one of the reasons my father said he could not sell me to the Eastern reef traders."
His tone makes it seem that he isn't kidding.
.oO(That sounds like there's an interesting story behind it, but now is probably not the time and here is certainly not the place.)
The gnome ties up the captive creature to the best of his ability, leaving the legs free so it can walk on its own once it regains consciousness but looping one end around its neck to serve as a makeshift noose.
"Let's get going. Treeface seems eager enough right now."
"Ok....Lead the way...And just keep that attitude and everything will go smoothly....no harm will come to you."
"Drag or carry?" he asks the others as they get ready to move out.
The brawler tucks his mask onto his belt and wipes away the sweat with a wrapped hand.
Gerin's tree-captive seems eager to cooperate -- or at least to avoid further trouble -- with a helpful "Mind the roots," every once in a while.
OoC
En Siroc Var is considered heavily encumbered while carrying... whatever she is. If things become difficult, he can always put her down, of course. ;) Oh, and she's given no sign of regaining consciousness -- or breathing, for that matter.
.oO(Glad I was chased by those trees and not by whatever that nasty thing is. Dry oasis, but she's ugly...)
Pangur chooses to stay close to Siroc - not that he's really able to help in any way, but a little moral support can't hurt.
He keeps looking up for the sky beyond the trees, some sign that there is a way out of this place.
Thirty feet ahead, someone -- or something -- has made a small clearing. Signs of a small fire can be seen next to a boulder about the size of Pangur and a pile of wood and brush half again his height.
"Is there anything up ahead that we should be worried about?"
"You do not need to fear for yourself....I won't harm you unless you force me to. Would you happen to know how we can leave this place....back to the land we came from?"
He continues to the camp and looks about cautiously. When confident that there is no imidiate danger he enters the camp. Gerin moves about looking at what is present keeping the tree close with hand motions and none threatening guestures. His weapon is still out.
"Siroc, go ahead and put her down and take a breather...She looks heavy"
"Whichever, she's not exactly in fighting shape anymore."
"Too dangerous."
"Swell," Pangur says morosely. The sight of the little campsite cheers the gnome up though - granted, they wouldn't have been welcomed very nicely by the now captive occupant, but there's always something comforting about having a few minor amenities and comforts around.
"Perhaps we could set up camp here this evening, seeing as the job's done for us already. That is, if we don't figure out a way home before that," he suggests while digging through whatever stuff he finds.
OoC
Search +2, if applicable
The search turns up two other facts. First, there are small shards of darker stone in the boulder by the firepit. Second, there's a patch of ground that's recently been disturbed, as though someone had been digging around.
"Are you going to behave?"
[sense motive]
If there is a positive response and feeling then he examins the small shards and begins to dig. Makeing sure Siroc is close to the tree to asure cooperation.
.oO(Give the guy a break for a bit.)
The shards, both of them, are embedded into the larger, gray stone, which is probably granite. They're black, much like obsidian, and two or three inches across where they protrude. It doesn't look like they can be dislodged without first breaking the boulder.
OoC
I do make Diplomacy, Sense Motive, and Knowledge checks at suitable times, just so people know. Since I am prone to forgetfulness, however, feel free to mention them at those times you want to be absolutely sure I've checked.
.oO(If it looks like mage casserole, that's one part of our mission we won't have to worry about any more...)
Seeing Gerin examine the stone shards, the gnome asks: "Do they look like the kind of rocks we're looking for?"
"I am assuming that we are not going to be lucky enough to find that she was a gardener. I just really hope something does not pop out at me...."
OoC
I'm not sure whether Gerin meant to dig in the soil or for the rocks. When in doubt... distract! 
Gerin, however, can barely make out a slight buzzing sound in the air. A moment later, Pangur hears it too.
OoC
I know, Gerin beat the gnome on a Listen check, 19 to 18 after modifiers. Not so good for Elobi and Siroc, though: 3 and 11 respectively. Siroc's Spot check was a bit better (13), but finds nothing for the moment.
"Now what? Can't we have even just five minutes of uninterrupted peace and quiet?"
.oO(I was really looking forward to a nice meal, a cosy fire and a decent night's sleep too...)
"What do you hear, earless one?"
He continues his observation, ignoring the motions of the others.
Pangur abandons his search to stand in the middle of the clearing, unconsciously fingering the quills of his arrows.
"I'm trying to make out if it's coming closer and how fast..."
"What are these sap suckers? What do they do? Are they hostile?"
Pangur hears the buzzing, but there's no indication it's moving. Gerin, however, can make out the words, spoken in the language of demons.
"Small one?"
"We get one each. You picked small one. I get-
"I get tall one."
"--one without shell then."
"Hey!"
"Too slow, you get last pick."
"Show you too slow."
It takes a moment to spot the creature that comes whizzing out of the trees, as it's quite small. The wings and coloration make it resemble a bat at first, but as it closes, everyone can see it has the legs and needle nose of some insect.
Gerin hears the others curse as they descend after it, each seeking out a separate target. The first latches onto En Siroc Var, but not before he gets a chance to clip it. Pincers sink into his arm as the creature establishes its grip.
Gerin slices clean through his assailant, but Elobi and Pangur are not so fortunate, the little monsters quickly finding a hold on each of them.
[SBLOCK=Ooc]Since the little beasties didn't have surprise, I was fine with them drawing attacks of opportunity this time. No luck for the rest of you, but I rolled 20 on each the attack roll and the crit confirmation for Gerin, enough for him to do 21 hp of damage. It's... not getting back up. En Siroc Var also hit his attacker, but 3 hp of damage wasn't fatal.
Initiative:
- bat-things
- Gerin
- Elobi
- Aries
- Pangur
- Treeguy
.oO(Can we trust the tree to help???)
After his swing Gerin calls to the tree hoping that it isn't a mistake.
"Help if you can."
Pangur violently shakes himself about trying to dislodge the demonic insect.
OoC
Try for unarmed strike
OoC
Well, you made pretty fast work out of three of them. I've delayed Elobi's reaction to take place either before or after Pangur's (since Gerin took care of his intended action for him), depending on who posts first.
Can the party hope for a one round sweep of of all four of their enemies? Stay tuned...
Can the party hope for a one round sweep of of all four of their enemies? Stay tuned...
Using Gerin's dagger, Elobi attempts to dismember the bloodsucker.
OoC
Attack roll of 1. Over to Pangur before this creature's next turn.
Over to Pangur before this creature's next turn.Pangur makes a face, looking at the disgusting remains of the splattered bug, before hurrying over to Elobi to help the mage.
OoC
draw on the move + attack with dagger then, if possible
[Celestial]"May you find peace."[/]
If Pagnur does not succed the Gerin will see if he can finish this battle.
OoC
The bad news is that the little beastie did 4 hp of Constitution damage to Elobi, leaving him with 5 hp at present. The good news is that it failed in its attempt to escape their grapple and that Gerin managed to strike it for just enough to leave it dying -- though it would still be conscious if Gerin hadn't managed to hit it first. ;)
"Somebody stab it! Or Squish it! I don't care which!"
The long-haired man peers into the woods to see if there are anymore foes while checking the location fo their walking tree guide. He fingers the mask on his belt as if considering what is out there.
"Elobi you had better sit down and take a little bit of a rest. You don't look very well."
He looks around along with Siroc.
"Your arm ok Siroc?...I think we should get out of here as quickly as we can manage....I would like to take the shards from the rock and see why the earth is disturbed there."
Gerin indicates the place were the ground is disturbed. He then looks to the two bugs that are not quite dead yet and frowns. He moves over to the one that is still buzzing slightly and backhands it to knock it out.
[Subdual]
"Pagnur would your ancestors grant a request to help Elobi get back on his feet again?"
Gerin gets his healing potion out and peers through the liquid.
.oO(Just a little while longer.)
If everything is going well and there appears to be no eminent threat Gerin begins to try and get the shards out of the boulder.
"Siroc could you check the loose soil?"
Investigating the shards, it looks like the boulder will need to be broken up before they can be removed.
"Those.... Those things..."
He turns to their tree companion.
"I can see why you were worried about them. They Hurt!"
Elobi sighs and sits down, back against the tree.
"If you would like, I can scan the clearing for magic. See if there are lingering traces of our missing mage."
"Pagnur would your ancestors grant a request to help Elobi get back on his feet again?"
"I'll give it a try, but it's not as simple as that - ancestral assistance must be earned: the worthier your achievements, the more they're inclined to lend a hand when you need it and the more powerful their intervenience. I'm a bit young and I haven't done that much to earn the right to more of their attention yet, and I already asked them to patch up Siroc earlier today."
Conjoined our spirits/through faith and will
Vanished weakness/strength echoes still
Pangur fiddles with some of the many amulets he carries on his person and recites another verse, but no aid from beyond is forthcoming.
"I'm sorry. The ancestors are withholding their power for now. Maybe Elobi should use one of our potions? Even so, I really suggest we try to make this position as defensible as possible without having to do anything crazy and get some good rest."
OoC
all out of spells slots for curative magic for the day
"While I appreciate the offer of healing, this feels like more than just a wound. Are you familiar with the feeling when you ascend in altitude substantually? I feel like I have climbed several hundred feet, I am having trouble catching my breath as much as I could normally.
I agree with Pangur's asseration and would like to rest for the night, if only to prepare my spells again. I have used my strongest summonings for the day.
"While I appreciate the offer of healing, this feels like more than just a wound. Are you familiar with the feeling when you ascend in altitude substantually? I feel like I have climbed several hundred feet, I am having trouble catching my breath as much as I could normally.
"That insect must have drained a lot of your blood," Pangur says. The gnome sounds concerned and walks over to Elobi to take a closer look at the wound.
"Either that, or it injected something into you that's causing this effect. I think it's best if you found a comfortable place to lie down, ate and drank something, and got some rest. We're not going anywhere today."
Gerin realizes after a few seconds of examination that rockbreaking is not something he can do with his bare hands. Sadly, there isn't a reliable cliff around to make the task easier, which means he could be looking at maybe an hour of hacking away at this thing -- as long as he's got the right tool for it.
OoC
I'm afraid the break DC for this boulder is beyond Gerin's ability at present, which means he needs to do this the hard way; that is, he's going to have to wreck it by means of causing hit point damage.
Considering how hard rock is, however, he's going to need to use something harder than his fists to do this. (It's even beyond En Siroc Var at present, though he'd make pretty quick work of the thing by the time he reaches 16th level.) I'm going to need a specific plan here.
And yes, this is considered an encounter, so overcoming it is worth a few xp. ;)
Considering how hard rock is, however, he's going to need to use something harder than his fists to do this. (It's even beyond En Siroc Var at present, though he'd make pretty quick work of the thing by the time he reaches 16th level.) I'm going to need a specific plan here.
And yes, this is considered an encounter, so overcoming it is worth a few xp. ;)
"Hmm?"
The prizefighter kneels down to dig more carefully around what he hit.
Pangur looks up at the sun and tries to determine what time it is and how long it'll be before dusk falls.
Noticing Gerin's difficulties, the gnome points at the heavy-looking axe.
"Maybe that thing can help? I expect it'll be really loud though."
"Hmmm"
Gerin looks at the axe that Pagnur pointed out and frowns slightly.
"I don't think that would be a good idea."
Gerin glances at the tree and frowns again.
.oO(I wonder...)
Gerin calls to the tree.
"Do you think it would be possible for you to....grow into this rock? I'm trying to get these shards out....and if not maybe you could break the rock. I'm sure you are much stronger then me."
Indeed, while the tree is slightly taller than Gerin, it is more slender in all respects.
Clearing away more of the soil, En Siroc Var finds a wooden surface, which looks to be the lid of an old chest.
Gerin looks at the axe a gain with a frown.
.oO(Doens't look like there is another way.)
He moves over picks up the blade and fiddles with the edge some, and looks at the rock again.
"Well not the way I wanted to do this but I can't think of another way. I'm going to need someone pay a little more attention to what is going on around us. Because Pagnur is right this will be noisy"
With that Gerin begins to go about the buisness of breaking the rock. He keeps his own weapon leaning against the rock directly beside where he is working.
ooc
Well I was hoping to avoid going at it with the axe but oh well. A sledge and a chisle would be extreamly handy here. And what time of day is it?
Well I was hoping to avoid going at it with the axe but oh well. A sledge and a chisle would be extreamly handy here. And what time of day is it?
En Siroc Var continues the excavation to try to uncover more of what he sees.
"Anyone want to help check?"
Gerin is begining to sweat with the extended exertion. He takes a break now and then to adjust the armor.
.oO(Would be much less effort without the armor on....But with the way things have been going today I need to keep it on.)
With the next strike a piece of stone flys off and dings him just below the eye.
"Yarg!!! Ouch"
.oO(Better keep my eyes closed before the hit.)
But Gerin soon finds that this defies all of his instincts and training. Determined not to get a stone chip in his eye he continues this practice.
---
When the chest is pulled from the ground or openend Gerin will move over to take a look at the contents, if there are any.
"Anyone want to help check?"
Pangur walks over to take a look.
"Why would anyone want to bury a chest?"
.oO(Other than the obvious reason, of course, but this doesn't look like a burial site...)
Shaking his head, the gnome looks at the condition of the wood and if there's a lock.
"Dig it out and try to open it properly, or just chop a hole in the lid?"
OoC
Gerin's task gives the rest of you plenty of time to decide what to do with your find.
Pangur nearly falls into the chest, taken by surprise at the unexpected sight.
"Could you give that roll a poke with your staff, Siroc?"
"People burying their treasure to collect later?"
And Gerin's work continues at a frustratingly slow pace. At least he knows the axe can get through stone.
Eventually.
If it doesn't break first.
OoC
Not just tormenting you folks here. Just letting you know that I'm paying attention and monitoring your results. It's just that the rock is going to take awhile, so the other still have time to do... anything else they think needs doing, whether retrieving the chest from it's burial spot or rummaging through it or trying to prepare something in those last remaining spell slots, in case Gerin's going to take that long, and you aren't interrupted.
Just some ideas. Not your limits, of course.
Just some ideas. Not your limits, of course.
Clang
"Grunt"
Clang
"Grunt"
Clang
Gerin takes a break for a few minutes and inspects the blade and the shape of the handle. Gerin wanders over to the hole in the ground to see what has been found.
"Well thats nice."
After a few minutes of heavy breathing Gerin goes back to work.
"Grunt"
Clang
"Grunt"
Clang
....
After another 20 minutes or so Gerin begins to hum what sounds like a labor tune.
"Seeing as we're not in great shape to begin with, better be smart about this," he mumbles while getting up and dusting off his clothes.
"Power lingers/awaits, prepares
reaches out/to him who cares
to read the signs/and play the airs
that wake the senses/and insight bears"
Standing close to the buried chest, the gnome delicately sniffs the air wafting out of it.
ooC
Detect magic, 2nd casting of the day (one 1st level spell slot left)
OoC
A single aura of faint magic is the best Pangur can determine after three rounds. No indication that either the chest or anything else within in is magical, an inch or more of metal -- such as silver -- could block the spell from detecting anything beneath it.
And Gerin's still chipping away, just so no one thinks I've forgotten. ;)
And Gerin's still chipping away, just so no one thinks I've forgotten. ;)
The gnome carefully reaches for the case and picks it up. After a cursory inspection, he opens it to get a better idea of the magical aura emanating from it.
OoC
I held off on having Pangur open the scroll, letting him review it long enough to determine the school of the aura with detect magic, but a result of 6 (2 on the roll) on the Spellcraft check was too low to determine anything more.
"Maybe Elobi can take a look at it later. He's probably better at this kind of thing than I am."
Looking at the other contents of the chest, he tries to judge the total weight.
"What are we going to do with that? I don't think we can transport that kind of weight, not without a lot of trouble anyway."
He props up his quarterstaff and rises to his feet.
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants," a bit of wisdom quoted from some monkish tenant.
"Leave it, or take a few to fill your pockets. Bet it's going to be a fight to get out of here still and don't need to be weighed down."
Pangur looks at the scroll case and back at the coins.
"If Elobi can figure out what this scroll is supposed to do, maybe we'll have a better idea. But I'm hanging on to one of those coins, as a keepsake. Maybe I'll make another amulet out of it, for luck. Less gorey than a rabbit's foot."
The gnome fishes a random silver coin out of the chest, rubs it against his shirt and inspects it.
OoC
Probably a lot to ask but since it's a minted coin - if I'm not mistaken - can Pangur make something of the way it's shaped, or the symbols on it, if any, regarding its provenance?
Tink
"Growl"
Clang
"Grunt"
Clang
"Wheeze"
"Wheeze"
"Wheeze"
"Grunt"
Clang
"Hummmm dum dum"
Clang
"Huzam dum dum"
Clang
"Grunt"
[color=Red]Clang[/color]
"When all is.."
Clang
"Ouch, ow ow ow!"
Gerin pulls his helm off his head and whipes the sweat that fell into his eye out. He blinks several times trying to stop the stinging. His hair short as it is looks like it doesn't exist covered in sweat. After a short repreive he picks up the axe again and goes back at it without his helmet on. The occational word can now be picked out between the gunts, wheezes, and clangs. With every strik the group can see sweat dripping off his ears and nose. He lets out a bit of air with every strike resulting in a light spray from his lips.
"I am feeling a little better, let me have a look at the scroll."
Elobi tries to find out if there's anything he recognizes in the scroll and calls out over his shoulder to Gerin.
"Do let me know if you want me to take a turn."
The wizard also recognizes the patterns of two spells on the scroll. The first is a minor abjuration against the ill effects of magic, poison, and other such hazards. The second is a divination used to discover concealed entrances and hidden compartments. There's a third spell, but he's unable to decipher it.
After close to half an hour, Gerin's efforts are sufficient to finally pry the smaller stones free from the larger rock. The axe is a bit worse for wear, but easily fixed by a good weaponsmith.
Show
A fair question, Pangur. The bardic knowledge check wasn't quite good enough, but thankfully Elobi has a fairly good modifier in Knowledge (history).
Elobi's Spellcraft checks (28, 29, and 11) were good enough to identify 2 out of 3 spells on the scroll without the need for read magic: resistance and detect secret doors.
And I've moved time along a little bit to allow Gerin to have completed his task. (Thank you for continuing to describe it throughout other events, Gerin! Much appreciated.) The axe did take a little bit of damage, but nowhere near enough to break it.
Elobi's Spellcraft checks (28, 29, and 11) were good enough to identify 2 out of 3 spells on the scroll without the need for read magic: resistance and detect secret doors.
And I've moved time along a little bit to allow Gerin to have completed his task. (Thank you for continuing to describe it throughout other events, Gerin! Much appreciated.) The axe did take a little bit of damage, but nowhere near enough to break it.
"I am not sure if your ancestors will give you access to these spells, but one of them is a minor defenseive spell and the other will help you determine if there are hidden passages nearby. We may want to use this one soon, but I am not sure.
He sifts through the chest.
"These coins are quite old, I doubt that the mage we are looking for brought these with here. The coins are also from a variety of regions, perhaps they are what she gatherd off of travellers. Besides the Jackels half a century ago, who used this area? The goblin wars took place near here, but these coins predate even that event."
Pangur takes an interested look at the scroll, but hands it back to Elobi.
"You're the only one of us who can use it, so you keep it. Detecting hidden passages? Could be useful, but I'm not sure we can risk it if it's a one-shot deal. You wouldn't be able to learn it so you could cast it over again, would you?"
Seeing Gerin's successfully completed his task, the gnome turns to the warrior.
"Hey, good job! Excellent work, Gerin."
OoC
I should point out that both Elobi and Pangur only used Spellcraft checks to review the contents of the scroll. Read magic is generally successful even when Spellcraft fails.
"f we're interested in carrying the chest with us tomorrow, I can call a horse that someone can ride for a few hours.
The mage does not comment on the growing mist, possibly because he doesn't notice it or possibly because he is thinking.
"If you will excuse me for a moment."
The mage wanders of and with a brief chant, begins to examine the unidentified scroll again.
Show
Casts detect magic
"f we're interested in carrying the chest with us tomorrow, I can call a horse that someone can ride for a few hours.
"I wouldn't mind taking that with us - if nothing else, it can help finance the military effort - but I think Siroc is right. Unless you can call a horse that stays with us the entire day, that chest will weigh us down more than we can afford."
His back to the others, En Siroc Var stays in a receiving stance with most of his weight on his rear leg as he holds his staff with both hands. The monk eyes the fog, half-expecting figures to appear out of the vapor.
Pangur notices Siroc's peculiar stance.
"What's the matter, Siroc? Feeling uncomfortable?"
The man eyes the space in front of him.
"It's closing up the paths."
Pangur looks around.
"On the other hand, that fog will help obscure a fire. I suppose we can risk cooking something warm then. We've got plenty firewood ready."
.oO(Warm food and a cosy fire will go a long way to make us feel more comfortable out here.)
If there are no objections, the gnome takes his tinderbox and tries to get a small fire going.
"Tree....I think we can let you go now if there are no objections."
Gerin looks around at the group to see if there are any. He then looks back to the one tied up still unsure what to do about her. He also sees the mist comming back in. He rubs at a knot in his arm and takes up a post on the other side of Siroc.
"Pagnur I wish we could have brough felicity. I just don't belive she would have liked this place. Maybe next time....if there is a next time. And as for the money i think that if we split it up then we will be able to get it out of here without much trouble. But she..."
He guestures to the other captive.
"..probebly needs to stay here. I'm sure it would be benificial to bring her back but I don't think we will be able to now."
"Tree....I think we can let you go now if there are no objections."
Pangur waves briefly to indicate he has no objections.
"Word to the wise though: no more trying to snatch gnomes. That's advice you'd better take, because next time you might run into one that's less magnanimous than I am."
"Pagnur I wish we could have brough felicity. I just don't belive she would have liked this place. Maybe next time....if there is a next time. And as for the money i think that if we split it up then we will be able to get it out of here without much trouble. But she..."
He guestures to the other captive.
"..probebly needs to stay here. I'm sure it would be benificial to bring her back but I don't think we will be able to now."
"I'm sure Felicity would have hated it here as much as I do. But at least I can hope she's safe, and that we'll find her when we get back. Maybe it was for the best."
Following Gerin's gesture, he looks at the demon.
"I agree we can't take her with us, Gerin. Too difficult and too risky. We'll have to leave her here, tied up as she is, and try to make our way back home as quickly as we can."
"Think it better to make sure she is finished?"
There is the occasional soft, "Ooof!" from somewhere in the mist, however.
OoC
Not ignoring you, folks. Just giving the time to discuss plans and put them into effect. Won't leave you hanging more than a few days if things look like they've stalled, however.
OoC
Read magic determines that the last spell on the scroll is endure elements.
.oO(This will just not end I guess.)
Gerin takes his healing potion and drinks it hoping that he will have no need for another. He then pulls in closer to Elobi and Pagnur and stands guard over their fire starter.
"We can't simply execute her."
If anyone is looking Gerin gets a very pained look on his face for a fleeting moment when he sais this.
"And I don't feel right about leaving her tied up when we leave it leaver her defenseless in an unfriendly place. We can knock her in the head with something blunt so not to kill her but to make sure she will not wake up to chase us. And as for what we should do. I think a few hours of break and then we can continue. We still have a several hours of light it seems. It is just this fog. It makes it feel later I think."
With that said Gerin lifts his shield in place rests the point of his sword on the ground and keeps any eye out for anything unfriendly.
ooc:
Readied action to place himself between any uglies and Pagnur/Elobi whichever on seems to be in more danger. If it involves only a five foot step, (Which would be nice) attack the ugly.
Readied action to place himself between any uglies and Pagnur/Elobi whichever on seems to be in more danger. If it involves only a five foot step, (Which would be nice) attack the ugly.
"She certainly would have had no qualms about killing us if she had the chance. I would prefer to not kill it. But I don't want it behind me either."
"Leaving it tied up or knocking it senseless, the end result will be the same: the demon will be defenseless for a couple of hours either way. If we do both, we can maybe count on getting a handful of hours but probably not more than that."
Blowing on the glowing tinder, he's silent for a few moments trying to get the fire going.
"I'm in favour of that last solution, actually. Two or three hours is not much of a head start, since we don't know where we are or where we're going, and that creature probably knows its way around these parts."
The robed man shrugs, "Whatever. Tie her tighter, knock her in the head again, and we go."
He tests the wound in his arm with his fingers.
"She was playing for higher stakes."
Gerin looks about some more and shrugs.
"We can do both I just wanted to see if we could keep the rope. There is little sense in leaving it behind. Moving onto a different subject. Elobi would you like to take a closer look at the crystals that I got out of the stone. I know almost nothing about rocks and stones. Maybe they are similar to the stones that we are searching for or they are something else entirly. They are in my bag."
He guestures to the bag setting near to the stone. He also notices Siroc checking his arm and moves over to investigate the wound.
"There is little that I can do save wrapping it. It will feel better if you will let me do so."
If Siroc agrees Gerin will see what he can do to clean up the wound a bit. (Take 10, +3 Heal)
Once he gets a little fire going, Pangur digs through their meager supplies for something to make a filling meal from.
.oO(A little food, a little rest... We'll all feel much better in he morning.)
"If we are staying here very long, should really do something about her," he indicates the downed monster.
"I'm okay with moving again, but do we have a direction to follow?"
"I would rather wait. It may not be as productive, but it will make us stronger in the long run. Pangur and I need the chance to recover our magic. Who knows what we might run into out there? Besides, our prisoner has a bad reputation in this parts so others are unlikely to come looking for her."
At the discovery that the demon has passed on, presumably straight back to hell, the gnome recovers the rope used to tie it up.
"One less decision to make, at any rate."
Gerin looks about wondering.
"How about we bring some dead brush and trees over and make some sort of three wall enclosure with the rock."
Gerin begins to drag dead brush and such into a makeshift wall about four feet high if possible.
ooc
tries to enclose about 3 5' squares and leaves the mouth facing the middle of the camp.
tries to enclose about 3 5' squares and leaves the mouth facing the middle of the camp.
En Siroc Var looks over the body of the creature again now that it shows no signs of life. He takes its arms and drags it some distance away so that the corpse isn't right next to them.
Afterwards, the monk helps Gerin with his camp setting, not having any particular expertise in this area.
"Excellent..."
Putting his back to a tree, the mage begins his daily ritual of preparing his spells. he runs his fingers up and doen the page, often several times and speaks to himself softly. Pleased at how quickly his preperation is going the mage decides to add another try to maintain another two spells. He grins quietly as he continues to pour through his notes.
Show
Add another summon monster I and Daze to spells prepared please.
OoC
It's taken a couple of hours, but what you've managed to put together is adequate to provide soft cover for Pangur -- and the others if they're kneeling or sitting. Concealment is not really an issue here, thanks to the fog.
Resting now?
Resting now?
"Not the kind of evening I was hoping for..."
Still, the makeshift wall offers some limited protection, which is comforting, and with some rest they might find a way back to the normal world tomorrow.
"I've got the first shift?"
"I can take the next after."
"I'll take the morning shift if it does not bother anyone. I am at my most potent then and hopefully, that bug's bite will have weakened in strength."
Gerin pokes at on of his arms which is rather tender.
If there are no objections Gerin begiwill sit down to eat whatever the gnome has prepared to eat and complement him in his camp culinary. After food He strips his armor off and finds a place to lay and begins to rest.
ooc:
Quick question meanings how Gerin drank the potion wouldn't all of the subdual damage go away?
Quick question meanings how Gerin drank the potion wouldn't all of the subdual damage go away?
"Not very promising, that fog, but unlike yesterday I feel up for braving it."
Cup in hand, slowly sipping the hot beverage, he walks over to the open chest. After a moment's thought, he uses his dagger to scratch his name on the lid.
"There: if we ever come back this way again - Ordemetrix forfend - that might allow us to locate the chest more easily with magic. Unless anyone wants to take more coins, I suggest we close the chest and fill the pit again."
"We're going to want to hold the rope in a line so we do not get seperated. I would hate to be lost in this mist."
He puts his crossbow in his backpack, seeing as it isn't going to be of much use in the fog.
Pangur passes out the ends of rope he recovered from the demon's corpse.
"Maybe carry a few torches as well? If we get attacked and have to run we can always toss them, but they could be useful otherwise and we have a little fire going here."
Before they get moving, the light-haired monk is seen stretching and warming up like an athlete before an event.
"Rope and torches, probably good ideas," he agrees, "Do we keep mving in this direction?"
En Siroc Var peers in the fog the way they were headed before coming across this place.
"Do we keep moving in this direction?"
"We got here from the other direction, but I seriously doubt we could find our way back through there. It'd have to be pure luck if we did."
Pangur purses his lips, looking out into the fog.
"So we might as well keep going the same direction, I suppose. Who knows, we might even find something else that could be interesting.
Are we ready? Is everyone fit enough, or should I beseech the ancestors again before we go?"
The mage ruffles around in his pockets for his note, finding some dried nuts that he decides to eat for breakfast.
"Right, marching order: who takes the lead and who takes the rear?"
[color=red]"I am not wearing armour, I'd be more comfortable if I wasn't on the front line. I'll walk in thirds position."[/color]
"I could take rear or front, opposite Gerin," he states as he picks up his staff.
"I'm okay without a shell," he taps the other human's mail in jest.
"Well some are not as flexible and fast as you. For us inferrior humans shells help. I will take the front but others will need to listen. I cannot hear anything with my hemet on."
Gerin is carrying the rest of the money even if it is heavy. He has his shield slung over his shoulder his blade in his right and the magical torch in his left.
"So Elobi what turned you towards the arts?"
He kicks out the last remains of the fire, passes out ends of rope for everyone and takes his place in line.
"Ready to go."
"I am unsuited to the intricacies of dealing with trade. I attempted tp dp my best for them as a member of our merchant house, but I believe I may have done more harm then good. I was sent away for tutoring where my tutor, Master Aniyeh, saw my potential."
The mage looks about blandlly in the mist.
"Magic is easier than deaing with people. Wizardry works off of complicated formulas as well as mental energy, it does not depend on how you feel about it."
Noticing Gerin has his hands full.
"Would you like the rope tied around you, Gerin?"
"What lef you to pick up the sword, Gerin?"
The mage walks over to Pangur and hands him the other end.
Gerin begins moving the line in the same direction as before.
.oO(By the beards of the seven viziers, I hope we get through quickly this time...)
"This is a test."
The man feels for his mask at his side, "This fog."
"This is a test."
Pangur recalls his earlier impression: the human pugilist seems to enjoy this sort of thing far too much. Still, he made short work of the female demon with his bare hands - and some magical assistance from Elobi - so the self-confidence is likely not unfounded. With the mage and another strong warrior also present, the gnome feels he may have gotten the lucky pick when the recruits were teamed up. A good thing too, given where they ended up. Hopefully the others didn't run into even worse trouble.
"If we do come across any opponents, think we should keep moving, cut through them if we can?" he strategizes aloud to see what the others believe.
"I'm more than willing to fight, each bout is an opportunity to let our fire shine. But I admit hiking through this unending fog in this twisted land is not how I imagined it would be."
The Old Master's training was always hard, but it was never like this, he considers privately.
"... En Siroc Var, disciple of the one art, skilled in the exquisite Science of Eight Limbs, initiate to the mysteries of the Tiger-Swallow Fist..." the monk reminds himself to counter the draining atmosphere.
Show
Cue a needle scratching the record that was playing the soundtrack. ;)
"What are they? Let me think... Let me think.... What are they?"
Show
If any of the demons move toward him, he will summon a Fiendish Dire rat in between them
...
Yeah, that's right! You'd better run!"
.oO(Thirteen genies on a pin, what did we get ourselves into now?!)
Pangur reaches into his pocket and starts rubbing the silver piece he picked up out of the buried chest, frantically trying to keep his cool.
.oO(You'd better be one very lucky coin...)
The monk glances over to the wagon to see what else it holds. He loses the rope and readies to sprint, though he isn't sure if it will be for cover or to attack.
.oO(Aww Crap.)
Gerin looks at the length of the demons legs wondering how fast they could run. Gerin makes sure the rope is free from his belt and slings his shield on his arm. He holds his sword aloft and ready. Waiting to see what happends.
Next largest is a dark, emaciated figure with leathery skin coated in a red slime. It has pointy ears, sharp teeth, and a large, curved horn, which rises from the back of its head. With its every motion, the foul smell of rotting flesh wafts across the four men's noses.
These two stand among an army of forty or so squat creatures no larger than Pangur. They are pale and sickly looking, their misshapen, hairless bodies run to fat. Their slack jaws reveal mouths full of wicked fangs as they amble about alternately on four limbs or two.
The two largest demons have a brief exchange between them in a harsh, sibilant language.
<What's this, then?> asks the dog-headed demon.
<Lunch?> suggests the horned demon, with a leer no one needs a translator to interpret.
<No, n-- well, maybe later. Let's see if any of them speak the language. Hello, little ones! Do any of you understand me?>
Meanwhile, Siroc sees that the wagon is piled high with a massive amount of ore, enough to make a man wealthy.
And they can all hear a sort of mental background noise. For three of them, it's a mere chittering sound; but to Gerin, it resolves itself into a chattering of many voices, saying something along the lines of, It's very distracting.
"What's going on? Is that one trying to say something? Can anyone understand?"
.oO(Talking is good, at least. Much better than fighting anyway.)
"So this is what it feels like.... I wonder who had the power to pull this off. This is most unusual, I have never heard of this happening before."
The mage paces around looking at the ground, looking for something.
When the demons begin conversing with Gerin, En Sirco Var crouches in a low horse-riding stance and eyes the various creatures warily. Still, the masked monk holds his position.
"What are you talking about?"
"Something has summoned us here. It is similar to when I called that hunting hound, we were drawn somewhere. This may fade quickly, or we could be here a while if we were called. I doubt it was the large demon that did it, and the smaller ones do not seem too friendly either."
The mage shrugs and looks at Gerin.
"I have no idea what could have done it, I have not heard of this happening before."
"That big demon that retreated in the face of our might had the right of it: bugger this for a lark..."
Gerin ponders their situation for a little while.
"Would I be right to say we were in either the abyss? It would have been something that summoned evil creatures that brought us here."
Gerin looks back at the two large demons and shakes his head irritated.
"Would to tell your pawns to shut up. Their pathetic chatter is gratting on my nerves"
Gerin looks back at Elobi hoping that he is right and that they are indead going to be leaving soon enough.
"Who has summoned us here?"
ooc:
Diplomacy don't fail me now.
Diplomacy don't fail me now.
The mage looks at the demons, trying to spot one with materials that are used in summoning spells.
"Well???"
[abbysal]"I speak your language."[/abbysal]
<Excellent, excellent!> the dog-headed demon cries, and one could almost imagine it clapping its hands briskly if it were human. <Well, then—>
It pauses as Elobi interrupts.
Elobi paces, ignoring the demons.
"Something has summoned us here. It is similar to when I called that hunting hound, we were drawn somewhere. This may fade soo—"
The largest demon bares its fangs, and the wizard finds himself falling. Upwards, in fact, toward the sky. Elobi could find this interesting, if it weren't so... unexpected.
<I don't like being interrupted,> Doghead growls to Gerin. <Perhaps you should tell your friends, if they like living.>
Elobi pauses in place, getting a dizzying panoramic view of the sulfurous land. Whether he's risen thousands of feet or mere hundreds, he can't tell; and it hardly seems to matter.
OoC Note
Sorry to sort of wipe out what's been said since the part I quoted, but you all got ahead of me. Not your fault (poor computer), but I just couldn't imagine this demon letting Elobi get the full explanation out.
That said, I have no problem with all of your characters understanding exactly what Elobi was talking about. Just base your reactions to having been summoned on what your character would know about summoning, please. ;) It'll be more fun that way.
That said, I have no problem with all of your characters understanding exactly what Elobi was talking about. Just base your reactions to having been summoned on what your character would know about summoning, please. ;) It'll be more fun that way.
The mage clamps his hands to his pockets, trying to keep their contents in.
Abandoning prayer as soon as he realizes what he's doing the gnome waves his hands and says: "Whoa, whoa, no need for any of that. We're all intelligent, civilized beings here, and nobody wants any trouble, right?"
"Huh. That's different," En Siroc Var respects the display of strength.
The man remains quiet behind his beaked mask for the moment. He looks at the imposing figures and stands waiting to listen though he cannot understand the words.
.oO(How am I supposed to know why gravity is making us stay put and you go up?)
But when he hears what the demon says he waves his hands about.
"OK!! OK!! This isn't necessary!!! He looses track of himself sometimes....Normally when something strange happens. And this was indeed strange. If you could set him down gently please I will make sure he does not interrupt and we can continue with our conversation."
Gerin looks up at Elobi floating in the air and cups his hands around his mouth and shouts up at him.
"ELOBI I NEED YOU TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT FOR A WHILE....AND MAKE SURE YOU SIT STILL. HE DOESN'T LIKE TO BE INTERUPTED."
<Now then, little ones,> he booms, <Just what is it you are doing here, hm? Intend you to steal our ore, perhaps? Or are you adventure-seekers, come to fight demons here in our home?>
His tusks gleam in the light.
<If you are, you won't like what happens next.>
And Elobi finds himself wishing for the mud they fell into yesterday when they first entered the anomaly as he falls the last few feet. The wind is knocked out of him, but little more.
"No we were trying to get out. We entered a pass in out realm and we got stuck in a fiendish realm. There we were attacked by devils and we have been on the run since. We fought small geletonuse creatures. We were also attacked by some sort of tree creture, a terribly ugly winged creature, and some sort of large flying bugs. We walked off into the mist and found ourselves here. It was mentioned that we could have been summoned here by some sort of mage."
When Gerin says that he avoids looking at Elobi.
"Are you still in one piece? I don't think my earlier bluff worked, so we should probably be very careful with these creatures..."
.oO(Scorpions in the pool, what I wouldn't give to be able to understand what's being said... If we make it out of here, I'll ask Gerin to teach me that atrocious-sounding lingo.)
<But since our recent opponent has flown the coop… perhaps we can take our time dealing with you. I propose a game.>
Dogface pauses dramatically, and its slimy, hornéd companion speaks up.
<A game, Isokar?>
<Yes, yes... I believe chess has been the tradition since our Ancestor introduced it to the mortal ones. What do you say, Little One? A game, for your life and those of your companions? And yet, I don't believe we have the means for a game of chess to hand... Perhaps we can 'improvise.'>
Gerin turns to his companions with a grimace on the edges of his mouth.
"They want to play a game....Chess..."
"I imagine we have a choice of chess or painful death. What if we manage to win the game? How do we leave this place?"
ooc:
Ok what are the rules that you would like to use for playing this game. It would be incredibly practical to actualy move the pieces...which incidently is how I would prefer to play. Because I happen to be decent at the game. Or is it going to be some sort of Int check?
Ok what are the rules that you would like to use for playing this game. It would be incredibly practical to actualy move the pieces...which incidently is how I would prefer to play. Because I happen to be decent at the game. Or is it going to be some sort of Int check?
"In most stories I've heard, this end badly," En Siroc Var offers flatly and quitely.
"They want to play a game....Chess..."
Aware of the potential consequences Pangur attempts very hard not to interrupt the demons, but he feels it's necessary to ask Gerin anyway: "... Are you any good at it? Do you even know how to play?"
.oO(Chess... That's hard to predict, but I don't think those demons would suggest it if they weren't very, very good at it. I know how to play, but I'm no master - but maybe Gerin's a tactical mastermind. There's something about him that suggests hidden qualities.)
<Chess is boring.>
<Yes, yes, and unfair too. Which among you would play for the lives of the others, hm?> Isokar's tusks gleam in a most unsettling way. <So. I think you should play with the dretches. Yes. They're hungry, but oh no! They will not eat you. No. I will tell them not to. You see? They have not eaten you yet. And that is why they whine so — you hear them?>
It's true: the mental chittering all of them can hear, but only Gerin can understand, has not abated, and does sound more whiny than before.
<So. You all will play, and it will be strategy and strength both! Ho, ho! We will keep the wagon in the center, and I will stand to this side... You see? And Underdemon Milt...>
<To the other side, yes.>
<And most of the dretches here at the center, at least to start... but you, who understands me... and your smallest friend there. Walk over to that side. And take a dretch with you. The other two should do the same, but go the other way.
<You will push your dretch from one end of the field to the other. Each of you who wins may... may take some ore from the wagon. It is most valuable here; perhaps it will please you in your home, when you return there.>
<And if the dretches push you over to one of us,> the other large demon chimes in, <the game is over, and we will let them eat you at the end.>
OoC
If you choose to follow Isokar's directions, this is what the layout will look like. As always, you have the option to refuse, or perform any other action you choose; I'm just trying not to drag this out further.
Positions
[font=courier new]
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|O|G|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|P|O|A|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|O|G|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|P|O|A|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
"I will ask my companions their thoughts and we will decide"
Gerin turns to his companions with a worried look. He help Elobi up off the ground and rubs at his chin and then fiddles with his ring.
"Yes Pagnur I know how to play but I'm not a master by any means. But I played on a checkered board with Knights and Rooks. The way it has been explained to me by these demons is that Pagnur and I go over there, and Elobi and Siroc go over there. We each are given a Dretch. Which I belive are the small demons that are making that mindless racket....The dretches want to eat us but the bigger two are keeping them from doing so. But I'm falling off subject. We are going to form two teams and each of of get a dretch that we are to push across the field. We are going to have to avoid getting pushed over to where the other two demons are. If we are pushed over to them we loose and we are food...If we win , by getting our dretch to the other side we are given some ore from the wagon and.....wait a second..."
Gerin turns back to the demons and asks his question.
"If we get our dretch to the other side you said that we could have some ore from the wagon, but you did not say that we could leave with our lives as well. Is this part of the agreement as well? You didn't answer my question about how do we leave this place either."
"Can we step away from our 'dretch' and fend off the others?" he wonders to his group.
The monk channels his uncertainty about this whole situation to concentrate on the game at hand.
Pangur is utterly confused.
"Or are there special rules? It sounds like it's simply a matter of brute force. Are any of these other... dretches... involved?"
"Does our Dretch have to be alive? It would be easier if we did not have to push against it as well."
"If we get our dretch to the other side you said that we could have some ore from the wagon, but you did not say that we could leave with our lives as well. Is this part of the agreement as well? You didn't answer my question about how do we leave this place either."
Isokar's mouth stretches and opens. His teeth look all the more threatening this way, but otherwise he could almost be grinning. Amused, even.
<You will leave with your lives. I, Isokar, will see to it that you return safely to the realm you came from! —If! You amuse me enough.>
Milt shifts with an annoyed-sounding <Hmp.>
Gerin begins to remove the extra baggage he is lugging about leaving only his weapons and armor in place.
"Lets do this unless any of you have a better idea. If your dretch allows its self to be moved about then Pagnur and Elobi move them and Sirco and I should fend off the ones going in the middle."
If all agree to go along with the game Gerin will move to the designated spot and wait for things to start.
The prizefighter walks over to his appointed side and drops his pack there. He pulls off his tan robe and folds next to his extra gear. He starts to feel more at home as he puts his mind to the contest. Standing in his fighting shorts, En Sirco Var adjusts the wraps over this hands and feet and straightens the mask on his face.
Performing his own little warm up ritual, the monk hunches down and touches one hand and then the other to the alien ground, followed by one knee and then the other. Last, he touches his forehead to the floor for a second, stretching his back out.
Hopping to his feet, he raises his knees and elbows in a pattern of mock-battle steps that serve to ready his muscles and allow him to survey the chess board. Back home in the south, the form would also identify his school and teacher, but the motions have meaning only to him here. But that's enough to bring the fire to his eyes.
En Siroc Var stands in the proper space for him to begin.
"Better get this over with then. All fun and games, right?"
"Sorry about this but I do not see another way. We are no match for those two bigger ones. I'm pretty sure we could handle a few of these Dretches but not all of them at once....We will be alright though. Just use your head and let me use my strength. If you can keep an opposing dretch between you and the closest large demon. It will be more difficult for them to push you over to them. I'm going to tell them we are ready."
Gerin gives his small friend another light pat then turns somewhat grimly towards Isokar.
"We are ready for your game Isokar."
"It isn't much, but it might help."
Elobi draws his dagger in on hand and a small pouch with a mostly burned down candle in the other. He scratches the back of his head nervously.
ooc
Cast Magic Weapon from scroll (1/2)
"I normally wouldn't like bothering with the voodoo stuff, but this isn't exactly a ring fight," he comments from under his beaked mask.
"Stay close to the dretch thing," he says to Elobi, "I'll try to run a perimeter to keep them off you. But if you need help with our piece, shout to me."
"I won't stray too far," he glares ahead at the field.
The mage strides beside the dretch and pulls his coat a little closer around himself.
"Stay safe Siroc."
<To be fair,> Isokar says grandly, <I think the dretches, to win, will have to push each of you to a particular one of us. You two —>
He gestures to his right, toward Gerin and Pangur.
<[color=darkred]—toward me, and the other two toward my compatriot.
Positions
[font=courier new]
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|P|O|G|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|O|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|P|O|G|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|O|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
Gerin steps forwards and flexes his fingers.
"Keep to our right...We should be able to do this easier that way."
ooc: Do we move 5' at a time or can we move our full distance, and are we running off Inititive?
Pangur gives their assigned dretch a shove forward and to the right, aiming roughly towards the less talkative demon, to circle around the group of dretches in the middle.
Show
Pangur will try to move as fast as possible, within the mechanical constraints of the encounter, provided the dretch is cooperative. If it isn't, he'll tackle that problem in the next post. ;)
OoC
You can move your full distance. This is normal combat rules, and it's up to you how you get your dretches moving, fend off attackers, move about, etc.
I'm not rolling initiative because no one else is going to act until ya'll do.
ooc: Do we move 5' at a time or can we move our full distance, and are we running off Inititive?
You can move your full distance. This is normal combat rules, and it's up to you how you get your dretches moving, fend off attackers, move about, etc.
I'm not rolling initiative because no one else is going to act until ya'll do.
Pleasantly surprised by their dretch's compliance and the others' low enthousiasm, Pangur picks up the pace and moves further in the same direction. Not too keen on getting any closer than necessary to the morose demon guarding that side of the board, the gnome decides on moving between it and the arrayed troop of dretches, keeping an equal distance to both.
"I do not know if you can understand me, but if you do not move exactly as I tell you, I shall summon a minion of Thalos to rip you limb from limb. MOVE.
The Mage pushes as hard as he can forward and to the left.
"Keep to my right Pagnur."
The one Pangur is moving along continues to shamble slowly along. It doesn't appear to be in any hurry.
And the mass of dretches in the middle still seem surprisingly uninterested in the proceedings. Except that Gerin hears one of the chittering voices in his mind grow louder and faster, as if excited:
"I'll make sure you're between me and those creatures at all times, but I really don't trust those demons - particularly the one on our side. It's going much too easily, I can't believe they wouldn't have some nasty surprise up their sleeve for us."
The gnome keeps a nervous eye on the closest demon, certain it's about to interfere with the proceedings if it looks like they'll make it.
Gerin moves forwads to F7 and starts a grapple with the Dretch simply to see what happens.
On the other end of the field, Elobi's dretch tries to be subtle about leading the wizard on the opposite diagonal from the way En Siroc Var is travelling.
"They are more clever than they look. Would you mind coming a bit closer to me?"
Pangur sees the game is turning and entering a more serious and dangerous phase.
"Stay mobile, if they pin you down we'll be in all sorts of trouble!"
Noticing the marked decrease in speed of their dretch, he pricks the creature with his dagger: "Keep going, demon. No-one said you have to be alive or even just unharmed when we get you to the other side."
ooc: An updated map would be nice to have. I'm unsure the positions of the dretches and how fast we are getting our dretch to move.
As Gerin lets go of the dretch he had grabbed and runs back toward Pangur, he feels the claws of approaching dretches sliding off his armor. As he reaches to grab and push the one Pangur's been pushing and threatening, one of them swipes at him again, this time raking tender flesh at the side of his neck.
Positions and OoC
-4HP to Gerin.
[font=courier new]
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|G|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|_|O|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|O|_|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
-4HP to Gerin.
[font=courier new]
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|P|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|G|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|_|O|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|O|_|S|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|E|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
Pangur moves around Gerin, trying to pull the dretch along, keeping it and his companion between himself and the mob of demons where possible.
.oO(Should I try for some help from above? I'm not sure how those big demons would take that, and I don't want to give them an excuse to get involved more closely - but if it comes to the point where I have no choice, it'd be better not to hesitate...)
"Isokar you did not say that they would draw our blood. May we draw theirs as well or must we deal with their claws without due retaliation?"
If he is given permission to make his wish come true then he will make an attempt at doing just that and moving as far as he can with pangur.
If not then he will loop around pangur after he has moved it as far as he can manage and position himself to where he can ward off oncomming Dretches and possibly drag their dretch further.
<You may take your revenge on the disobedient one.>
"Keep moving," he suggests without looking back.
Meanwhile, one of the other dretches has taken advantage of Gerin's moment of inattention to rush headlong at Pangur, pushing him back a step. Another follows in the wake of the first, grabbing roughly at the gnome while he's still off-balance.
OoC
Gerin has the option of making an AoO agains the dretch that bullrushed Pangur, but runs a risk of hitting Pangur if he does. Pangur's AoO failed miserably.
Elobi whirls his hands through intricate motions involving a stub of candle, small woolen bag and his dagger. Drawing upon his masters' teaching and tales of his childhood, Elobi imagines one of Thalos' hunting hounds. A finely muscled hound with the symbol of Thalos emblazoned on his left flank.
"Come!"
Show
Summon monster 1, Celestial dog, Holy summon for smite evil every round, augmented summon for +4str/+4con. Summon on left of feild on the other side of the dretches surrounding us.
Pangur curses loudly while he struggles to free himself.
.oO(I've got to get loose, get our dretch moving again, leave Gerin free to do fight them off!)
OoC
Resolution of other actions pending Gerin's response. I'll give him another half-day, at least.
En Siroc Var also eyes the rows of monsters to look for the thinnest rank. The idea of punching a hole to dash through plays in his head.
Siroc, meanwhile, determines that one of the dretches has approached quite close enough; the blow he aims at it seems to knock the wind out of it.
Gerin finds he can't quite reach the dretches holding Pangur, as others have moved between them; but none of them succeed in grabbing the fighter, and his presence is enough to prevent any more from joining the fray against his friend. The only time he manages to connect a fist with one of the approaching dretches, it seems to matter little to the demon. And yet another dretch appears, seemingly out of thin air, nearby.
Positions and OoC
-5 to the purple dretch
-2 to the green one
[font=courier new]
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|O|G|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|D|P|D|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|D|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|C|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|S|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|O|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|E|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
-5 to the purple dretch
-2 to the green one
[font=courier new]
00 ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
01 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
02 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
03 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
04 |_|_|_|_|_|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
05 |_|_|_|_|O|G|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
06 |_|_|_|D|P|D|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
07 |_|_|_|_|D|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
08 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|
09 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
10 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
11 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
12 |M|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|X|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|I|
13 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
14 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
15 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
16 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
17 |_|_|_|_|_|C|D|_|D|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
18 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|S|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
19 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|O|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
20 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|E|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|
21 |_|_|_|_|_|D|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
22 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
23 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
... a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q[/font]
M= Milt; I = Isokar; D = Dretch; X = wagon; and O = the particular dretch each team is shoving around.
stark black feathers/fill the skies
the spirits' curse/was fueled by lies
the tribe's true heart/asunder torn
finds bone and truth/and strength reborn
The words seem to resonate around him, burning in the souls of his friends, fueling their determination.
OoC
Inspire Courage (+1 morale bonus to saves vs. charm & fear effects, +1 morale bonus to attack and weapon damage rolls
The pugilist waits until Elobi has made a move with the dretch before cartwheeling back and shadowing the same path.
Whatever it was doing with that mental squeal doesn't seem to have any impact, either, particularly with the gnome's eerie cry strengthening his friends' resolve.
Elobi, unfortunately, can't persuade their dretch to move fast enough to actually outrun the ones surrounding them. Though they move slowly enough, the "ball" moves at the same speed, even when it's not actively resisting movement. Frustrated by the slow movement, Siroc lashes out at the nearest two demons, but his blows don't seem to penetrate their thick skins.
The celestial hound lunges at the demon it bit before, but its jaw snaps frustratingly on empty air.
heroes came forth/determined to fight
the darkness roared/in fury pounced
yet protectors stood firm/surrender renounced
Feeling his ancestors answering his prayer Pangur trashes and struggles valiantly to escape his captors' grip, desperate to regain the upper hand.
"This does not seem to be working!"
The mage whips his dagger around in an arc at the first dretch to approach him or his charge.
"Can we carry or drag it faster?"
He glares at the thing.
"I'd like to just throw it."
The monk tumbles back to see what he can do with the dretch.
ooc: I guess he is in grapple at the moment and he will do what he can...pounding on it was more for flavor than anything else but if he can deal some damage to it then great...
On the other end of the field, Siroc finds it easy enough to avoid the one dretch that takes a swipe at him as he moves back toward his ally. Elobi has less success against the dretch that comes charging at him from the side, though at least it doesn't quite manage to knock the weapon from his hand.
And the celestial dog roars fiercely as its jaws close on a dretch's throat, reducing the number of enemies on the field by one moments before it fades back into its own realm.
In his anger, Gerin knocks one dretch so hard its grip on the gnome momentarily loosens, and he is able to push it away from his friend.
"Ahaaaa! HA! HA! HAAAAA! You'll be sorry now, you pox-ridden shambling warts! Your end is nigh! Doom is coming! You'd better start runn..."
Too bad another one grabs Pangur, and two more beset the fighter, before he can do much else.
"ning...
Aaaaaagh! Quicksands and mirages, let go of me!"
Pangur exults briefly but his brush with freedom proves to be an empty promise, and again the gnome must struggle to escape the grip of the dretches.
"Keep moving, Elobi," the brawler states.
"I am trying, but I am afraid we will not be able to get thorough them. I can summon another ally, but It would be risk when surrounded like this.
Grabbing the arm of the Dretch, the mage tries to pull it out of combat while fending off the approaching hordes with his dagger.
"Hang in there little man. We will get out of this."
he tells you,
Your senses are overwhelmed in shades of violent colours and sound. You are aware of time passing, of enemies and savagery and pain, but it is all detached from your perceptions on some level.
When the world changes, it comes as no surprise to you. To your relief, your hosts don't appear to have come with you, though this forsaken valley hardly seems much of an improvement. Where are you? Are you back in your own world or have you gone elsewhere?
Pangur and Siroc hear something braying nearby, a very familiar sound to the gnome's ears.
OoC
Everyone, I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid I'm not up to managing the previous scene at this time, and you've been kept waiting far too long as it is. I've moved you ahead to something a lot less chaotic.
Spells cast have been restored. Elobi recognized the source of overwhelming sensations as similar to those of a confusion spell. (I also checked for Pangur, but his Spellcraft modifier wasn't quite high enough.) Elobi's expertise in geography also gives him reason to believe the party's back in the Pass, though it could be an elaborate trick. (Pangur just had a bad roll on this one.) The only thing he might need to be sure they're back would be the presence of a certain mule (assuming he remembers there was one).
As I said, the sound is very familiar to Pangur.
Spells cast have been restored. Elobi recognized the source of overwhelming sensations as similar to those of a confusion spell. (I also checked for Pangur, but his Spellcraft modifier wasn't quite high enough.) Elobi's expertise in geography also gives him reason to believe the party's back in the Pass, though it could be an elaborate trick. (Pangur just had a bad roll on this one.) The only thing he might need to be sure they're back would be the presence of a certain mule (assuming he remembers there was one).
As I said, the sound is very familiar to Pangur.
Pangur drops everything, not even realizing they may have returned home, when he hears the dulcet tones of his beloved mule and runs frantically up and down to find her.
Gerin looks about after all the confusion sees Pagnur running off and still not entirly right chases after him so he doesn't get hurt. When he catches up Gerin tries to grab a hold of him and pick him up.
"What are you doing!!!"
Having caught the little guy Gerin looks around and tries to flick his helmet off so he can hear properly. He looks about wondering still with the gnome snatched up in his arms.
"Are we where I think we are?"
Pangur struggles ineffectively to get out of the human's grip.
"Put me down already! Why does everyone always want to nab us gnomes? I'm fine, lemme go!"
"If Felicity has gone this long without you then I think she can wait to make sure all is right."
Gerin starts to put Pagnur down but not until he agrees to not run off without the rest of them.
Pangur's sulky face is not very gracious but he realizes there's no point in further negotiation, so the little gnome agrees to abide by Gerin's commands.
"I suppose you're right. Let's make it snappy though."
Sniffing the winds, he tries to get his bearings as well as an assessment of their surroundings.
"Wh-?" he shakes his head slightly as he removes his mask and eyes the sound.
He picks up his things and walks after his teammates, still unsure of the whole environment.
"Gentlemen, we should be back in the pass. I suggest we get to Felicity soon, I feel rejuvenated enough to venture forward. Do you also feel this Pangur?"
the mage moves towards Felicity.
OoC
It's not a very steep hill, so no Climb checks will be required. It's possible to go over it more quickly than around, but only for the sure-footed: Balance checks will be required for anything faster than normal movement to avoid be slowed down (or even stumbling) on loose rock and soil.
Going around isn't likely to offer such impediments, but might carry its own risks. Then again, it doesn't sound like Felicity's in any danger.
Going around isn't likely to offer such impediments, but might carry its own risks. Then again, it doesn't sound like Felicity's in any danger.
Disregarding risk to life and limb Pangur scrambles over the nearby hill as fast as his short legs will allow, anxious to confirm the identity and wellbeing of his faithful mule. The thought to check the wellbeing of his companions after the rocky episode getting back to where they are now doesn't even enter his head.
"What happened to sticking together?!"
He sighs takes another look up the hill and looks around the side of the hill then back up the hill.
"Siroc could you follow those two up the hill and make sure they don't get into trouble. I think I am going to take the long way around...My armor would not be to fun to go rolling down the side of the hill."
Gerin gathers up his belongins and whatever Pagnur may have left behind, and sets off for the longer but flatter trip.
"I'll be able to take care of myself. I'll holler if something bigger than me tries to come and take a nibble..."
En Siroc Var seems distant as he deals with the confused mix of relief, disorientation, and some dejection at being denied the fight. But the monk starts after the other two, testing his balance against the loose ground.
Pangur, in his mad scramble to reach the top, is not so careful about where he puts his feet, and winds up with the bloodied scrapes on his hands and face to prove it — not to mention the gravel now embedded in his knees. Not that he notices any of it, or the fact that he's barely two yards ahead of his companions when he crests the hill and spots three figures, a wagon, and his beloved Felicity in the hollow between this hill and the next.
Not having learned a thing from the perilous ascent - indeed, hardly having noticed the perils in the first place - Pangur bolts down the hill, waving his hands wildly.
"Keep your guard up," he advises, "This doesn't seem like the place for friendly travelers."
[color=red]
Elobi and Siroc find a little trickier to avoid skidding on the loose rocks as they start downhill, but still no real problem.
Pangur doesn't get far, though, before he loses his footing, falls on his face, rolls, and then slides with the sharp pieces of slate that litter the ground. He moves close to 20 feet down the side of the hill before a larger rock allows him to stop his descent, which was proceeding a bit faster than probably even the gnome would have liked.
Meanwhile, one of the figures looks up and waves what looks like a friendly greeting — well, that or a desperate wave pleading for help. Which seems more likely in this situation? Another figure slaps the rump of the mule, which brays again and doesn't move.
Pangur doesn't get far, though, before he loses his footing, ...
"Ack!"
... falls on his face, ...
"Ouch!"
... rolls, and then slides with the sharp pieces of slate that litter the ground.
"Urgghgghrggrghhgrugh..."
He moves close to 20 feet down the side of the hill before a larger rock allows him to stop his descent, which was proceeding a bit faster than probably even the gnome would have liked.
"Ow!"
"Even if we will be reporting a lack of success in our mission, it will be exciting to return to civilization, won't it?"
Pangur's unexpected tumble renders him momentarily unable to form a coherent response for Elobi. A sudden lack of breath effectively prevents the gnome from vocalizing his thoughts, which - considering his knocked noggin' - would likely have consisted of a heartfelt denial of any desire for more excitement anyway. Getting reacquainted with that mainstay of civilization named stairs, allowing for more surefooted vertical travel, might be considered more of a boon.
After several long seconds, Pangur lifts his head and waves back at the stranger before turning to Elobi.
"Didn't mean to do that..." *gasp* "Give me a hand up?" *gasp* "Much obliged..." *gasp*
"Are you all right? That was quite the tumble you took! It is fortunate to have met someone who is willing to wave in the wild, is it not?"
Pangur accepts the proffered hand gratefully.
"Nothing a change of garment won't fix, I'm sure," the gnome continues while he dusts himself off and inspects the sorrowful tatters of clothing that covered his armour.
"Good to see a friendly gesture, yes. Let's go meet this fellow and reassure Felicity that all is well with us."
The most orcish-looking of the three, whose impressive fangs jut out of her mouth in a most unsettling fashion, looks up from her efforts to get the mule to pull a small cart.
"Hale and well met, travellers!" she says exuberantly. "You don't often meet up with strangers out in the middle of nowhere like this — well, I guess you do when you're stopped in a pass, don't you? Ha, ha, ha! — but I can't say I'm sorry to see you, not at all. My sisters and I are always glad to find someone new to trade with, aren't we?"
She looks to her "sisters" for confirmation, but doesn't actually pause for their input. They don't look like they expected her to pause. They also don't look like they could possibly be related, to her or to each other.
"Perhaps you know something about beasts of burden like this one, hm? Found it wandering about, we did, all alone and without a friend in the world. Seemed like it would like to pull a light little cart, not too much in it, for someone to pat it on the nose and bring it food. But now it won't move, will it? You can come along now, horsie," she adds, addressing the mule. "Come on, that's right. You see?"
Felicity sits down under the ill-fitting yoke, clearly having no intention of pulling this cart anywhere.
"Oh! But I must be beggin' your pardon, I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Urt, and here you'll find Maar and Nona," she says, indicating the squat, almost dwarfish-looking sister and the tall beautiful one in turn. "And who might you be? And where are you heading to, scramblin' over the slippery hills like that?"
"Ma'am, this fine mule most assuredly is not 'without a friend in the world'. As a matter of fact, she is my steadfast and loyal companion. We have been temporarily separated due to circumstances beyond our control - djinnies on a pin, extremely unusual circumstances - but that unfortunate situation can now be set right again."
The effect of the gnome's imperious tone is spoiled somewhat by his ragged appearance, as well as the anxious looks he casts upon the subject of his speech, but he doesn't falter or hesitate.
Gerin begins to name off some of the equipment that he had placed on Felicity, and a few other characteristic items.
"May we ask where you are bound for?"
Gerin speeks to Elobi quickly in Celestial, and moves to set his hands on pagnurs shoulders. He discreatly taps on the gnomes ear hoping tha the gets the message to listen up for anthing that may come.
"Keep an ear out for anything that may come."
ooc:
Sense motive +6
Diplomacy +10
Sense motive +6
Diplomacy +10
(Celestial)""Of course Gerin."
The mage is happy to be following orders, he searches his pockets for sand and gazes off into the distance, glad to be focused on something other than the conversation in front of him.
"Hm, well now, I can see you know the beastie — and the beastie knows you," she adds as Felicity gives Pangur a baleful look and snorts. "I'll not be stealing it, we're nae thieves, are we girls?"
The shortest sister, Marr, grunts in assent; while the stunning Nona makes no sound but nods her head a touch over-eagerly.
"But, you know, it wouldn't go amiss if you were looking to trade, what with the expenses involved with taking care of the horsey in your absence and all."
.oO(Best not get into that, I suppose - at least Felicity looks unharmed, though not exactly happy...)
"Equitable trade while on the road is always a good opportunity, ma'am. We would be happy to peruse what you have to offer," he says as gallantly as possible while still stressing the first word ever so slightly.
"That is a legitimate request I guess. How long have you had Felicity with you. We left her yesterday evening and it is now mid-morning."
As Gerin speaks he sets his bag down and pulls out his smaller money bag from behind the hilt of his sword.
"Stableing costs for a mule will be around five silver a day. You could not have had her more than the night and till now in the morning. Let us say three silver a piece, for the night with her. She had her own food with her and you did not have her a full day. I think nearly twice the amount will settle the three of you well enough."
ooc: I am guessing at the time of day here. If I'm right then great if not then I can edit this without a problem.
Diplomacy +10
Sense Motive +6
"We should be on our way," he adds as if talking more to himself.