- Anaya (elf form statistics in green)
HP: 54/54 or 27/27
Initiative: +2/+1
AC: 16 (+2 Dex, +2 natural, +2 defense)/15 (+1 Dex, +1 leather, +1 prof, +2 defense); -2 touch, -4/-3 flat-footed
Damage Conversion: 0/1 (leather)
BAB: +4 (add +2 to melee or ranged attacks/add +1 to ranged attacks)
Atk: bite +6 (1d6+1, x2 crit)
¤ dagger +4 or +5 ranged (1d4, 19-20/x2 crit, 10' range increment)
¤ composite longbow +5 (1d8, x3 crit, 110' range increment)
Saves: Fort +8/+4, Ref +4/+3, Will +10
Abilities: Str 14/10, Dex 14/13, Con 16/8, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 16
Skills: Craft (bowmaking) +8, Diplomacy +3, Handle Animal +9 (or +13 for Screech), Heal +11, Hide +3/+2, Knowledge (nature) +11, Listen +4, Perform (song) +3, Profession (herbalist) +9, Search +1, Spellcraft +2, Spot +4, Survival +13 (or +15 in aboveground natural environments, with additional +4 to track by scent in wolf form
Feats: Point Blank Short, Quick Drack, Still Spell, Track (wolf form only)
Languages: Common, Druidic, Elven, Goblin
Special: low-light vision; divine spell use; spontaneous casting of summon nature's ally, may perform trip check (+1 modifier) as free action after a successful bite attack, perform trained Handle Animal checks for Screech as free action (or push animal checks as a move action), trackless step, wild empathy +8 (or +12 for Screech), wild shape 2/day (6 hours each), woodland stride - Codrian Enelevin
HP: 30/30 (+0 nonlethal)
Initiative: +5
AC: 16 (+1 Dex, +2 chain shirt, +1 prof, +2 defense); -3 touch, -3 flat-footed
Damage Conversion: 2 (chain shirt)
BAB: +4 (add +1 to ranged attacks)
Atk:
¤ halberd +4 (1d10, x3; refer to PHB pg. 118 for special rules)
¤ light crossbow +5 (1d8, 19-20/x2 crit, 80' range increment)
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +9 (or +11 vs. enchantment effects)
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 16
Skills: Appraise +1 (or +4 with familiar), Concentration +2, Diplomacy +7, Gather Information +6, Heal +6, Knowledge (arcana) +6, Knowledge (religion) +6, Listen +7, Search +2, Spellcraft +4, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative
Languages: Common, Elven
Special: low-light vision; arcane and divine spell use; spontaneous casting of cure spells and domain spells (Luck and Magic); declare one reroll per day, turn undead 6/day (1d20 +3 check, 2d6+6 damage); ignore arcane spell failure for casting sorcerer spells in light armor - Ran
HP: 44/44 (+0 nonlethal)
Initiative: +4
AC: 21 (+4 Dex, +3 Wis, +1 class, +3 defense); -7 flat-footed
Damage Conversion: 0 (2 with mage armor)
BAB: +6/+1 (+1 to melee/grapple, +4 to ranged/finessed)
Atk:
¤ unarmed strike +10/+10/+5 (1d10+1, x2 crit)
¤ kama +10/+10/+5 (1d6+1, x2 crit)
¤ nunchaku +10/+10/+5 (1d6+1, x2 crit)
¤ siangham +10/+10/+5 (1d6+1, x2 crit)
¤ sling +8 (1d4+1, x2 crit, 50' range increment)
¤ MW longbow +11/+6 (1d8, x3 crit, 100’ range increment)
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +9 (or +13 vs. enchantment effects)
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +9, Diplomacy +7, Heal +8, Hide +5, Jump +10, Knowledge (arcana) +5, Knowledge (politics) +5, Listen +16, Move Silently +11, Profession (scribe) +6, Search +4, Sense Motive +5, Spot +5, Tumble +15
Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Expertise, Deflect Arrows, Improved Disarm, Improved Grapple, Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, Weapon Finesse
Languages: Common, Draconic, Elven
Special: low-light vision; Stunning Fist 9/day (Fort save DC 17); improved evasion; ki strike (magic); slow fall (40'); immune to non-magical diseases; heal self (16/18 hp) - Threfdil Proudfoot
HP: 49/49 (+0 nonlethal)
Initiative: +0
AC: 21 (+1 size, +4 full plate, +4 proficiency, +2 defense); -8 touch, -2 flat-footed
Damage Conversion: 4
BAB: +6/+1 (+0 to melee/ranged or +1 with thrown weapons or -5 to grapple checks)
Atk:
¤ +1 greatsword +7 (1d10+0, 19-20/x2 crit)
¤ longsword +6 (1d6-1, 19-20/x2 crit)
¤ dagger +6 or +7 thrown (1d3-1, 19-20/x2 crit, 10' range increment)
¤ MW dagger +7 or +8 thrown (as above)
¤ sap +6 (1d4-1 subdual)
Saves: Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +8 (or +10 vs. fear effects)
Abilities: Str 11, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 18
Skills: Diplomacy +6, Gather Information +5, Handle Animal +7, Heal +4, Knowledge (religion) +2, Ride +2, Sense Motive +3, Speak Language (Celestial, cross-class)
Feats: Great Fortitude, Mounted Combat, Quick Draw
Languages: Common, Halfling
Special: detect evil at will; remove disease 1/week; lay on hands (24/24); immune to all diseases; immune to fear effects; allies within 10' gain +4 morale bonus on saves vs. fear effects; smite evil 2/day (+4 atk/+6 damage vs. evil target); turn undead 7/day (level 2, check 1d20+4, damage 2d6+7); spell use - Tynk Waverstone
HP: 21/33 (+0 non-lethal)
Initiative: +6
AC: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 defense); -2 flat-footed
Damage Conversion: 0 (2 with mage armor)
BAB: +3 (+2 to ranged attacks)
Atk:
¤ quarterstaff +3 or -1/-5 (1d6, x2 crit)
¤ short sword -1 (1d6, 19-20/x2 crit)
¤ sling +1 (1d4, x2 crit, 50' range increment)
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +7
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 10
Skills: Concentration +11 (or +15 casting on defensive), Craft (alchemy) +12, Knowledge (arcana) +10, Knowledge (architecture/engineering) +12, Knowledge (geography) +10, Knowledge (history) +5, Knowledge (local) +5, Search +3 (or +5 to find secret doors), Spellcraft +14, Survival +2 (or +4 to avoid natural hazards or getting lost)
Feats: Combat Casting, Combat Expertise, Craft Wondrous Item, Improved Familiar, Improved Initiative, Scribe Scroll
Languages: Common, Celestial, Draconic, Elven
Special: spell use - Screech (Anaya's animal companion)
HP: 22/22
Initiative: +4
AC:21 (+2 size, +4 Dex, +5 natural)
Damage Conversion: 1
BAB: +3 (grapple -8)
Atk: claws +9 (1d6-2)
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +3 (or +7 vs. Enchantment effects)
Abilities: Str 6, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 4
Skills: Listen +15, Move Silently +17, Spot +9 (+17 in dusk and darkness)
Feats: Improved Natural Attack (claws), Weapon Finesse
Special: evasion, low-light vision, share spells, tricks (Attack, Come, Seek), no reach - Vareanin (Codrian's familiar)
HP: 15/15
Initiative: +6
AC:15 (+2 size, +2 Dex, +1 natural)
Damage Conversion: 0 (2 with mage armor)
BAB: +4 (grapple -9)
Atk: claws +8 (1d2-5)
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +8
Abilities: Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +3, Spot +5 (may use Codrian's skill points as a base)
Feats: Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse, Wingover
Special: low-light vision, improved evasion, share spells, emphatic link, no reach - Honor (Threfdil's mount)
HP: 0/32 Deceased
Initiative: +1
AC: 16 (+1 Dex, +5 natural)
Damage Conversion: 1 (3 with mage armor)
BAB: +3 (add +5 to melee and grapple checks)
Atk: 2 claws +8 (1d4+5), bite +3 (1d6+2)
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Climb +5, Listen +5, Spot +5, Swim +9
Feats: Endurance, Run
Special: scent, improved evasion, low-light vision, share spells, empathic link, share saving throws
****
Spell Use (spells in red have been cast)
Anaya (save DC = 13/12 + spell level for druid/sorcerer spells; in wolf form, only flare, light, and true strike may be cast without the benefit of Still Spell feat; 10% chance of arcane spell failure in leather armor)
Druid Level 0 (5/5): cure minor wounds, detect magic, flare, mending, read magic
Druid Level 1 (4/4): cure light wounds, entangle, hide from animals, produce flame
Druid Level 2 (4/4): barkskin, cat's grace, spider climb, summon nature's ally II
Druid Level 3 (2/3): cure moderate wounds (x2) dominate animal
Sorcerer Level 0 (5/5): acid splash, dancing lights, mage hand, prestidigitation
Sorcerer Level 1 (4/4): disguise self, true strike
Codrian (save DC = 13 + spell level)
Cleric Level 0 (4/4): detect poison, guidance, light[/i], virtue
Cleric Level 1 (3/3): bless, divine favor, shield of faith
Cleric Level 2 (2/2): hold person, sound burst
Sorcerer Level 0 (5/5: detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
Sorcerer Level 1 (5/5): comprehend languages, expeditious retreat
Threfdil (3rd level caster, save DC = 12)
Level 1 (2/day): bless weapon
Tynk (save DC = 13 + spell level)
Level 0 (4/4): detect magic, message, prestidigitation, read magic
Level 1 (4/5): expeditious retreat, jump, mage armor, mage armor, magic weapon
Level 2 (4/4): cat's grace (x2), invisibility, mirror image
Level 3 (3/3): haste, fly, lightning bolt
Level 4 (1/1): polymorph self
Special Items:
Anaya:
¤ antitoxin (1 vial)
Codrian:
¤ antitoxin (1 vial)
¤ tindertwigs (5)
¤ wand of magic missiles (3rd level caster, 10 charges)
Tynk:
¤ tindertwigs (32)
¤ acid (two vials)
¤ vial of alchemist's fire
¤ potion of lesser restoration
¤ scrolls (detect poison, shield, spider climb)
¤ staff of abjuration (2 charges)
Updated to 25Jun04, with Tynk getting burned.
The guild has provided for the group the essential elements to endure the winter weather:
Food provisions for about six days
Winter clothing
Blankets
Two tents for shelter
and firewood for six days
(Players will be at a medium load for a few days. However they can store the firewood before going exploring for the day. Anything else the PC is taking should be included in their first post please
Spellcasters please list you spells prepared. )The winter clothing provided by the guild is a bit bulky and took a lot of adjustment to be comfortable, but at least it's warm. Ran is more than content to accept a bit of discomfort if it means he'll stay warm.
After paying Mrs Weatherby two weeks in advance and getting the rest of my equipment at the marketplace I'm as good as broke. Still, I'm not going to get caught without the essentials again.
Weapons: sling and pouch of stones (20), masterwork longbow, 20 arrows
Other Equipment: backpack (with flint and steel, extra set of clothes, notebook (poorly bound, small sheets, equivalent of two sheets of paper), a single pen and some ink in a vial, small iron pot, one wooden spoon and a signaling whistle, plus goods from those supplied by the guild that fit in it), SSAG pin, 6 torches and 50 ft. of hemp rope (both tied to the backpack).
His halberd and bulky backpack are leaning against a barrel. Nods to Ran.
[Weapons: Halberd and light crossbow (20 bolts)
Wand of MM. (12 charges)
Other stuff: Backpack (rations for 7 days, one set of clothes, a small frying pan, couple of torches, bedroll, couple of bankets), Scroll case (2 CLW scrolls inside), Belt pouch (few tindertwigs in waterproof cloth, antitoxin vial)
Clr spells prepared:
0-level: detect poison, guidance, light, virtue
1st level: bless, divine favor, shield of faith
2nd level: hold person, sound burst]
'Ello there me boyos. Oi'm roight glad ye asked fer me 'elp wit' this matter. Oi think Oi need an adventure, 'n' anythin' ta 'elp those 'oo as need it.
Memorized spell Bless Weapon
Equipment: Plate Mail, +1 Greatsword, 3 Daggers (1 MW)
So, now that we are not yet there where we are heading to, I can answer whatever questions you ahve about nature of this venture I have dragged you along with.
But if'n ye want somethin' a bit more direct, then what exactly is this Ben'liver doin'? What power is 'e usin', that sorta thin?
Spells Prepared
Level 0 detect magic, detect poison, mage hand, prestidigitation
Level 1 color spray, expeditious retreat, grease, mage armor
Level 2 cat's grace, invisibility, mirror image
Level 3 haste, major image
"So have I missed any important information thus far?" he smiles
Picks up his gear.
What do you say, I'll tell you more of why you are here while we walk?
Heads out of the gate.
To answer your question, Threfdil. Benelvir is, as far I know, a druid, evil one in that. Not very common trait for druids, but it happens occasionally I've heard, the drive to protect nature goes bit too far or then the person just sees nature's not so nice side more admirable than is healthy.
As for what Benelvir is doing. Last time I saw him, he was building up his own army of these wretches. All of them people living near the forest or just passing through it, he has used some sort of spell or ritual to transform them to dried-up looking quite mindless slaves.
In past there was a necromancer holed up quite near Benelvir's caves, but when I was on a mission for Jackals and got captured by Benelvir, he gave me my freedom in exchange for killing the necromancer, Patkifen, who was creating his own army. Also from peasants and such, but in undead form.
"It'll be good fighting side by side again, Codrian. Sir Threfdil asked the most important question: who and what is the driving power behind this evil? In the light of the powers being used, another question immediately follows: how strong will the forces Benelvir can direct against us be? How many of these poor souls is he likely to have perverted? And what is the effect of the spells used on them, aside from stealing their minds?"
The spell, or ritual, or whatever Benelvir has used on them, seems to strip away their mind and soul leaving only very basic capabilities. As a side effect, the wretches end up looking desiccated. But they still are quite strong and quick.
I'd also say that Benelvir probably doesn't have all his slaves immediately around him, especially now that he doesn't have to be wary of Patkifen.
"I take it Geahn is not a pet by the way you say it."
"Exactly where are we going? Some small village, an area with spread-out farms, a small town even?"
[Listen +16, Spot +5]
Through the valley goes a small stream. The path goes cross the stream and up from the valley... to disappear briefly in the shrubbery, but we should be able to find the path again by looking an area where everything has "melted" away. That's where a some sort of half-dragon person had breathed acid.
Following the path and taking the right hand path at the first crossroads, it is possible to get to one entrance of Benelvir's caves.
Do ye think we'll be able ta free those 'e's taken as slaves, or are we gonna 'ave ta kill them?
And, yes, it could be said that Geahn is bit like Honor.
Maybe some animal trying to scrounge a little bit of food together?
Ran raises one hand to get the others' attention and slowly walks toward the brush the sound emanates from.
What is it?
Unslings his crossbow.
Ran stops about 10 ft. from where he thinks the sound came from, trying to get a better look.
Ran waves for the others to come closer.
"It's a piglet, I think..."
Ran steps up, a bit hesitantly, and kneels down to take a closer look while gently pushing the vegetation away.
Can I get it out of there?
The elf gets a bit closer and experimentally tugs at the root. A sudden thought makes him look around.
"Does anybody see this little one's mother of father about? I wouldn't want to get gored while I try to get this one out..."
Ran can hear something approaching from further off in the underbrush and a loud 'Bree ree reee' calling out. If he had to guess he would think maybe seventy to eighty feet away.
Three guesses who that is. Not good, not good...
Initiative
Tynk (26)
Codrian (17)
Ran (10)
Threfdil (3)
Boars (2)
very smart. I could have left the pig to be rescued by its parents as soon as I heard them and instead, I let them catch me with 30 lbs of dead wood weighing me down. Yes, very smart. Back in the monastery, that'd be an extra 50 buckets of water to be hauled at least if the masters found out.
The elf moves towards the others as fast as he can. There, he starts yelling loudly and jumping up and down like an elf possessed.
"WOOOOAAAAAAHHHH!!!!"
When did I pick that up? Am I nuts or something?
The elf - gently - drops the pig.
"Shoo! Shoo!"
"Excellent suggestion."
Codrian, where did you first see those mindless slaves of Benelvir's? Do they range far from his caves?"
Ran turns back in the direction they were going, eyes on the road and ears perked as before. He sets a good pace, without making it hard for Sir Threfdil to follow.
First time I saw one of those wretches was when I woke up inside a cage on a side of clearing in the middle of dense woods. This place was next to one entrance to Benelvir's caves, but the trees were taller than around where I got caught.
In the middle of this clearing was a large pillar with all kinds of menagerie carved on it. I think that Benelvir uses that place to perform rituals.
But, back to slaves... then later on, when Benelvir had assigned 6 of the wretches to accompany me and my Jackal companion to Patkifen's area... about at half-way we run into an ambush by kobolds and their leader. During that ambush all of the wretches died as they wouldn't take cover from crossbow fire.
So, I'd say that they can venture at least few hundred yards out from the caves.
Ran nods thoughtfully.
"I guess it's no use worrying about it now. We'll know more when we get there, or at least we'll be able to find out more. It does mean that the druid possibly can use these poor wretches to put a defensive cordon around his hideout. "
"Kobolds? A large band of them? Are they still around, or did Benelvir's troops kill all of them?
Come to think of it, are there any other forces in the area we should be aware of?"
And no, the kobolds are not a threat anymore. At least not a threat I'm aware of. At that time, we found 15 dead kobolds and one dead half-dragon. To addition of those were the 6 dead wretches and somewhere around 40 undead killed for the second time. Though a portion of those undead got reanimated before Patkifen's death. But after the necromancer's death they were left to shuffle around even more mindlessly than before, attacking on occasion.
As for sequence of events... it went something like this: Drillge's troop had encountered a large contingent of Patkifen's skeletons and fought a tough fight. After killing over 20 undead, Drillge and remaining kobolds, eight to my count, retreated away from the valley. But in turn heard me, my Jackal companion and 6 wretches ushering us, coming their way and set up an ambush. In this ambush Drillge's remaining 8 kobolds and he himself were killed. Also killed were the six wretches.
Ran turns his attention to the road ahead again, keeping one ear on the conversation but alert for anything approaching.
Notes that he's slowing the group down, and pauses briefly to call Honor, mounting when he appears.
There, that be a bit better.
Wha... Where did that come from?
"Sir Threfdil... Did you just pull your bear out of your pack, or has he been following us all along without me noticing?"
Ran nods to himself, stores the information away for future reference and continues the hike.
Ran looks up ahead, trying to see if there's a more secluded spot the group could use as campsite, either screened by trees or at the bottom of a slope.
Vareanin takes aflight and circles over the group.
If we manage to put the tents up, that is. Does anyone have any experience with them?"
Ran looks somewhat doubtful at the rolled-up tent sails, lines and - presumably - support poles.
Hey, how hard can it be?
[if the others agree to stay and put up camp here, and if no-one else professes to be an expert tent raiser, Ran will take a check (Int? +2, in that case) to figure out how such a contraption works]
Time and time again they try, but without much success. Tynk wanders over and watches a few futile attempts and then he makes a suggestion to them. Taking the extra rope and extra stakes Tynk suggests that they tie the poles to the stakes like they did with ends of the tent.
Following Tynk's instructions they manage to keep the tents from collapsing. By now most of the group has worked up an appetite for dinner, but a fire still needs to be lit.
We're not close enough to Benelvir's caves to give our presence away with a fire yet, so I guess there's no harm in lighting one."
Ran fetches flint and steel from his backpack, makes a small pile of bark and slivers of wood from a branch of the firewood he breaks in smaller pieces and begins building a fire on a piece of ground he carefully swept clear near the tents.
Try with these. The sooner we can get to preparing dinner, the better.
If someone else brought flint and steel, he can try to start a fire as well. It won't be long. There a small pot in my pack, maybe someone can start collecting snow in it for meltwater. After dinner, I'll want to melt enough water to refill all our waterskins too."
Anyone with some skill in cooking here? I can make a basic stew or fry something if we have oil, but that's about extent of my skills.
Looks at Tynk.
And Tynk, you are so not preparing our dinner. I don't want to end up with blue hair or whatnot.
Grins.
I doubt it's even possible to turn it into anything better than a filling and resonably tasting meal anyway. Travelling food doesn't lend itself to gourmet meals all that well, I think. Still, if you could prove me wrong I'd be much obliged."
Moves the bear a little closer, trying to help block the wind.
Ran briefly inclines his head towards the paladin and the bear and makes sure the fire gets going properly.
"Six days to get there and back was it, Codrian?"
The monk goes from pack to pack, removing a sixth of the firewood from each.
"I doubt we'll be camping around when we get there, so it should be ok not to keep an extra reserve of firewood. If all goes well, we should probably be able to get some from Benelvir's caves - I don't think he goes entirely without fire, even if he's a druid."
Reaching Benelvir's place shouldn't be a problem as during the last time it took one long day of riding. Getting back took bit longer, but that was mainly because I got bit lost in the woods.
But first, we eat. Codrian, will you take care of that? Apparently, we don't have any amateur chefs in our midst."
While I take my shift on watch, I can melt snow to fill our waterskins. Better then than to wait and do it in the morning.
And okay, I'll get to preparing something to eat. From whatever supplies the guild deemed necessary to put it.
Digs into food supplies and divides them to six parts. Then selects a part with the least lasting foods and sets down to making, hopefully, tasty dinner out of them.
Sorry about this... and if you can wait a moment.
Casts a simple spell to make the food taste better.
[OOC: Cast prestidigitation, as many times as needed to make four portions of the food taste better.]
"I've had worse..." ... albeit not much. Maybe I'd take blue hair over this if Tynk's cooking is good.
Thref gives a grin as he eats.
Ran's eating pace increases markedly after Codrian added a magical touch to the food.
"This fire helps, but it's not enough to ward off the cold completely. I think I'll retire to one of the tents and meditate in the warm embrace of a woollen blanket. Sir Threfdil, come find me when it's my turn to stand watch."
The halflings' watch is viligent and the only thing that takes him by suprise is the lite snowfall that starts about twenty minutes before he goes to wake Ran.
After waking Ran to take over on watch and getting help to get out of his amor, Threfdil falls fast asleep in the tent under the warm blanket.
I wouldn't want to ruin my night vision.
When the water starts to boil, the elf takes the pot off the fire and sets it down to cool. He takes a few minutes to let his eyes adjust to the dark again and resumes his tours of the campsite.
He can see that the snow fall while light in nature is starting to add to what is already on the ground. Travel might be wetter in the morning if they run across any deep drifts.
Eventually it is time for Codrian's watch, and Ran goes to wake him. Codrian stretches warming up his muscles so that the cold does not cause him too many problems. His watch is also mainly uneventful as the snow falls. However the highlight is a squirrel that he spots move out from somewhere under the snow and dig up a nut for a snack and then dissappears back from whence it came.
When he estimates that his watch is over, he prods others awake.
Spells Memorized
Level 0 Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mage Hand, Prestidigtation
Level 1 Expeditious Retreat, Grease, Mage Armor x2
Level 2 Cat's grace x2, Invisibility
Level 3 Haste, Lighting bolt
He looks grim and determined.
.oO(I hope I do not have to that one spell......)
(OOC: Other spellcasters please update your lists
)[no ninny prepared spell list for me]
Oi think Oi'll wait a bit 'afore Oi summon 'Onor today. Oi think it best ta leave 'im till Oi start gitting tired o' keepin' up with ye speedy folk.
He flashes a formerly characteristic grin.
Spell Prepared: Bless Weapon
[OOC: same old spell list for me, someone just remember to update the Sor list due to changes affected by level-up.]
Ran bows to the paladin.
"Codrian, I know the general direction. But perhaps there's a point of reference we can use as a marker? Something to aim for?"
But, what might help, is that there was an old oak bit before we turned off this road.
[OOC: We apparently are on the bigger road still, as the path enters the forest pretty soon after branching off and there was no shelter for last night.]
Ran strings his longbow, rubs a little bit more wax into the string to protect it from moisture and sets off at an easily sustainable pace.
I hope I oiled the bow well enough. She's remarkably well made, but even the best bows warp if they get too wet. This bit of snow shouldn't be a problem though.
Not quite noon yet. Hmmm...
"Codrian, how long would you say until we get to Benelvir's cave? And how far before we should reasonably expect the possibility of running into someone or something guarding the area?
We might want to time our arrival so that we spend the next night just outside the druid's area of influence, to try and avoid detection, and have a whole day to get to the cave and do whatever we have to do."
We could find next campsite from the surroundings of that branch-off in the woods. That way we're near this path allowing both easy access to return route and relatively short journey to areas that are under druid's control.
Ran takes a few swigs from his waterskin and looks over the rest of the group.
"Do we take a break here and have a quick lunch, or do we push on a bit further?"
After that, it's two or two-and-half miles to the branch-off.
Ran slightly readjusts the straps of his backpack and sets out again, taking the path Codrian pointed out.
"Two and a half miles from here until the branch-off where we'll be making camp? We'll get there well before evening falls then. Could we make it to the caves before dark today without over-exerting ourselves, or would that be too much?"
No, we should probably stick to the previous plan: go as close as safely possible, set up camp and prepare and move in at first light."
Ran drinks some more from his waterskin and stuffs some snow in the now mostly empty skin. He tucks it away again under his clothes, so his body warmth will melt the snow.
When they're done, he picks up his bow again, nocks an arrow and continues down the path.
Yes, there forest is quite dense in that area.
Motions at the trees around them.
Pretty much like this area, young trees and lots of undergrowth. But in that area, we won't have traveled path like this one to assist us. At least not, if we don't want to take the most obvious route to Benelvir's compound.
Snaps a twig off from one bush and uses it to draw a rough map on the snow.
We're now here.
Points at one place.
What I suggest is that we continue this path to this branch-off here. Then find a good place for a base camp near that intersection.
Points at the path branching off the one they are on now.
This path...
Traces the path with the stick.
...leads first to the small rocky valley, where necromancer's base was. The stream comes from this direction and flows along the valley floor, until it flows underground in here. The path across the valley, crossing the stream at the bottom... and at that crossing, Khaled, Gennady and I were attacked by skeletons.
Points a spot upstream.
This area is filled with small channels and shallows. Here is where Benelvir captured me and my Jackal comrades.
Returns to tracing the path.
The path climbs up from the valley and disappears to these bushes. Somewhere around here is the site where that half-dragon creature had spitted acid and melted some trees. Further along the path, is a branch-off. One path leads to an entrance to Benelvir's caves. Only entrance which location I know precisely.
The other path... well... as for that I have no idea. But taking in the little traveled state of it, I'd guess it goes to some abandonded lumber or hunting cottage deeper in the woods.
"If that's the only entrance you know of with certainty we don't have much choice, unless we would be willing to take the time - and risk - to go looking for alternatives. Which we aren't.
You say that Benelvir's troops caught you down there between the shallows before the valley proper, Codrian? We'll have to assume he'll have lookouts at least that far out then. If we arrive at the site you suggest to set up camp well before dark, we'll have daylight left to do some scouting. I'd feel safer if we can make sure we're alone in the immediate vicinity of the camp before nightfall."
A small clarification: I and the Jackals were ambushed by Benelvir himself at the shallows. At that point I didn't see any of his slaves, he was there with the hound, Geahn.
Points at the location of the entrance to Benelvir's caves.
Yes, that's the only entrance I know how to get to. I know that there is at least one another, that one leading to the clearing in midst of taller trees. There Benelvir had imprisoned me and Khaled. I think he meant to to perform some ritual at the totem pole in the middle of the clearing... but then decided to use me to destroy his enemy.
Even - or especially - if it was Benelvir and not some of his troops, we have to assume that that area is watched."
Ran stomps his feet to keep them warm. The elf is clearly not accustomed to the low temperature, but does his best to shrug it off.
"Shall we go? It's not that far anymore, I guess, but with the loads we carry we're still going to take a while getting there."
"Your bear might be instrumental in discerning if the area we camp in is regularly visited by anything human, Sir Threfdil - or formerly human, as the case may be.
His keen nose can sniff out tracks we couldn't hope to find after the recent snowfall. Especially since we don't have anyone with us with any real expertise outdoors."
There is a small hill that rises about double Tynk's height that could provide a decent wind block and trees ring most of the area.
I think that place might be a good place for the camp. What do you think?
Ran agrees with Codrian's assessment of the site. He sets his pack down for a moment, looking at Tynk and Threfdil, and takes a few swigs from his waterskin.
'Will we be using this spot as a base of operations against Benelvir? I for one would be glad to stop carrying all of this firewood and have a much lighter load tomorrow.'
The rest of the group sits down and rests before they start to set up camp.
Ran winks as he says that.
"Obviously we won't keep going if we notice the odds favour Benelvir too much, but as long as we feel confident we should try to secure success in one fell swoop, don't you think?"
Feeling rested after only a few minutes, the elf ditches his firewood in as dry a spot as he can find at the edge of the camp. He then collects one tent and starts setting it up, keeping last night's experiences in mind.
'Ow were we goin' ta do our scoutin'? Oi'm not much o' a sneak meself, so it'd be best if'n ye others did that part, whoile Oi stay 'ere and watch the camp?
Ran points at the lush, white carpet of snow covering the ground.
"I don't think any of us has any expertise when it comes to tracking or, more importantly in this case, covering tracks. If we leave signs of our presence in an area where they will probably be seen, we're done for anyway. If we come upon a patrol, our best course of action will in all likelihood be to take them on if we feel up to it and prevent them from warning Benelvir that someone's skulking around near his caves. I'd rather he doesn't know what happened to the patrol while we know that he might come looking for something than take a chance and hope we're not found out.
In any case, as Codrian said, we shouldn't go out too far. Just far enough to take a look around in the immediate vicinity of the camp. I'd value the presence of Honor for that endeavour though: his keen nose will probably be more useful than my eyes."
Another matter is the snow, as Ran mentioned. We can't hide that there has been someone skulking around, which might even cause Benelvir's forces finding our camp. But, I think, we might be able to confuse the enemy a bit by starting and ending the recon jaunt from a locations on the track distant from the camp. Not perhaps a great helper, but it can confuse enemy for few seconds that may matter between getting caught unawares or prepared.
We're not attempting to remain unnoticed if there are enemies nearby - we would if we would have a better chance of it, probably, but we don't. What we're trying to do is make sure there is no-one around to find out about us. If there aren't, it doesn't matter if we make some noise while we're looking and everything is good. If there are, that's not so good but we'll have to go after them anyway, because we can't leave them wandering around and risk Benelvir being warned while we're sitting at our camp. While having the element of surprise would be a bonus even in the latter situation, it's not vital then either."
Ran looks at everyone.
"Our biggest concern is perhaps to split our forces evenly - if someone hostile finds the camp while the scouts are out there, we'll want those left behind to guard it to be able to not only defend themselves, but preferably also to prevent any enemies to report back to Benelvir. The same goes for the scouting group.
Unless anyone feels differently? I'm not in charge here, everyone gets an equal say in this operation."
But because o' that, Oi'm thinkin' that per'aps 'e and Oi should be in different places...if'n one o' us gits attacked, the other would know and cin go ta 'elp.
That's my interpretation of how the Empathic Link ability would work. That could be up to DM interpretation, so let me know if I should change this, yes?
Perhaps we can choose our tasks now? On second thought, maybe we don't need more than a token force to stay at the camp. The others won't be gone very long, nor will they go all that far and it's probably unlikely that anyone will get to this place without the scouts finding out about their presence first."
So, in my mind, it comes down to this; is it me or Tynk who will go with Ran?
Ran looks aside at Codrian.
"Perhaps we can bear the cooking in mind when we decide who stays and who goes?"
There's a hint of a smile on the monk's face, despite his very bland expression.
"That works for me, unless someone else has a compelling reason to do things otherwise.
Whoever's going, we'll follow Codrian's advice and double back first. Circling out more than a quarter mile won't be necessary, and we'll check if the camp can be seen from that distance.
A cold supper when we get back then, or do we wait for the sun to set so the smoke of the fire isn't obvious against the clear sky? Whoever fixes it gets to make the call."
The elf waits for the others' consent or suggestions to do things differently and sets out with his scouting partner once everyone's in agreement.
[for future reference: Hide +5; Listen +16; Move Silently +11; Search +4; Spot +5]
It might be good to wait until dark before making a fire. Just to be sure that it won't mark our presence, if nothing else.
I assume that whatever kind of creature he really this, Honor will know what's expected of him. I'm sure Sir Threfdil would have told me otherwise. What I'm not sure of is how that bear will let me and Tynk know if he sniffs trouble... Let's just hope it won't come to that.
Ran checks to see if the large animal follows, and if he needs time to use that keen nose. The monk adjusts his pace to what seems to be slow enough for the bear to sniff around.
About a quarter mile back, he steps off the path and turns to his right at what seems a likely spot to be able to continue cross-country. The monk halts every now and then to look around, scanning their surroundings as far as he can see and checking the snow for tracks. He makes a point of trying to see the camp as well, to determine how well-shielded it is from prying eyes.
It snowed last night, so there's always a chance that whatever tracks there were to be found got erased anyway. Let's hope Honor can help us out if that's the case.
"Do you see anything, Tynk?"
If this area is deserted save for our campsite, we won't have to worry about being caught for now.
When he hears Honor growling, Ran stops and turns in the direction he sees the bear staring in.
Too much to hope for...
He whispers to the mage: "Remember, if we can we should overpower anyone hostile without allowing them to report to Benelvir..."
As cautiously as he can, Ran steals in the direction of whatever caught Honor's attention, keeping one eye on what the bear does and the other trained on the stretch of forest before him, trying to pierce the curtain of trees and snow.
Let's find a good spot for the tent and get it up.
----------------
Ran creeps quietly ahead and soon he sees two shapes, no four, er wait six shapes shuffling through the dense foilage. The are moving towards where Tynk, Honor, and he would soon be if it had not been for Honor's growling.
If they're Benelvir's ensorcelled troops, we're going to have to try and take them. Six is a lot though - I'm not sure if we're up to that, even with Honor with us. And it's no use taking down five if the sixth gets away. We need a plan to cut them off...
While looking at the figures intently, the elf motions for Tynk and Honor to wait and puts up six fingers to indicate the number of their potential foes.
After gathering as much supplies as she could in a short time she heads out the east gate as Verinal directed.
She waves to the guards as she passes them and heads through the gate and onto the trail. She looks to Screech and sends him thoughts for his keen sight to find any tracks the travelers may have made
(Screech Spot +9, Handle Animal +9¹)
(Spells Prepared:
Level 0 (5/day): cure minor wounds, detect magic, flare, mending, and read magic
Level 1 (4/day): cure light wounds, entangle, invisibility to animals, and produce flame
Level 2 (4/day): cat's grace, flame blade, and flaming sphere
Level 3 (3/day): cure moderate wounds, neutralize poison, and speak with plants
Sorveror Spells:
Level 0 (5/day): acid splash, dancing lights, mage hand, prestidigitation
Level 1 (4/day): disguise self, true strike
Equipment: leather armor, daggers (2), longbow, quiver 20 arrows, composite long bow (made), 20 arrows (made), leather satchel (backpack), waterskin, belt pouch, whetstone, healing herbs, one vial of antitoxin, rations for 4 days)
--------
Back at the camp Threfdil sits staring in the direction that Honor went with Ran and Tynk. Through intense concentration he can still make out what Honor is feeling at the moment. Tension shoots down Threfdil's back and his muscles involuntarily flex and feels that something is not quiet right.
[whisper]"I don't think we can risk letting them get away without knowing if they're Benelvir's. Tynk, do you think you can hide behind the trees with Honor? That'll give us an advantage. I'll attract their attention. If they're hostile, you can use your magic from behind cover and Honor may be able to get behind them to cut of their retreat. What do you think?"[/whisper]
[OoC: did those six unknowns appear to be coming in our direction or not?]
Anaya waits about fifteen minutes while Screech flys about. Finally the owl lands on a branch an hoots softly to itself.
(Survival +13²)
I hope the bear understands the idea... And that he manages to hide.
The monk runs up ahead to the nearest point where the unknown wanderers are sure to see him, trying to stay in sight of his hopefully well-hidden friends.
She lets the energies release, changing her into her wolf form and goes back out towards the path, sniffing around for signs of the group
(My apologies to Anaya, I was not aware she had used her tracking ability before.)
Tynk moves to hide and Honor not sure who to follow moves to after Tynk after some emphatic gestures from Ran. Moving quickly Ran stands ahead of the humans and yes the other two do appear to be goblins.
However looking closely Ran sees an absent look in the eyes of the six. They do not appear to see Ran and keep moving towards the elf without slowing. The goblins move ahead and the humans appear to be carrying something losely between them.
Goblins and humans together? That's not very common... And that fazed-out look - these have to be victims of Benelvir's slave spell. Have to be.
But what's that thing they're lugging with them?
They moight 'ave encountered some trouble. Do ye think we should go after them?
But ye're roight, me boyo. Oi'll wait 'ere fer now.
And he does, though he paces back and forth impatiently, focusing on the feelings of Honor.
Meanwhile...
Interrupts Vareanin's efforts with pine cone and instructs him to fly a circle around the camp and look for two-legs.
Tynk sees them move, but is hampered by his hiding spot as he trips over the tree root and has to catch himself lest he fall.
Ran is suprised at their quickness and is standing there gawking as they quickly surround him. However he deftly blocks and dodges every blow.
Honor's view is blocked by the bushes he is hiding in and does not see the attack right away.
Initiative
Tynk 23
Goblins 18
Human 18
Honor 6
Ran 5
She looks out towards Screech and has him fly overhead in case she misses anything as she works her way further and further from the city
(Still using Track and Scent...Screech command is Seek)
Ran ducks and weaves to avoid the blow that suddenly come at him from all sides.
At least I don't have to worry about luring them closer. Pretty eager lot they are...
The monk swiftly repositions himself, skillfully avoiding to allow his opponents to find a hole in his defenses.
[Ran moves backwards, to try and string his foes along so Honor can move in behind them and cut them off if they decide to retreat. - double move, Tumble (+15) as far as necessary, speed 50 ft.]
.oO(Tynk must be the human Verinal mentioned in the group...)
She sends a message to Screech to follow and takes off following Tynk's tracks
The goblins cross the area of snow a bit slower but continue on, but still are short of catching up to the monk. The first of the humans stumble and fall as soon as they reach the area. There are no grunts or sounds of disgust. The other two humans continue right over their comrades backs and actually wind up closer to Ran than the goblins did, but still short of the monk.
Honor starts runs to the fallen humans and lays into the first one claws ripping at flesh. One of the humans now lies still on the snow as its blood oozes onto the snow making a bloody greenish mess. Greenish?
She seems sure that this is the right trail and continues running and occasionaly stopping to make sure she is still on the correct path.
That's it then - they have truly been transformed into undead beings. The only thing we can still do for them is release their souls so they can pass on to better things...
The elf charges the nearest zombie, careful to avoid the magically altered snow, aiming an elbow at the unfortunate creature's solar plexus in hopes of knocking it senseless for a few seconds.
[charge, +12 to hit, 1d10+1, stunning attack (1/8; Fort save DC 17), AC 18, hp 39]
May Agath'los see ye through this, me boyo...
Tynk moves out and struggles to keep his curiousity in check at the green blood remembering that they are in a fight, but his opprotunity has passed.
The goblins move past the human on the left and the right and slam there arms violently against Ran breaking through his defenses. Ran takes 6hp of damage
One of the humans slides in behind Ran giving the monk a pause cutting off his escape behind him. However any advantage is neglible as Ran deflects the blows regrouping his defenses after the goblins penetrated them.
The other human struggles and falls down again on the slippery snow. Honor moves carefully around seeing that the human keeps slipping and delivers a tremedous blow and then another. A second human lies shredded on the snow.
(Rough diagram)
From the corner of his eye, Ran sees Honor casually swatting away two of the zombies.
Keep them cornered. We can't afford to let anyone get away...
The monk deftly sidesteps, breaking free of the circle surrounding him, and quickly snaps off a series of lightning jabs.
[5 ft. step away from wherever Honor is at, flurry of blows +9/+9/+4 (against the human zombie first - if he drops and any attacks are left over, it's goblin bashing time), 1d10+1, stunning attack (2/8; Fort save DC 17) on the second attack, AC 20, hp 33]
Commands Vareanin to fly to direction where Thref is looking at.
Again the humans and goblins slam their arms into the monk, but the Ran's skills are very impressive. However the goblin to Ran's right once again finds an opening causes the monk to feel some pain.
Ran takes 1hp damage
Honor seeing that the humans are no longer moving sprints on all fours to aid the surrounded monk. Taking the human directly opposite the monk and mauls him by suprise ripping another to shreds.
"Rrarggh!" Honor yells triuphantly.
With one less foe Ran turns his attention to the other human punching quickly and his fists a blur. His first blow is a solid connection to the humans jaw and causes the man to stagger back. This however spoils the monks second blow coming in so quick that it misses, but the third connects with the man's gut with a sickening thud. The man makes not a sound as the blows rain down upon him.
Then with a quick step he leaves the middle of the melee leaving the goblins with air.
Threfdil can sense that Honor has a surge of excitement and is not as worried as before.
Positions after that round
There is no scent of blood so apparently no one was hurt here which gives her some comfort. As she continues on suddenly she catches scent of a bear now traveling with the group.
She circles the area puzzled that the bear smell simply appeared at this spot and did not come from any direction. She continues on following the group's scent.
It is getting late in the day but still about 3 hours before sunset Anaya estimates she finds the area where the group must have camped just last night based on the freshness of the smells and the remains of the campfire.
A good three hours before sunset what will Anaya do?
[combat expertise for 1 point; flurry of blows +8/+8/+3 (against the human zombie first - if he drops and any attacks are left over, it's goblin bashing time), 1d10+1, stunning attack (3/8; Fort save DC 17) on the second attack, AC 21, hp 32]
Tynk cautiously moves closer to the fight trying not to be heard. Over the growls of Honor, moves slowly unnoticed closer to the group.
The goblin attacked by Honor turns at the bear trying to return favor, but its blow lands harmlessly on the bear's shoulder before glancing off to one side. The other goblin and the human still focus on Ran but his defensive show is impresive as he uses one attack to deflect the other. Such mastery is indeed impressive.
Honor annoyed at the attack, claws at the goblin until it falls. The bear then moves closer to Ran.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Thref goes back to circling the camp warily.
We must hold one of them back from the release of true death... Question him before granting his soul peace...
The monk continues his assault on the undead human, abandoning his tactic of increased defense to bring him down more swiftly now that Honor has eliminated most of their opponents.
[flurry of blows +9/+9/+4 (against the human zombie first - if he drops and any attacks are left over, it's goblin bashing time), 1d10+1 subdual damage, stunning attack (4/8; Fort save DC 17) on the first attack, AC 20, hp 32]
His second blow is indeed deadlier than the first as it catches the human square in the jaw spinning him around backwards and he then falls to the ground dead.
Rotating his stance he punches at the goblin but the muscles in his arm spasm and cause his to pull his punch.
Tynk takes his staff and runs up behind the goblin to distract it from its next course of action. With a thrust of the staff Tynk deflects the goblins blow from coming anywhere near Ran.
Honor takes advantage of Tynk's distraction and nearly rips the goblins head clean off with his first blow. Honestly everyone there is amazed at the bear's savage attack, and even more amazed that the goblin still stands. However when Honor swings again his finishes the job and the goblin falls into a heap.
(Another Natural 20 for the bear
)Ran straightens his clothing and makes a formal bow towards his companions.
"Thank you, Tynk.
Your claws are mighty, Honor.
Perhaps we should move these out of sight. Hopefully it'll snow before another patrol comes by so these tracks are erased.
Tynk, will you go and take a look at what it is that they were carrying while I take care of these dead bodies?"
Should we leave one of them for the bear? He might be hungry.
The elf starts to pick up and drag the corpses of the dead to a couple of nearby evergreen trees to try and hide them under the snow-laden branches. When he's done, he sends a short prayer to the Mother, asking for the souls of the unfortunates to be released to finally move on to their next cycle.
The curse Benelvir placed on these poor men is an abomination, a perversion of life. At least we could deliver them from this absolute evil. We'll avenge them, and Benelvir will pay for his crimes.
*He turns to Honor before making his way to the unknown object dropped by the enslaved servents.*
"Indeed Honor, you are quite a bear."
*Searches for the object and avoids touching it imediately.*
.oO(Best be careful where a Druid is concerned, or so one once told me.)
OoC: I am caught up reading the adventure. Exellent job NPCing Tynk and thanks, guys. I will be posting every now and then but don't hold up on my account ^_^. I will try to make it back on tonight ^_^. . . . . ~Tynk
He carefully unties the top of the bag and looks inside at a young boy slightly young than himself unconcious inside the bag.
"Ran there is a boy in the bag over here. Do you think they were taking him back to the druid?"
Ran was about to go through the corpses' possessions, if they have anything worthwhile on them at least, but Tynk's discovery comes as such a shock that he forgets all about it. He runs over to see for himself.
"Is he still alive?"
The elf checks the boy's pulse.
"We have to get him to the camp as quickly as possible. Can you help me carry him?"
She continues til sunset, keeping the same pace as she did before, know the less time it takes to get to the group the better.
As sunset falls she finds a spot not to far from the trail and makes camp, letting the energies flow once more and gathers wood for a fire.
After placing the wood she gathered in a pile, she concentrates and waves her hand over it, drying the logs.(prestidigitation)
After drying, she calls the energies again and lights the timber making a suitable campfire. (produce flame)
Once everything is set and the fire is going nicely, she sets herself against a rock and pulls some rations from her pack to eat.
After eating she wraps herself in the blanket and drifts off to a light sleep, Screech keeping watch
(OOC: Ran what prisoner?)
-----------------------
Anaya continues on and shortly before sunset. Her wolf form wavers and again she is the elf that she is comfortable being. It takes a bit to gather wood and it is now dark when she gets the fire finally lit.
(OOC: Will Anaya be resting as an elf or wolf?)
------------------------
Threfdil senses contentment from Honor, and can no longer feel any anxiety.
The nutcracker flies towards the group, but does not yet see anything worth mentioning to Codrian.
"On second thought, we shouldn't move him. Tynk, run back to the camp and fetch Codrian. I'll see what I can do to help this boy, but my healing expertise won't suffice."
Ran looks the boy over, supporting his head and trying to make him as comfortable as possible.
untrained heal check +3; the prisoner is the human undead Ran knocked out
It seems as though everythin' worked out ok. 'E's feelin' better now.
'Ere, ye need any 'elp with tha food me boyo? Oi'm not much of a cook, but Oi cin fetch stuff fer ya at least.
Shrugs.
I don't know. I figure there can be only improvement compared to yesterday.
Tynk nods, speaks a few words and it off running quiet fast for someone who was timid to enter the battle.
Expeditious Retreat.
Ran can tell that the beating was quiet horrific, but only the head and shoulders seemed to have suffered. Although there are some suspicous bruises on the arms and wrists.
-----------
Between Ran and Threfdil the food smells decent and with some carefull sampling it appears to be a big improvement from the previous night.
Vareanin sees Tynk running alone and is confused by it. Codrian senses the nutcracker's confusion and pauses in his cooking duties.
Ran waits anxiously with the boy.
Tynk can only run for about another minute before his is once again forced to stop and catch his breath. Then he sprints hard and makes back to camp just a little over five minutes after he left Ran.
Threfdil sees Tynk come running into the clearing and wonders why the boy is running alone. Seeing the halfing Tynk stops to catch his breath.
"We need Codrian, *huff* we found *wheeze* someone who unconcious. *cough* Benelvir's slaves *gag* had him.
Thref, you stay at the camp. I'll follow Tynk's tracks to where Ran is now.
Tynk, stay here and catch your breath.
Without any trouble goes through motions for a spell, unhampered by his armor. And speds off to the woods, following Tynk's tracks.
He pauses as the energies that increased his speed wear off, but he recasts the spell and continues on. A couple of minutes later he comes upon Ran tending to a boy slightly young than Tynk. The boy appears to have suffered a severe beating.
The bruises on the arms and wrists indicate to Codrian that the boy was held immobile while he was beaten.
[Cast CLW, converted from Bless]
"What happened?"
And also safe now, we rescued you from those creatures who had caught you.
Looks around at the dead wretches and shakes his head. Arches his eyebrows as glances at Ran.
Honor, you fought well.
Scratches Honor from behind his ears and stands up.
Ran, we have to make stretchers to carry the boy more easily back to the camp. We need two straight pieces of wood and some cloth.
Points at a thicket of trees nearby.
Two of those might do the trick.
Shall we head back to the camp then?
Carries the boy back to their camp with Ran. At one point of the journey, Vareanin dives and lands on Codrian's shoulder.
Here, some water. I'll get you some food soon.
Looks at the others.
He was in pretty bad shape. We'd best give him some time to recuperate a bit.
He makes a formal bow to the boy and introduces himself and his companions.
"My name is Ran. These are my companions Codrian Enellevin, Tynk Waverstone, Sir Threfdil Proudfoot and Honor.
Eat and rest, you're safe now."
How many wretches were there? And can you say at all where were they coming from?
She walks over to an open spot where the sun is in view and she meditates, gathering her energies for the day.
After meditation she changes into her elven form to clean up camp and pack everything only to soon change back into her wolf form for the trek ahead.
She heads out to where she left off in the trail and continues on the travelers' path
(Traveling at full run, track using the bear's scent.
Spells:
Level 0 (5/day): cure minor x3, resistance x2
Level 1 (4/day): cure light wounds, entangle, invisibility to animals, produce flame
Level 2 (4/day): barkskin, cat's grace, spider climb, summon nature's ally II
Level 3 (3/day): cure moderate woundsx2, dominate animal
Sorceror spells;
Level 0 (5/day): acid splash, dancing lights, mage hand, prestidigitation
Level 1 (4/day): disguise self, true strike)
.oO(That's odd..the bear's tracks just seemed to have dissappeared... how is that possible? )
She continues along, following the others' tracks
.oO(A natural bear can't just up and dissappear..unless...the bear was called, much like how I call creatures to help fight when needed....)
.oO(But Ran wouldn't be able to accomplish such a task...though I am not sure about Codrian or Tynk....maybe the other traveler? )
She continues on the trail, adding her curriosity of the bear to question them when she catches up, along with some other questions she would like to ask them
Thref moves to the boys side, and tries to ensure that he's in as good of health as he can, calling upon Agathalos' power if he believe the boy needs it.
Using heal check (+4) and up to 4 points of my lay on of hands for the boy.
The emotion barely plays itself on the boy-mage's face. Instead he has a look of almost submisive silence...as if he were no more than a slightly older boy himself amongst adults.
.oO(I must stay calm. Perhaps if I can play the role of a boy myself in all this the kid wont feel so lonely.)
He spreads his own bedroll and blanket out for the boy as he is tended to, sure that his own thick furr and winter cloak will do to keep him warm for the night.
Before the boy is laid to sleep, Tynk even goes as far as to mumble a minor cantrip to warm the blanket up for a while. He then goes about his own appropriations for sleep, quietly addressing the group when there is an appropriate time.
"I will need time in the morning to prepare my magic. Should we discuss our course of action now or in the morning?"
In a slightly more quiet tone.
"I imagine our new friend is ready to return to what home awaits him, and that his presence changes things slightly."
"It also raises more questions, like how many prisoners has our druid captured already?"
"...and if he does posses any number of them what do we do about it?"
I can't see a reason why he would be capturing anybody, except to make slaves out of them.
The boy can't be from anywhere near this area... as around here is no permanent habitation. On the other side of this wood is some sort of village.
I'm Nor.
Threfdil channels some energy to the boy and the bruises lessen some more and makes him more comfortable.
Nor eats very little saying that he is not all that hungry.
"There were six of them: four that were once human and two that were goblins, apparently. Honor made short work of them, but if we have to face larger numbers, we could be in trouble. I tried to knock one out to capture and question him, but when I pulled my punches he simply barreled through. They seem impervious to soft blows.
All of which means we'll have to be on guard tonight. Hopefully the patrol won't be missed immediately, but we should expect more vigilance and more patrols from Benelvir.
Nor, can you tell us what happened to you? Where you are from and how you got captured? Were there any others with you? I know it's hard for you, but we'll make sure nothing happens to you anymore, ok?"
My mother could not find my sister in the house, and my father and I went out looking for her. Father went into the woods because Alaina likes to play there. I went around to the neighborhood farms to see if anyone had seen her.
I found Alaina visiting with one of her friends a few miles from us. I took her home and then went to the woods to tell father that we had found her and that we could go back to the livestock.
I found those little creatures first. They started to chase after me. Running I saw four other men walking in the wood. Thinking I would be safe I went over to them calling for help. Instead they grabbed me and held me while the little creatures beat me until I passed out.
The next thing I know I wake up to you guys here. I take it that you are the ones I am to thank for helping me?
The boy then yawns and seems very tired, Tynk and Ran realize that it is getting rather late. Perhaps the boy should rest since he has been injured more than anyone else.
Ran points at the tents.
"I will need time in the morning to prepare my magic. Should we discuss our course of action now or in the morning?"
"Except for the boy's safety now being our responsability not much has changed, Tynk. We'll see to returning him home in the morning and make our move against Benelvir as soon as possible. It's true that Nor's presence raises a lot of questions, but it's obvious from what he told us that he doesn't know anything that might help us. We'll only find answers by visiting Benelvir's hideout.
I propose we take the same arrangement for watch periods as yesterday. I believe that means Threfdil goes first. We'll need to be doubly cautious. We've come this far, tomorrow will mark our success or our failure. I am confident it will be the first, provided we show our true strengths."
With that, Ran makes a bow towards everyone and retires to one of the tents to find rest in the rêverie.
How shall we do it... does it require all of us to see Nor to his home farm or will we divide our group two again? With half remaining here to watch the camp and other half acting as an escort.
This will not do. I need to be calm, a still flame burning brightly. The focused will sees past what blinds the weak mind.
The monk spends the last hours before dawn in meditation, finding his center in clarity of purpose.
When everyone is up and has eaten, Ran suggests they break down the camp and hide everything they intend to leave behind under some evergreen trees.
"It's possibly an unnecessary precaution, but I want to eliminate chances of unpleasant surprises as much as possible.
When we're done, we could probably circle around Benelvir's caves until we get to a point where Nor can safely go on on his own. From there, we'll strike out against the druid. That way, we'd lose less time and wouldn't have to split up. Unless there's something anyone would like to bring up?"
[equipment taken: backpack containing six torches, flint and steel, rope, signaling whistle and notebook; waterskin; bow and arrows]
"A wise course of action."
Soon after his things are gathered, and he is ready to leave.
[Euipment brought: All scrolls*, torch, silk rope, spell components and book, potion of rest., tindertwigs (8), alchemists fire, acid (2), staff*]
Spells Prepared:
0~~>Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Touch of Fatigue, Ray of Frost
1~~>Mage Armorx2, Grease, Exp. Retreat
2~~>Cat's Gracex2, Invisibility
3~~>Haste, Lightning Bolt
Ran, good idea... we just have to be careful to not to get lost in the woods. With these young trees and shrubs, not the easiest ground in that sense.
Ran rubs along his bowstring to get the wax deeply in, knocks an arrow and looks around, ready to leave.
"Nor, do you have any idea in which direction your home is?"
The group heads in the direction that Nor indicated and in about three hours they are in a part of the forest that the boy recognizes.
"It can not be much further now. I think I can make it home on my own now if you have pressing matters elsewhere."
------------------
Anaya is making good time following the smells of the group. In fact in three hours she finds a spot where she can smell some of the sandwichs that Ham made for the group. Anaya gets the impression that she must be gaining ground on the group now.
Does what he can to have Honor follow the boy home.
"Be safe now, Nor. We intend to do something about the presence of those creatures, but you should warn your parents and the people you know who also live around here about them. Go now. Honor will watch over you."
The monk turns towards the others.
"Do we know the approximate direction Benelvir's hideout is in, or should we backtrack to our original position?"
Ran adjusts the pack on his back slightly, takes a couple of swigs from his waterskin and sets out in a south-easterly direction - straight towards the sun.
Vareanin flys further ahead of the group but Codrian gets the impression that there is not much out there that catches the nutcrackers interest.
Shortly before midday the group finds the stream, when they hear the trickling of water. It is not much to look at, but there is fresh water here.
-------------
Around midday Anaya finds the base camp, the group is no where to be found. However based on the smells available the group has been at this spot for at least two days. She can detect the scent of the bear again and one she does not recognize at all. It smells like a boy but not at all familar.
"Codrian, I remember you told me about the last time you came to this stream. There was trouble, no?"
His voice and face are both void of emtion as he briefly recalls thier conversation almost two months ago. His attention, however, is undivided as he scans for possible dangers and strains to hear noises beyond their own.
"Perhaps some care to avoid a repeat?"
He marvels at the calmness he is feeling in spite of the early-mounting tentsion as his periphial gaze disects the scenery for possible scenarios.
"And how far from the stream did you say the druid dwelt? I would like a chance to place a pair of long-lasting enchantments on Ran and myself before we are in danger if possible."
"Perhaps it's better not to stick too close to the stream. We'll be less visible away from the water. Codrian, you know the way from here on. I'll take the lead but follow your directions."
[Spot +5, Listen +16]
Benelvir's caves should lie quite straight ahead of us... though I can't be exactly sure of the distances.
So, we have two choices... go downstream or upstream. I know the lay of land in downstream, but also on those areas I had trouble last time.
Ran looks in the indicated direction, trying to assess the terrain they'll be crossing.
.oO(I hadn't of even thought about that until now. Be a man, Tynk.)
He continues to keep a look out as Ran fills his waterskin, trying not to imagine the feeling of the icy water on his legs...or worse.
He fills his own waterskin and stiffles a grimace as his hands touch the water.
"Codrian, my enchantment lasts many hours. I think I last timed it at five, and perhaps I've grown better in skill since then. I will leave it to your judgement when I should place the protection."
There is a silence as if he were to say more, than thinks better of it.
"The enchantment, though minor, should amplify Ran's already formitable defence," he says passively.
"And wont hinder him at all," he adds.
His waterskin full he looks upstream, wishing he had researched the area for known reasonable crossing points this time of year.
"Why do I have a bad feeling right now?"
His face seems worried, although still calm.
"Either we cross here, or we double back until we find a better place - not likely to happen, certainly not without wasting a lot of time. Codrian, how much further would you say until Benelvir's cave?
I can cross and instantly recover from the effect of the cold, but I'm not sure what we'll do about the rest of you. Threfdil, will Honor be joining us again shortly? He could carry you over, he has his fur to protect him. "
[OoC: just checking to make sure, but crossing the shallow stream will bring us to the side of the river Benelvir's cave is on, correct?]
I can't be exactly sure of distances, as we are now more upstream than what I was on the earlier time. But I'd say that if we now cross the stream, with other known places to cross it being the wider area of shallows downstream and the place where the path goes across it in the valley, this place poses less danger to us. We should be now north-west of the caves. A mile or so distant, I'd guess.
Oi dunno yet if'n 'e's comin' back yet er not. Per'aps we should foind a way fir me ta cross without 'im.
"I suppose jumping across is out of the question, even if we get your armour across some other way, Threfdil? Tynk or Codrian, maybe you have a spell at your disposal that might help? Something to make Threfdil a bit more fleet of foot?"
"I'm sure I can jump across, and with a bit of luck so should Tynk and Codrian. I have a rope with me, maybe we can fix it somewhere on both sides of the water as a makeshift bridge. Can you see anything high enough and close enough to the water for that to work?"
.oO(A fork...a fork...were in this area?...)
In a hope to find an easier solution Tynk thinks to his studies of maps on this area, and the geographical tendancies of rivers in this area this time of year. Anything helpful.
"This is the worst time to cross. The snow is just beginning to melt and even the more shallow areas are begining to deepen. Combine that with the still-icy water..."
"I would hesitate for us to have a jumping contest. I garentee I am not a good jumper at all, and I have no helpful spells handy."
"I am trying to remember if I know this fork from the maps I have studied."
Thinks hard, eyes dotting back and forth rapidly for a few moments.
(Knowlege: Geography +12, Knowlege: local +5 to decern suitable crossing by area knowlege or useful knowlege when crossing an icy stream. Survival +3 (+5 avoiding natural hazards) if applicable.)
Tynk can recall very little from a map that he has seen of the area, but also he does remember that the map seemed very old. However he is quiet sure that shallow stream only continues on for about a half of a mile. Beyond that he is unsure of anymore.
Looks up between the three.
"If I am not mistaken I beleive from my studies that this stream-branch should have nowhere to run to. Although I am not too familiar with the maps of this area, the water down it is very calm and the elevation is slightly higher that way."
"I would gamble it only runs much less than a mile before ending all-together. If we spend a little time going around it we may even find suitable crossing further up the main stream."
Ran hangs his head slightly, but he accepts the delay.
"Very well then. Let's pick it up again and try to find a crossing point further down, after circling around this arm of tyhe stream."
He checks the nocked arrow, looks around to find the best-looking route and sets off alongside the shallow streambed.
Remember though, the most easiest place to cross the stream to get on Benelvir's caves' side is either at the shallows about quarter of a mile upstream from the valley or by circling the valley by the end where the stream goes underground.
"So you think we should head back? Lots of ground to cover if we do, even if we'll know better where we're going and how to get there."
Best would be if we could gt across here, but as the trees are way too young for building an impromptu bridge without spending half a day just hacking down them, that is unlikely to happen.
Ran resumes following the water downstream, keeping a lookout for signs of wild pigs, undead and other dangers of the outdoors.
Prepares to cast Exp Retreat on him if others agree on getting across. Then jumps across.
"If your boots are watertight, you won't have the slightest problem - it might feel a bit cold, but that's it. Let's hope we'll find another place to cross the main stream where it's just as easy."
The elf looks up at the sun, trying to estimate what time it is.
"Do we stop for a quick bite or do we eat on the move? I don't like staying in the open, but we should be able to find a more or less safe spot to halt for a minute."
Ran jumps next while he does not jump as far he is far from getting wet. Threfdil is close behind him almost jumping as far as Ran but his armor kept him from doing so.
Watching Tynk it is obvious he has spent to much time in the dusty tower studying books as he jumps and lands with both feet in the middle of the narrow stream. However with the grin on his face one wonders if it was actually on purpose.
I think if we walk even fifty yards from the stream it'll be quite difficult for anyone to see us. Then we can eat something. Something that doesn't require fire to make ready.
"I'll b-be f-f-fine. T-told you I w-w-wasn't a j-jumper"
"But I s-splash l-lik-k-ke the best of-f 'em," he says, trying to laugh it off.
Trudges along as they move forward, trying to place his focus on keeping silent and alert.
Ran lets Codrian take the lead for now, looking around - fruitlessly - for other points of reference besides the stream.
.oO(I can't tell how much progress we made. I hope we don't overshoot Benelvir's cave later.)
Well...that wasn't so bad. Let's move on then?
"Codrian, I would appreciate some advice on a difficulty I am having."
Codrian: Yes?
"I have never hurt anybody intentionally..."
.oO('Cept once...)
He pauses in an odd moment, as he keeps his attention more alert than introspective.
"...Generally speaking, I have been on many... I guess... crusades, for lack of a better word. In all this time the only thing I have ever harmed has been those of the undeath."
Codrian: I can't say I would have much experience either... in killing creatures that is.
The boy looks unsure, but his expression through still-chattering teeth shows he wants to do the right thing.
"I don't know why I studied it... I mean... it's one of the most destructive intermediate evocations having little to no use other than delivering pain and death. And even now, I have it's energies withing me ready to release."
Looks directly at Codrian, his face serious.
"I can feel it, Codrian. I can't explain it. I have never felt energies within me from a mere potential spell. They feel... aggressive... but not evil."
Codrian: It's not necromantic spell, that's why. For what I understand, evocations, at least most of them, are like weapons, like this halberd I carry nowadays. They are not inherently evil or good. Like, people have always been expert in devising different ways to club, slash and stab others to death. Same goes with many spells. They are created to exact destruction on the subject, but how, when and why the spell is used is dependant on the caster. Like making a choice to not to stab everyone coming across with a dagger.
Looks away after a pause, continuing with his voice even lower.
"I learned a new spell a few months ago, and I have never used it since I tested it the first time."
"It's a lightning spell, a potentially lethal one. I only tell you this because, if I do decide to use it I need you and the others out of the way."
His look has a tinge to it, serious but...desperate?
"Don't count on me to use it. I keep telling myself it is not wrong to hurt others in righteous defense from aggressors, but until now I have only given those around me better capabilities of defeating such foes."
Codrian: Self-defense, when not used overtly, isn't evil any way. Consider this, how much different this is from the past exactly... instead of "using" others to get to the end, you are now taking that fate to your own hands. Possibly saving those others from pain they might suffer while fighting. You have now power to do something, but also responsibility for how you use that power.
Tynk remembers the boy the slave-creature was carrying, but is surprised, even with his cold feet, that he does not shudder.The crunching snow beneath their boots becomes a mild pattern for a while as they both think to themselves. Suddenly, yet very quietly, as if so much energy is let through so tiny a seam.
"I usually feel safe, even in battle..."
"It's as if the aggressors do not see me as a threat...and...I do not fear being viewed so by even that damned Blood Troll I spoke of. I just don't know if I aim this weapon that I can pull the release."
"I feel as though I may justify my killing of another in my feeling of self-righteousness towards what I am doing."
After a pause Tynk does a thorough scan visually and audially, wishing the snow didn't crunch so loudly and glancing back at Threfdil to give him a nod to assure him his armor isn't making that much noise in the wet snow.
On his way to return his vision forward he gives Ran a glance to assure him his attention is indeed more on the task of staying alert than conversation.
Codrian: And there lies one of distinctions between good and evil... it's better that you never develop a taste for killing, because then you still can work for a goal that is greater than just the battle. And death.
"..."
.oO(It doesn't look too wide for me to jump. If we come to a point where I could rig up a makeshift bridge with my rope before finding a place where we can cross more easily, we'd best do so. The day's a-wasting.)
Ran sees further up that the trees now reach the edge of the stream and they seem denser than before. He wishes that Tynk and Codrian would keep there conversation quieter so he could concentrate better watching for anything out of the ordinary.
Vareanin sitting on Codrian's head suddenly shifts and Codrian can feel the bird's unrest. Ran spots some movement in the bushes and the others notice it as well. Three orcs emerge from the woods carrying clubs in hand, and they are slower to react than the group except for Threfdil who was at the rear of the group and distracted sensing Honor once again.
Initiative
Vareanin 25
Ran 22
Tynk 21
Codrian 18
Orcs 18
Threfdil 17
Tynk takes a good look at the orcs as he sets his staff defensively on instinct, trying to determine if they are slaves or just orcs. With a look of distate and pity at the abominatations (one way or another) he holds his ground until he sees what his comrads will do. If Ran engages them Tynk prepares himself to help ward their blows while protecting himself and covering the monk's left flank.
He also scans the mid and far reaches for any more that may be slaves going to warn of the group's presence.
.oO(If these are slaves, that makes seven already...)
His free hand touches the golden circle at his chest.
(Aid Other to Ran, Full Expertise (3), AC:19 [t: 15] [f: 14?] BAB: +0)
Codrian places his hands on his crossbow, ready to lift it and shoot, but first tries to determine whether or not they are wretches. If they seem to be Benelvir's slaves, instead of using crossbow, takes out his holy symbol and chants a prayer to Thalos.
.oO(I don't know if this will work, but it's worth a try.)
[OOC: Either Turn Undead (1d20+3 check, 2d6+6 damage) or fire crossbow (+5 attack, 1d8 damage)]
.oO(Orcs too? That would make things a lot harder... But I can't tell if they have been enslaved by Benelvir or not...)
The elf puts up his bow and assumes an offensive stance to meet the attackers.
bow and arrow are set aside as carefully as possible (MEA) and Ran readies a 5 ft. step + attack (trigger: orc getting within 10 ft.) (+10, 1d10+1 *2, subdual, stunning fist 1/8 DC 17)
"If they're just orcs they'll think twice before attacking a group like ours. I have a feeling they are slaves."
In a voice not too loud, but loud enough for the orcs to hear...
"Halt! If you value your lives you'll keep your distance and go your way."
(Aid Other to Ran, Full Expertise (3), AC:19 [t: 15] [f: 14?] BAB: +0)
Of course, this probably means moving forward 3 squares. Gotta love the 15' movement rate.
Silently the orcs rush to attack not caring that their foes are being cautious and waiting. Codrian not hearing them speak in their gutteral language, summons the Power of Thalos and channels it through his holy symbol and attempts to turn these creatures away. Unfortunately nothing appears to happen as the orcs continue to charge, but Codrian's words and actions has caught the attention of one of the orcs.
The first orc runs recklessly by Tynk to attack Codrian, but he is unable hit anything besides the half-elf's armor. Another orc brings his club smashing down across Tynk's arm causing searing pain to emminate from where the club to hit. (-6 hp, and 2 sudual to Tynk)
Ran's caution pays off as the orc moves to attack Tynk his fist finds an ample opening in the orcs defenses. However like the human from the last battle the blow seems ineffective. The last orc brings his club to bear down on Ran, but a shimmering field springs into being deflecting the blow away.
Threfdil clanks slowly forward passing Ran and is only able to pull even with the orcs. Around this time the brush shakes and out steps a broad shouldered man with a longsword in hand. Seeing the battle he goes to attack the halfling, but it seems that his sword was partially tangled in the brush and he can not get it free in time to attack Threfdil. Thredil notices an empty stare in the man's eyes, and it is unerving to say the least.
Lets his holy symbol to fall from his hand and swings his halberd at the orc front of him.
[OOC: 'POO' on that map? :P ]
"Gargh!"
Falls back defensively hoping Ran catches the move and ignoring the pain in his arm. He catches the moment seemingly perfect, seeing Codrian about to attack. With a thrust of his staff, he attemtps to throw Codtrians opponents off guard to give his friend a chance to strike the thing down.
(5' step straight down on grid, next to Codrian. Aid Other to his attack, BAB+0 w/ full expertise. AC: 19 (¿w/damage conversion 2 from previous or future attacks?)
Ran flows gracefully from his previous Stone stance to the more energetic Air style, raining down blows on the orc he targeted before.
[Flurry of Blows +9/+9/+4 (1d10+1, x2 critical, bludgeoning) - should the orc drop before all attacks are used, move on to the orc threatening Threfdil
PM sent about last round]
Assuming I'm the P on the map...five foot step northwest to move into a flank on the orc with Ran, then attack to the south.
Tynk drives his quarterstaff deflecting the blow intended for Codrian giving the boy much satifaction, but it does not last long as the same orc as before continues pursuit and relentlessly attacks again. This time Tynk is ready and spins his staff in a circular motion to deflect the club away.
Ran easily out manuever's his opponent and scores two hits in succession causing the orc to sway slightly before it can recover. Threfdil moves to the opposite side of the orc, but his sword is unable to slice through the orc's tough hide.
The human attempts to hack off Threfdil at the legs, but his armor protects him adequetly.
"Fall. Down. Already!"
[Flurry of Blows +9/+9/+4 (1d10+1, x2 critical, bludgeoning) - should the orc drop before all attacks are used, move on to the orc threatening Threfdil]
Agath'los give ye the final embrace!
Using the momemtum of his arched block to reverse the stroke at Codrian's assailent in an effort to again devert the orc's swing, he immediately turns his attention back to his own assailent.
(Same as last round)
.oO(They are tough, not as whithered as last time.)
[+5 attack, 1d10 damage]
Unfortunately for Tynk the orc attacking him exposes a weakness in his defenses that leaves the boy's head ringing loudly. (-9hp and 2 subdual) The orc pinned between Ran and Threfdil does not have room for a decent blow and his swing goes wide of the monk by quiet a decent margin.
Ran's footing slips on the snow and it ruins his first attack, but he recovers rather well for the follow up strikes dropping the orc where it is. Threfdil turns his attention the human with the longsword, and while he easily penetrates the man's defenses the wound is only a superficial scratch. The human tries to return the favor to the halfling, but Threfdil deflects the blow with his greatsword causing sparks to fly.
Current HP standings
Codrian 27/30 and 2 subdual
Tynk 13/28 and 4 subdual
Ran 39/39
Threfdil 42/42
Shouts a prayer to Thalos while holding up his holy symbol.
[Another turn attempt.]
"Hang on, Tynk - these are no match for us."
[5-ft. step towards orc, Flurry of Blows +9/+9/+4 (1d10+1, x2 critical, bludgeoning)]
"They are quick!"
Takes a step back and to his left, hoping to lure his opponent into a more prone postion for his friends. This time he concentrates on his own defense.
"Common!"
(5' step down and left on grid, full defense...AC: 20)
The orc attacks with a wild swing that Codrian barely deflects away with the pole of his halabred at the last instant. Tynk focused on defending himself from harm is not as lucky as the orc once again breeches his meager defenses. (-4 hp and 2 subdual) One can only wonder how much more the young mage can take.
Ran moves behind the orc and strikes it twice in the back, but it refuses to give in to its wounds by continuing to stand. Again Threfdil attacks the human but his strike misses wide right and it leaves his defenses wide open for a counter attack. The human in an extrodinary brillant stroke cuts deeply into Threfdil's head causing a grievous wound! Blood starts gushing immediately from the wound and obscures the paladin's vision slightly. (-16hp and 4 subdual)
[SIZE=1]
Current HP standings
Codrian 27/30 and 2 subdual
Tynk 9/28 and 6 subdual
Ran 39/39
Threfdil 26/42 and 4 subdual
[/SIZE]
"Oy, pig-face! Pay attention! I'm the one you should be worrying about!"
The monk underlines this challenge with three consecutive rapid kicks to the orc's head.
[Flurry of Blows +9/+9/+4 (1d10+1, x2 critical, bludgeoning)]
[Cast CLW from a scroll to Tynk.]
The sickening irony taste of blood coats thickly in his mouth as he screems inside for the pain to stop, but he tries his best to ignore it.
"Codrian, I'm done. They are brutes!" he says in an almost casual fassion save through clenched teeth.
Knowing he cannot take much more of this beeting he chants as he takes a slight hop backwards following a split-second delay. The boy hopes Codrian will catch the move and be ready.
(Hold Action until Codrian's turn, going just after him on his initiative. Casts Invisibility on self, casting defensively, 5'step behind Codrian, AC:16)
[size=1]OoC: Post in DM Paging Kiteflyer, thanks.[/size]
Tynk starts to cast his spell, but the orc that has been harassing him all combat takes advantage of Tynk's lack of regard and wallops him again with his club. (-3 hp and 2 subdual) It takes all of the boy's concentration to continue his spell, but he knows it works when he sees Codrian looking around for him.
Then Tynk is horrified to see the orc look at him move forward and swing hitting the boy again with his club. (-1hp and 2 subdual) The other orc moves towards Cordian bring his club to bear on the half elf to no avail as Codrian deftly uses the pole of his halabred to block once again.
Ran is forced to step forward in order to attack the orc still beating Tynk into the ground. His first two strikes connect finally dropping Tynk's tormentor.
Threfdil sword moves faster than most eyes can follow and his opponent is disarmed, but this does not deter the human as he slams his arm fiercly against the armor. Fortunately for Threfdil all he feels is a little bump and nothing more. He may be slow but he is well protected from that blow.
Current HP standings
Codrian 27/30 and 2 subdual
Tynk 12/28 and 4 subdual
Ran 39/39
Threfdil 26/42 and 4 subdual
Ran quickly looks around to see how everyone's doing, hoping Tynk is alright and not bleeding to death invisibly.
"Threfdil? Tynk? How are you holding up?"
Not waiting for an answer, the elf pivots towards the remaining foe and attacks him as hard as he can.
[charge human attacking Threfdil; +12 1d10+1 *2; AC 18 + bonus from Tynk's spell]
[Attack +4, damage 1d10]
Tynk breathes a loud sigh of relief as the last orc falls finally, but he chastizes himself mentally knowing that Threfdil is still fighting by himself.
Ran is fleet of foot and quickly makes it within striking distance driving his fist mercilessly into the human's side. Most people would probably be sucking for air after that punch, but the humand continues his voracious defense against Threfdil as he dodges the blow yet again.
This time the human connects slamming into Threfdil again, but the armor bears the worst of the damage (-1hp and 4 subdual). The man reaches down and retrieves the longsword at his feet. Ran is caught off guard by this fool hardy action and is unable to land a blow. The stalwart paladin leaves a deep gash in the human's forearm as he reaches down to retrieve his blade.
All the pains in his body ache at once in response to his answer reminding him of each blow. This nearly causing him to vomit, but he disregards the feeling with effort and focuses on the remaining once-human as it stirkes the halfling.
.oO(I cannot allow this thing to land another blow!)
Stepping to his left as to not startle Codrian in his reapperance, he looses the spell with a soft lull of words and a pointed finger.
.oO(And it must be known if positive engergies effect these abominations in the first place...)
(Disrupt Undead)
Ran moves so he and Threfdil can harry their foe from two sides begins throwing high-speed combos at the last of the undead.
5 ft. step to flank if possible, Flurry of Blows +9/+9/+4 1d10+1 *2, AC 20 again
Tynk, how badly hurt are you? I'll cast another spell if needed.
[Either casts the CLW from the scroll (if Tynk indicates that he is in dire need of help) or (if can't hear answer from the mage or if Tynk says he'll live) advances varily towards the last standing wretch.]
Codrian sees that Tynk will be alright for the moment and then hurries to attack the last of the wretches. The point of his weapon pierces the shoulder of the human nearly forcing him to stagger. The underbrush and drifts of snow do not look inviting to Ran who is unable to get around to the other side of the last attacker.
Ran punches and then kicks the man with great force, but still he is standing even though the wounds on his body suggest that he should not. Threfdil is not as fortunate as the human easily paries the attack.
The human drives his blade deeply through two panels of Threfdil's armor causing another nasty wound. (-11 hp and 4 subdual).
Current HP standings
Codrian 27/30 and 2 subdual
Tynk 12/28 and 4 subdual
Ran 39/39
Threfdil 15/42 and 9 subdual
Ran goes for the man's weapon, trying to wrest it away from him.
"Let's finish it already!"
[FoB +9/+9/+4 (-4 for being unarmed, +4 for having Impr. Disarm), disarm attempts until Ran has the weapon, then kicks if he still has attacks left]
Perhaps he is lying...he is not a good bluffer after all.
Seeing the blood slowly flowing between various folds of the halflings armor and judging the beeting the poor paladin must have taken makes him wish there was somethig he can do. To vent the urge he wispers under a pain-filled breath.
"Threfdil...come on!"
Thref will aid Ran's first attempt at disarming the foe...an unarmed foe and an armed ally is better than the alternative anyday.
Agathalos carry you home.
[5' step and cast convert Sound Burst to Cure Moderate Wounds.]
With the aid of Threfdil's distraction Ran sends the sword flying up in the air. Then a swift kick to the midsection the human falls backwards into the brush collapsing. Ran spins back to a relaxed position and catches the sword by the hilt before it hits the ground. The fight is over and they are still alive.
Originally posted by kiteflyer
Around midday Anaya finds the base camp, the group is no where to be found. However based on the smells available the group has been at this spot for at least two days. She can detect the scent of the bear again and one she does not recognize at all. It smells like a boy but not at all familar.
.oO(There is the bear again, and another... did someone join them here?)
She sniffs around for a short while, searching through the camp and pinpointing where the group may have gone from here
Not a scratch on me. Practicing the art of defense must be paying off, although in all fairness the others seem to have taken the brunt of the assault. They certainly look like they've been put through the wringer. There's blood everywhere...
"How is everyone doing? Anyone needs seeing to?"
The monk stabs the sword in the cold, hard ground and drags the corpses to the bushes.
"The blood is a dead giveaway unless it suddenly starts to snow again - not a prospect I'd look forward to - but it's only a small effort to get these out of sight."
He also does a quick patdown of the bodies to see if they have anything useful on them.
Following the tracks for a little while she finds where the bear and the boy went one way while the others went another. However it seems that the bear quiet recently returned following the trail of the group quiet rapidly.
She quickly takes off after the bear and group's tracks, worried that there may be something wrong
--------------------------------
Anaya runs along after the bear and finds a small stream running to the southeast. After a few moments circling looking for the scent she determines that the group headed upstream.
(Spot +6, Listen +6, scent )
Turns to Codrian Oi thankee fer the touch me boyo. It 'as 'elped greatly. We should see ta Tynk though, 'e still looks 'urt.
"Nothing useful here, except perhaps the sword. It doesn't look like a particularly good one though, and I don't think anyone of us has any use for it. Still, it's there for him who wants it."
Ran walks over to where he left his bow and picks it up, carefully rubbing it completely dry.
"Humans, goblins and now orcs... Benelvir has not been idle. I hope we don't find an army waiting for us.
That's a sound suggestion, Threfdil. We'll have to be as prepared as possible and that includes being as fit as we can be. Also we'll need every resource available to us, and Honor is a formidable comrade."
He looks more in pain than upset, but a strong combination of both. His eyes are fixed on the cleaved orc Codrian left lying in the snow.
You're welcome, Thref. Yes, Tynk, let's see badly hurt are you.
While inspects Tynk's injuries, speaks to Ran.
When I was here last time, Benelvir didn't have any orcs or goblins amongst his salves. I think he is now capturing more savage species for his troops as he is not getting as many humans as before.
Might be both good and bad thing, good in sense that he must have had some shortage of troops to make him scourge larger than before area for new ones. Bad in that he now might very well possess nearly as many troops as Patkifen had... a number somewhere around two scores.
[Casts the CLW from the scroll on Tynk.]
It only takes a few minutes for Honor to catch up to the group indicating how close he must have been. The bear does seem concerned for Threfdil after seeing the all of the blood on him and around his face.
------------------
Elsewhere Anaya has come to the place where the stream is now on both sides of her. Both sides seem easy to cross, but only the left side has the tracks of the group continuing further upstream. Based on the fresh tracks of the bear and the group she can not be very far behind now perhaps only a mile or so behind based on her guess of the speed they were traveling.
Codrian cannot be sure if the look signify's he is handling it better or worse. The look is not there long in any case, as in spite of the many pains Tynk deals with he sets his own thoughts to the task at hand.
"Even with Honor, those things are strong. We have to avoid them in large numbers at all costs, or at least be ready for them."
.oO(40 would be definately too many)
"The spell of invisibility seemed wasted. There could be a number of reasons why I was struck after becoming invisible but it almost seemd as though the abomination could see my movements."
"Maybe the snow..."
He stares at the footprints he had made next to Codrian by the river, where the much green and red decor of the fight's blood has truned it to slush.
"Cognitive thought? Can these things think?"
Previous experiences would indicate that they have very limited mental abilities, if any at all. However, the human one of this group... would indicate that these could think something.
Crouches beside the dead swordsman and gently turns the head to look at the face.
Those wretches that Benelvir had when I was here last time. They didn't have wits to take cover when assailed by a hail of crossbow quarrels. They were also far more distinctly not what they were before. Desiccated, gaunt features... whereas he, whomever he was in life, looks almost normal.
Shakes his head ruefully.
I think our adversary has managed to improve his dark ritual. But I'm sure that hasn't been easy... to balance on tender line of how much mental ability to allow wretches to retain. To not make them too independent, so that they wouldn't think of rebelling.
Stands up and looks towards the approximate direction of Benelvir's caves.
She dips a paw in to test the water, pulling it back quickly from the slight twinge of cold
.oO(Well if the bear made it across safely enough, I think I can handle it.....)
She squints her eyes as she steps in the cold water, then as the cold hits her, she takes off as fast as she can to cross the stream
Ran looks the band over, trying to assess their resolve.
"Shall we do this, and lift this curse that's growing unchecked? It falls to us. I believe we can meet this challenge."
May Agathalos grant you the peace that you were so unjustly denied in life. Your souls ascending to the light.
Oi don' care 'ow they think. If'n we canna' save them, their salvation lies in death, so they cin see Agath'los. We should be movin' on, no?
Ran sighs and looks wearily around before starting to trudge upstream along the water again.
Follows Ran.
-------------------------------
Anaya comes to the spot where the groups apparently fought a battle. She can smell the blood of two of party she has been tracking for the past couple of days. There is something that smells like orcs and humans in the underbrush to her left where the trees start to thicken, but the scent seems odd to her although she is not sure why. Also there is something else that looks like a greenish blood, but the smell is entirely different from what blood should smell like. If she were to trust her senses Anaya would belive it to be more plant like.
.oO(Plant matter? Odd....)
she then looks over in the direction of the orc and human smells, then back at the blood
.oO(Something is not right here....)
she sniffs around to pick the trail back up from the group and heads off
.oO(I sure hope they have some answers......)
"That might be the best spot to cross for miles in both directions. If we're careful, we should be able to make it across safely and dry."
The elf walks closer to the stream and assesses how hard it will be for Threfdil to cross.
"At worst, maybe Honor can carry some of us over. We've lost too much time already today, I say we take the shortest route from here on."
"This looks easier to cross, but I'll try to be more careful than last time."
Waits his turn before crossing, hoping his mild reflexes will carry him above the water with the somewhat decent sized wet rocks.
.oO(And me without a flight-spell...)
Honor approaches the water's edge and looks around before dipping his nose in to take a drink. The cold does not seem to bother the bear at all.
-----------------------------------
As Anaya continues along the forest grows thicker and taller. Based on the scents she believes that the group must be near, and then she catches what she thinks is Tynk talking up ahead.
Ran pulls a long rope from his backpack and leaves it near the edge of the water before nimbly skipping from rock to rock.
[taking 10 on Balance check - total score 14; Ran will use Aid Another (Balance +4) to help anyone who might need it]
'Ey, Tynk. Climb on; Oi'm sure 'e cin 'andle the both o' us fer a minute.
Waits for Ran to cross the stream and strung the rope between two trees. Then uses the rope as a helper while crossing.
Before starts crossing, feels unease from Vareanin towards the mass of utterly cold water. Then sense hunger as the nutcracker lands to a fir by the stream bank and starts looking for a cones hidden to tree crevices by squirrels.
.oO(Now to get some answers...)
Waiting for Threfdil to get most of the way accross, he shrugs and grabs the rope to begin his crossing.
Convieniently enough, about when Tynk reaches the halfway mark making somewhat quick progress, the boy spots Rans alerted look over his own shoulder twards where Codrian stands.
Tynk whips his head around as he pulls a bit of butter from his pouch, slipping a little on the drenched narrow rock he is standing on, and looks tward the tree line spotting movement from a small figure.
"Anay!?...w-wh-whoa"
One hand grips for the rope, but the butter in it makes a grip impossible. The other hand follows and makes the grip just in time, as up to Tynk's knees again are drenched by water.
Unfortunately for Tynk he cannot get a stable foot-hold on the rock he was on in order to position himself back on to it. Likewise there is no smile...only complete bewilderment.
"It's ok Codrian, I know her."
"Help me please." he says in such a sad voice as he holds his feet just above the water on the rock.
.oO(Again? Is there a teacher in the HT? "How to fall to rivers - basics"?)
Rolls his eyes, but nods.
You there, stop.
Thref, do you and Honor mind hauling our mage out of the stream?
"Don't shoot Codrian. This elf saved my life once."
*Honor reaches him, and the boy keeps most his attention on making it out.*
"Anaya? What in the world are you doing here? Your woods are miles from this place."
"There is a druid..."
"And zombie creatures..."
His face goes white.
"Codrian, be careful it's not a zombie-thing!"
So, our intruder, are you the one whose guise you are wearing? And are you here to harm us or not?
Is ready to shoot at 'Anaya' if she makes even one threatening move.
Vareanin glides off from his perch up in the fir and swoops off to away from the scene, acting like a normal bird.
She is releived when she looks from the corner of her eye that he is safely pulled out by the bear and then resumes looking back at the half elf a bit confused at his questions and aggressive demeanor
Intruder? Guise? What in this world are you talking about Codrian?
Screech hoots from a nearby tree
.oO(She wouldn't be that ignorant to come un-announced...)
[size=1]Whoo...[/size]
The boy scans the treetops and branches in response to the owl sound, trying to keep out the sun's glare from Threfdil's helmet with one hand.
Honor's movements are awkward from that of a horse, and still a horse is a little new to the boy. He manages to keep a firm grip with his legs though, and his other arm wrapped where Threfdil can feel the boy shaking with cold through his plate-armor at the ribs.
.oO(Screech? Better be sure.)
(Spot+2, looking for white owl)
Good. Then, were you put to this task by someone?
I find it terribly convenient that just when we are about to get forward, a druid appears.
She looks at Codrian sternly, but not threateningly then relaxes
Though I must say that I have been following your trail ever since the city, and found that you have found quite a bit of your own excitement...
Anyone like to explain to me exactly what is going on?
"Anaya, These aren't quite your woods.
.oO(If these were may Agathalos help me...)
"Tell me what you remember of when you first fo...met me."
"And don't move until you answer," he adds sternly.
Tynk is obviously not quite as convinced, as he hold butter threateningly. He uses his periphial to continue his scan of the trees.
(Readied action to cast grease if she makes a seemingly agressive advance on the party, five feet in front of the person she moves tward.)
Threfdil gives Ran a half-wave, assuring the monk they are both aware and ready to signal for his help if needed. Ran himself stays alert with the slightest sigh.
Which means, someone did sent you after us. But the question is, who?
.oO(That's a good question, actually...)
He decides to wait for Anaya to answer, mentally reviewing what he remembers about her.
Tynk, you of all people should know that we travel..no one specific area is dedicated to one druid. When we find something that interests us, we investigate just like how I found you, sick with fever and took after you.
She turns to Codrian
That I did, and why do you trial me as if I have done something wrong? No one has sent me..no one owns a druid, Codrian or have you forgotten? We are not set to do other's bidding...I have come completely on my own curiosity and the more I find the more questions lay in wait to be answered.
Such as the dead orcs and human back aways, and how this bear seems to just vanish into thin air.
I have not come upon you threateningly, you are the only one.
"You do remember..."
A druid does no ones bidding? Say that to Verinal and stand to live, and I'll be amazed.
Oh, wouldn't that be just ironic, that Verinal would send someone to kill me after I've accomplished the mission he ordered me to undertake.)
Lowers his crossbow and walks towards Anaya.
I was suspicious because of your sudden arrival. Even you can't deny it wasn't so. And I've seen more than one of friend getting destroyed by the fell magics of Benelvir... a fellow druid to you. I hope you are not his protege or anything like that.
When is quite near Anaya, whispers.
Under the ground of the dead comes the order?
Continues walking past Anaya to yank couple of cones from the fir.
Of course I remember, what would make you think that I would forget something like that?
She turns back to Codrian
Of course I understand your curiosity, but there is no means for hostility.
She raises an eyebrow at the mention of Benelvir
And I can assure you I have no accordance with the one you speak of, but I am curious..what does he have to do with your travels? Something going on that you are not telling me?
As he walks past her and whispers by her side, she turns to him slightly, but then looks back at the group
Let's see... why do you think we are in wintry forest? Not for a picnic, it's quite obvious. We fight against monsters that are almost what they have been earlier, which are neither alive or dead... but not undead, and leak leaf colored fluids when struck.
You saying the orcs and human back there is something created? If they aren't undead and they aren't alive, nor dead..than what are they? The leaf colored material that they seep is actually plant matter. Still odd is how they would bleed such a material...
She pauses for a moment
And you think that this Benelvir character has something to do with these..things?
And, oh yes, Benelvir is behind creating these creatures. He called them his wretches. And boasted creating two more from the two thieves fleeing this way. He is improving his skill in their creation, those "orcs" and the "human" were much stronger than the group that got slaughtered by Drillge's troop. But now that Patkifen has been removed from picture, I guess he has had time to concentrate more on building up his army.
Drillge? Patkifen?
.oO(Patkifen? Why does that name sound familiar?)
She thinks on it for a moment to herself but pushes it aside for the time being and goes back to the conversation at hand
You talk as if you have encountered these people before and I am assuming you know Benelvir?
Drillge, I know his story only from his journal, was a half-dragon seeking his relatives, some dragon. Patkifen, the necromancer, held a base quite near. Benelvir's caves are also nearby. On the other side of this stream, and some way forward.
"D-dead or al-l-live one or two of these things need to be brought to the Hightower. There is a skilled woman who deals with Biology, and she could learn more of this tainted fey."
Looks to Anaya, still not quite trusting her yet but loosens up some. The cold really begins to set in, and the boys blue lips show his mind in bent against paying attention.
"That-t was-s-sn't s-sm-mart at all, s-sneaking on us p-prone like that! Ima serprsed Codrian didn't sut you, you s-shtartled usal-ls-o!"
"I mean, if-f-f -f-f-f Codrian reacted by pulling hist--trig-g-ger the way-u p-pop-p-**** outat us-would have b-been it."
"You could be dead now!"
He seams upset, though his voice controlled enough that Ran strains to hear. Or he hasn't the stregth to talk through his cold.
This is completely new to even Codrian, Tynk talking to Anaya like a father would scold his daughter. It's comedy lies more in how short Tynk is for a human, being young to scold a fe-male elf just about his own size with so little control over his own speach.
"They'll be a bit small but I like a loose fit so you should be able to get into them. We can cut up one of the blankets if these aren't enough. Hurry, or we'll have to thaw you out."
Better?
[Cast first Prestidigitation, then convert Virtue to Cure Minor Wounds.]
"Thank-you both...Codrian, Ran."
Tynk takes a long, purposeful look at Anaya.
"B-be more careful."
He says flatly and turns around to cross the river again, not hesitating but concentrating again on the task at hand.
"There's a druid out here making horrible lives for orcs and men. Now while the orcs may be better off as plants-things..."
.oO(...definately smell better)
"...the people nearby are defensless againsat this threat. We have delayed taking care of this Benelvir long enough."
The words, spoken with subdued passion, spill on their own accord as he steps over the rocks and reaches the other side just as Honor lugs his patient halfling a few feet from him.
Looks at Anaya and gestures at the rocks.
Well, will you cross or are you going to stay here to ponder meaning of life? Or perhaps ponder about where the dead lay.
Walks to where the rocks are and starts crossing the stream.
Codrian is able to make it across on his own with the aid of the rope, and Ran gets the impression that Codrian paid attention earlier when Ran first crossed as he takes careful notice of the place Tynk has slipped twice.
"Tynk, how are you doing in those clothes? I don't want to risk losing you to pneumonia."
The hint of agitation in Tynk's voice suggests he is insulted slightly, and this is noticed by the boy immediately after.
He sighs, placing his hand on the almost same size Ran.
"Ran, I am sorry. The clothes would fit well and be warm, but we are so close.
This day has been long on me and I am still going strong. I have enough energy to cast my spells, and right now, this close to our goal, that is all that matters.
I could benifit well from healing, but as long as I steer clear of danger I should be fine without. I admit that I am rather cold and in pain."
Tynk looks at Ran, letting the elf know in a quick glance that he is aware of his own pain, and it is not small in any way. Another gleam the monk catches in the glance is necessity, at least precieved.
The boy shakes his head and catches Anaya crossing the stream as well as something that causes him to drop his guard.
.oO(Tears?)
He can't be sure as her small frame glides over the rocks with some scattered hesitations, at one point slipping making Tynk thankful the rope is still slung which she grabs to regain balance. She nears the shorline, now being more slow and careful.
Sighing thankfully, Tynk continues quietly and quickly to Ran as all is checked to be ready for the final stretch.
"The only problem is being attacked while I try to change. We have no idea how many of these plant-brutes lurk, and how near we are to thier master's resides gives thought to great caution."
To exemplify this his words softly lull to an end, and silence follows as Anaya makes her final feet.
Still, it always paid to be safe, and Agathalos had granted him the gift.
So he whispered.
Lord Agathalos, grant me the power to see any taints of evil existing within my sight.
When he feels the power coming into him, he looks around slowly at the assembled people.
Originally posted by Tynk77
"I could benifit well from healing, but as long as I steer clear of danger I should be fine without. I admit that I am rather cold and in pain."
"Very well. It's your call. I prefer getting on with it as well, but if any of us needs healing they better come clean now. When we get to the cave, it'll be that much harder to recover any lost strength."
Ran nods his head in appreciation for Tynk's show of strength, looks the band over and moves out in the general direction where Benelvir's hideout should be.
"Let's go, everyone. Tynk has the right of it. We're close to our goal. It's time we go the distance."
She looks at Tynk and notices how much he has truely grown since when she first met the boy.
She smiles quietly to herself as she follows with the others, occasionally glancing over to Codrian as she notices his watchfulnes over her.
The statement from earlier repeats in her mind
.oO(Under the ground of the dead comes the order?..what was he hinting at? I would not see Codrian be affiliated with the avowed....or is he?)
She questions this as she looks at the half elf, then turning her gaze back to the trail, she continues on...readying herself for what may be ahead
As they press on Tynk seems to be acting rather strange. The boy acts as if he is hot and removes his coat. However when questioned he insists that he is fine just warm. The group travels forward for less than a half of an hour before Tynk collapses to the ground and curls up into a ball. He shivers violently and then it suddenly stops, but still he is curled up.
Codrian checks on Tynk and sees that he is deathly pale, his pupils are dilated, and his breathing is shallow. Codrian wants to kick himself, he missed the signs of hypothermia earlier and now it has become life threatening for Tynk as he lies there barely moving.
(OOC: Tynk has 7 subdual from falling in the river and failing the next fort save, also he is exhausted. Codrian missed his heal check to see the signs of hypothermia earlier.)
As first thing, uses another simple cantrip to warm Tynk's clothes a bit.
We need to get him warmed up, but we can't do that by just building a big fire. That'll kill him about as surely as doing nothing. More than one person who has fallen through ice has died after his friends dragged him into very warm building.
Also, we need to act fast before he goes into coma like condition. Which is followed by death.
Anaya, do you have any spells that might help him?
Says a prayer and presses his hand to Tynk's forehead.
[Cast again Prestidigitation and then Cure Light Wounds, converted from Shield of Faith.]
Ran rummages around the packs, but it seems the group left the blankets at the campsite to keep the weight they have to carry down.
"Threfdil, ask Honor to wrap himself around Tynk. His thick fur and body heat might help him through."
.oO(We can't keep going like this but we can't set up camp either, since we left all our gear behind. Hopefully someone can restore Tynk a bit, because there isn't much I can think of right now.)
.oO(No, we are almost there!)
As he struggles for coherency the loosing battle takes him, and his last coherent thought followed by a prayer.
.oO(Don't let my stupidity get my friends killed...)
He falls and soon after begins babbling much the same way Anaya has seen him before long ago. It is quite clear the boy may die from this without proper help, as again the elf-druid is faced with a dying human boy resulting from his inability to know the limits of his own stregnth.
Oi 'ave some expe'tise in 'ealin' meself boyo, but Oi've never tried ta 'eal this. Maybe we cin jest 'eal 'im up, and keep 'im ridin' 'onor while wrapped up?
Codrian provides Tynk with much relief, but still he is not out of the woods. (OOC: All subdual has been relieved)
Ran looks around.
"Anyone thought to bring food?"
I'm afraid I don't have any other food that few pine cones for Vareanin.
Anaya, do you have any food along with you?
Waits while Ran fills the flask and spends some time rubbing Tynk's arms to get blood flowing better to them.
Then warms up the flask of water and starts administering it to Tynk.
Easily now. Just a small sip at a time. There. Good.
.oO(Icy waters, surprise visits from childhood crushes...I just don't understand...Was it a dream? It's all so fuzzy...when did I loose control?)
Blinks his eyes a couple of times as it clears and the first sign of color returns to his cheeks. Looking up to see Codrian standing over him his eyes dart around in an almost histeric fashion.
"Ran, Codrian, we have to..."
Codrian calms him down, directs him to relax for now, and helps him drink a somewhat luke-warm liquid.
.oO(Water?)
Takes a good drink until Codrian errs to caution and gently pulls the skin away. Tynk wipes the dribble from his mouth that had resulted.
"Where are we? I remember Anaya..."
Looks to see her leaning against a tree, and she gives an inaudible 'humph' and turn away in response. Tynk caught the look of worry that was on her face, however, and his own face softens as he looks back to Codrian.
"Is it hot or is it just me?"
And yes, you might feel quite warm, with few hundred pounds of bear next to you. But it's all for getting you better again.
The look the boy gives would make one wonder if he would rather be told a lie than face causing the groups obviously prone position being held.
Snuggles in a bit closer to Honor, thankful for the warmth he offers. The bear breathes heavily as again another small shade of color is noticeable on his face. Codrian returns with the wrapped iron rations from his pack and chooses out of it the proper foods to help the mage recover.
"My skin is burning now...like it's on fire. I can feel coldness beginning to set in, which I am beginning to believe is a good thing?"
Relaxes as best he can and consumes his half-meal. Once finished he snuggles in once again as his breath comes in uneven shaky draws.
.oO(Why am I so weak?)
Catches a look from a watchful Ran, and the mage can see a hint of worry on his face. He remembers something and Ran can see in the mages returned stare the recollection. Unconsciously Tynks hand rests on his necklace.
[color=red] In the park near the church of Agathalos Tynk first met the young elven-monk over a year ago, and the words of his come to mind now as the scene plays its self in flashes.
He spoke of meditation and of how to aid the body in functions of health through thought and breathing.[/color]
Tynk: "How do you mean my thoughts can effect my body's actual strength?"
Ran: "It is not necessarily an increase in your body's health or strength, rather a call to arms within your body.
"Your will alone guides your bodies energies. Bend your will to combat a health adversity and your body will respond, fighting even harder by thought alone and there-by speeding up the recovery process. Tell yourself your body is strong...it can handle adversity, and it will work harder to do so."
"...And know your limits."
Looks away from Ran with a slight nod of assurance, and clears his mind as he lays back and closes his eyes as his recollection returns.
"Of course, food, rest, or other similar remedies are necessary, for which your thoughts can only compliment.
"There is another powerful weapon in maintaining good health."
[color=red]The softest warm breeze blew through the cool air as Ran spoke his next words, and the stillness was somehow undisturbed by its caress.[/color]
"Air."
"It is a vital element in the body's flow..."
"...Of course, the body needs air to..."
[color=red]In no way was the stare that cut the boy's rude interruption short reprimanding. In fact, Tynk had the odd impression that his own energies wavered while Ran's showed not even a ripple. After a short silence in the calm stare of the monk, he continues.[/color]
"Yes, the body needs air."
"But in the same manner it is a fuel for one's own inner fire. His flow. If one learns to control their breathing he or she can supply the body with a key element in the body's recovery."
Which fuels this inner fire.
Wrapped up near honor, food and water in his stomach, the boy does his best to center his focus and control his breathing to expedite the healing and get his friends out of danger.
Looks to Anaya calmly with the slightest smile.
"You must think I am prone to find my way to this."
.oO(Is that supposed to comfort me? All the things that boy might have going on in his head, I didn't think pig-headed overconfidence was one of them... This is not helpful. I specifically warned everyone that if they needed getting patched up, they should come forward immediately. No point belabouring that now, but this had better not become a recurring event.)
"Anaya, you're at home in the wild. Why don't you make a quick tour of the surroundings, once you've done all you can to help Tynk? Not too far out, just enough to be relatively safe here for a while. It doesn't look like we'll be up and moving again for a short while at least. I'll scout ahead in the direction of Benelvir's cave for about a mile or so."
The elf nocks an arrow to his bow and moves silently out, still shaking his head about the setback.
I shouldn't let it get to me. It's an impurity tainting the flame of my focus. It is done and can't be changed. Accept the path which befalls you, there are no shortcuts.
.oO(How come no bards sing of this him?)
Watches as the monk casually fits an arrow and sets to work silently. Then he closes his eyes continuing his deep, full breaths.
.oO(Maybe he'll use his head now...)
She nods to Ran and checks to see if there is anything she can do to speed up Tynk's recovery. Once she is satisfied she nods to Codrian and turns to leave.
Like a wolf stalking pray she dissapears into the brush.
Anaya circles around the area where Tynk is resting watching for signs of movement or any unusual sounds. All is quiet nothing is happening. After about another half hour Codrian's concern for Tynk's condition has lessened. He is warm and dry in Ran's spare clothes. Honor's body heat has helped much as Tynk is no longer shivering, also Codrian can see a healthy color in his face again.
With the rations and the liquid in him Tynk feels great not ready to conquer the world, but he feels up to continue now. However they should probably wait until Ran and Anaya return.
.oO(I was kind of hoping to see a sign of our destination up ahead, but I guess that was foolishly optimistic. Hopefully the others managed to get Tynk on his feet again. We're definitely not there yet.)
"That is the warmest bear in all the land..."
Without wating for an answer he continues the walk. Starting out slow, he picks up the pace a little to a normal hiking speed. During this time as Codrian cleans up and honor shakes the snow from his furr Anaya returns giving Ran a nod to signify her eventless watch and the roaming Tynk a funny look.
[color=green]Anaya: "He lives," [/color]she says flatly, her head lightly cocked and arm reasting on her hip.
"Don't sound so pleased, you'll flatter me," he returns evenly with the slight of a smile. Her own face returns an equal tug in the lip.
[color=green]Anaya: "Don't think were always gonna be around each time you over-due it."
"..." Her face softens.
"I am glad your ok, Tynk. Please be more careful."[/color]
"..." He exchanges eye contact with her for a moment, seeing now the dear friend he has no doubt now isn't a plant-slave. A warm smile stretches accross his own face.
"You flatter me."
Codrian finished and Tynk warm, all is set to leave.
Anaya: "Ran, are we ready to get this done with? I am here to help, just give the word and we're off."
Tynk also looks to Ran for his word while Threfdil stands patiently aside Honor and Codrian brushes some snow from his knees.
Threfdil mentions quietly that Honor would not mind a rider, and Tynk politely declines stating he needs to be moving and concentrating on healing the stress he has placed on himself this day.
Anaya performs a low quiet whistle with two mild accents and Tynk barely spots the owl against the clouds as it begins a wide circle starting in the direction Codrian can best guess is the right way.
Tynk does his best to be attentive, obviously trying to relax while staying alert, as his eyes dart where the boy thinks others may not be looking. Even after some walking he can feel moderate pain in some areas where wounds have not healed fully.
"Perhaps I am not in as best health as I thought," he says quietly yet loud enough to hear. "Some of the wounds I recieved are painful now that I can feel them better."
"It was foolish of me not to say anything sooner."
Briefly he glances up at the sun (not directly) and attempts to guess how long it has been since he placed the protections on Ran and himself.
Anaya closes the few feet between them and grazes her fingers casualy accross Tynk's elbow sending healing energies into the mage. Slightly startled he looks at her quickly and mumbles a thanks with a smile.
And the group marches on...
(Anaya casts Cure Light Wounds on Tynk)
Did you see anything on the scouting trip? The caves should be approximately in this direction, but distance to them is difficult to estimate.
Soon the group reaches the end of Ran's tracks where he turned back to group. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, but as they continue forth the air seems thicker somehow and and heavier. The trees are thick and ancient looking rising up beyond the groups sight to see. The canopy of branches keeps the sky obscured from their vision but the lack of darkness lets the group know that at least the sun has not set.
This new air has a different effect on Anaya however. The air seems deep with a growing power and the whisper of the trees reach her ears as they begin to wake slowly from their winter slumber and start preparing for spring. This grove of trees is ancient much older than anything she has encountered recently and it seems to grow older as they travel farthe in.
"This is where you were caged. You mentioned a path?"
Originally posted by Codrian
Did you see anything on the scouting trip?
"Unfortunately, no. I'd hoped we were close. Then again, I didn't go all that far. I just hope we didn't overshoot the cave. Nothing for it but to keep going though. We'll know soon enough."
Ran hears something strange ahead of them. He motions for silence straining to listen in the distance. The sound is faint and difficult to make out, but there is something is out there.
Ran looks sideways towards Honor.
.oO(Would the bear smell something? He'd have given us warning by now if he did, probably. Looks like I'll have to go and take a look.)
The elf motions for the others to wait and be prepared to come after him if something goes wrong as he moves forward silently.
[Move Silently +11; Listen +16; Spot +5]
'Onor will be leavin' us shortly. If'n we're going to 'ave 'is 'elp, we need to be movin' on now, or else wait until mornin'.
"Another day means more time for our druid to make more zombies."
Shakes his head.
"We cannot assume he isn't making more of these creatures and give him time to do so. I leave it to better minds to decide, but I don't like the idea of waiting"
"When Ran returns we will decide what is best, but I must say having Honor around would definately increase our chances if it comes to blows."
Waits patiently and alert.
Originally posted by Tynk77
(Anaya sends screech for a scan from just above the tree-tops, using her link with the bird to see what she may.)
(Just so that everyone knows, the owl is not Anaya's familiar and does not share an empathic link. Even if the owl was she could not see anything, and only be able to communicate emotions. The druid special with an animal companion is called link.
Link ( Ex: ) A druid can handle her animal companion as a free action, or push it as a move action, even if she doesn't have any ranks in the Handle Animal skill. The druid gains a +4 circumstance bonus on all wild empathy checks and handle animal checks made regarding an animal companion.
Basically this means she has an easier time to get Screech to use the tricks Attack, Come, and Seek, or Push the animal to preform a trick that it does not know, but is capable of preforming. However there is not a way for her to communicate with Screech, unless she casts Speak with animals, which was not prepared today.)
Now back to the adventure
[Also for clarification, neither can Codrian actually see what Vareanin sees. But Codrian can better command (or instruct) Vareanin than what Anaya can do with Screech.]
Ran turns back just far enough to be able to motion for the others to stay quiet and follow him.
.oO(Better not stray to far.)
The elf doesn't wait for them to catch up but moves on towards the sound again.
"He's found something, keep quiet."
Tynk grips his staff firmly as he moves towards Ran quietly alongside Anaya, following behind Codrian while Threfdil tags at the rear. The mage grimaces as his feet find almost every stick on their path.
.oO(We sound like a pack of orcs charging through this old quiet grove, and I'm not helping much.)
Vareanin circles overhead with Screech nearby. They see the clearing before Ran and stop near the edge on treetops waiting for the elf to catch up.
.oO(Come out, come out, wherever you are...)
Further on there is a ring of stakes, each topped with different animal's skulls. Also there is a tall pillar of wood, bone, and stone, upon which were depicted beasts, both mundane and exotic. The pillar seems wreathed in flames, but the pillar it self does not seem to burn. Peering closer at the pillar Ran sees various images of animals appear and disappear at random.
The group follows quietly as possible behind Ran. As Codrian sees the clearing he knows at once where the group is now, Benelvir's holding cells where he spent some unpleasant time before being drug off to the cave.
"Codrian, Anaya, can you get your feathered friends to watch this place while we take care of this? Threfdil, perhaps Honor can do the same for as long as he can remain with us?"
Ran strides towards the cages, dismissing any thoughts of the strange pole and zombification rituals to focus on the immediate needs of the prisoners.
"Tynk, see to those two cages, will you? If any of you others have any healing magic left for the day, could you help me out with this one?"
The elf indicates the cages with the two obviously alive prisoners to the young wizard and tries to find a way to open the cage with the third, motionless captive.
"Hey! Hey there! Are you alive?"
As Honor and Threfdil come in sight the bear immediately starts growling at the motionless man.
Threfdil and Anaya keep a look out while Tynk takes a look at the other two cages.
Tynk's first thought is caution, as much as he wants to throw the doors open instantly to free the poor captives. He approaches the frantic fe-male to calm her with as soothing a voice as can be, speaking slowly.
"Please, miss, we are her to help. I need you to be calm...please."
Glances to see what fassion they are bound within their cages, then hear's the mans words and looks to Ran.
"Changed? You mean by some sort of dark ritual or evil spell?"
.oO(Are we too late for these people? I'm not sure I could bear seeing someone turn into one of those vegetable zombies...)
"Tynk, Codrian, belay that - can any of you surmise anything about what is done to these people? Anaya, your calling possibly grants you some insight in this perversion of nature. Is there anything that can be done?"
The monk's voice slightly rises in pitch, betraying a starting panic.
As Anaya looks at the woman looks the woman over carefully she gets the impression, if not for the words of the man, the woman is having an extreme reaction to a snake bite. Then she looks into the woman's eyes, there is a slight discoloration in the whites of the eyes almost a greenish white.
"Dark Ritual or Spell? I have no idea I am not a magister." replies the man.
.oO(And not a single divination on me...)
He moves back to where Ran stands questioning the only inteligible human.
Anaya is lost in thought for a moment as she stares into the woman's eyes, than she looks twards Codrian and Ran.
"It makes me think of a poison, like that of a snake bite the body reacted poorly to. Perhaps there is a cure, but it undoubtedly lies through healing magic."
Motions to the two cags containing the victims that are already transformed.
"Natala may know what to do to cure these two, or perhaps with some time I myself could come to learn more..."
"I fear our hopes for them aren't the best though," she adds sadly.
That said, I think it might be best course at present to leave these poor souls inside these cages. That way, if they change, they won't pose immediate danger to anyone.
.oO(Anger is not the way, Tynk!)
"There's gotta be something we can do to slow down or stop the process."
Tynk walks back to the pillar intently, tearing a shard of cloth that was half-way ripped from thier previos battle. He twists it and sticks an end to the flame, holding it there to see if it catches fire.
"If I knew more about this pillar I may say cut the thing down, but without time to prepare divinations we cannot chance a magical mishap. Perhaps there may be something..."
Watches the reaction of his experiment
Ran is more than a little distressed, confronted with this corruption of life and seeing the awful change come over these captives, powerless to do anything about it.
"Where's Benelvir? Where's the man who did this to you? Show me!"
Tynk, I think toppling that might take more than few moments. Even without any other enchantments than that illusion, it would take at least half an hour with an axe to fell it. And time is now of essence. And I don't think it's the pillar making the change, I was in one cage at least few hours.
Ran turns again to the lucid captive, urging him to tell them where Benelvir is.
"Tell us where he is, we'll do anything in our power to save you from this. Just tell us where to find the bastard that did this..."
"I am ready, Benelvir will not get away with this."
Anaya: "No, he most definately will not." Anaya declares as she helps Threfdil keep a lookout.
"You know what they were before? Of course not, I'd say. You've only been pursuing two of them for miles by now. Go, city dweller, before I change my mind. And mind your companion; his future depends on your swift return."
If it was poison he does not remember any bite marks on Khaled. That means it would need to be ingested somehow.
As Tynk plays with the pillar he notices that it is cool to the touch and the animals that appear make him shudder at times. Then a wolf appears tracking prey through the forest. It follows the scent to the bushes and then a worm like creature appears out of the ground and crushes the wolf in powerful mandibles dragging it back underground. The boy feels an involuntary shudder from the sight.
As Ran questions the man further he looks up a vacant defeated look in his eyes. "Please allow me the dignity to die in silence. It is unbearable enough knowing that my wife will have to raise my son and daughter alone, but knowing I will die because I got attacked while searching for my missing daughter tears at my soul. I do not know if she alright or that this man has caught and changed her. He only smirks when I question him about her, that rotting pile of pig dung!!!"
Threfdil, Anaya, and Honor walk cautiously seeing nothing out of the ordinary.
Originally posted by kiteflyer
As Ran questions the man further he looks up a vacant defeated look in his eyes. "Please allow me the dignity to die in silence. It is unbearable enough knowing that my wife will have to raise my son and daughter alone, but knowing I will die because I got attacked while searching for my missing daughter tears at my soul. I do not know if she alright or that this man has caught and changed her. He only smirks when I question him about her, that rotting pile of pig dung!!!"
"We are here to stop this man. We'll do everything in our power to help your daughter if he has her. Just tell us where to go!"
Ran grips the man's cage in frustration.
"Codrian, do you know how to get to the cave from here?"
The elf's voice is loud, he's nearly shouting.
Something in man's words is bothering him but he can't quite his finger on it.
Ran jogs down the path, barely restraining himself enough for the others to be able to keep up.
He says in a voice he knows the elves keen ears will pick up.
Tynk is the first to follow after the monk as if mirroring his thoughts.
As he moves past Codrian, the man turns to jog next to the mage. Tynk asks a simple question.
"How far?"
Mildly surprised at the sudden movement, both the watchers make haste to keep up, Threfdil mounting Honor and Anaya running.
Anaya: .oO(So much for surprise...)
She grabs something from a pouch as she moves.
"My sweet Alaina where are you?"
Ran hurries to the opening of the cave which is as wide as it is tall. Two people can easily fit through the mouth of the cave. Peering into the dark Ran can see a strange fog about twenty feet in, but beyond that nothing. It takes the other a little bit to catch up to the speedy elf.
"There's some kind of fog hanging inside the cave, it'll be hard to keep each other in sight."
Ran shrugs off his backpack and delves inside to retrieve a torch for everyone.
"Codrian, now would be a good time to use those tindersticks of yours."
The elf leaves his backpack lying on the ground as well as his bow and arrows, to have a hand free for a torch.
"Let's go."
Again barely giving the others time to keep up, Ran starts to enter the cave.
"Keep these."
Looks to each as he takes a torch and lights it.
Anaya nods to Tynk and the others in turn as she accepts the tindertwigs, and he wilder beauty shows savagely in her Look twards the cave. She approaches Ran.
"Your heart burns like a true warrior, I ca see that. May this protect you."
She draws a design in the air with a sliver of hardened bark in front of the monk, whispering words foreign to him. His skin tingles and, on examination, is harder.
The group files tward the cave, Ran leading with Threfdil and Honor right behind him. Tynk and Codrian walk side-by-side as Anaya hides away in the fog at the rear with her torch un-lit secured to her back.
Ran, Codrian, Tynk, and Anaya arrive back at the enterance of the cave. Wait there is no forest dense thorny bushes and a sudden drop of about 40 feet. Codrian remembers coming this way when he went to slay Patkifen with Khaled's assistance.
Elsewhere Threfdil and Honor emerge alone from the fog to a small corridor with stalagtites and stalagmites along the floor and ceiling. Ahead in the dark Threfdil can hear water dripping to the left he thinks. Where are the others he wonders.
Codrian grabs Tynk's arm to stop him from re-entering the fog, and they stand whaching the enterence, waiting a moment to see or hear some sign of the halfling.
"We have to go back in, before Threfdil wanders too far. Maybe Honor can sniff us out if we get near him again.
Does anyone have rope? We could use it to stay connected."
Anaya stares into the fog.
As soon as everyone's connected by the rope, Ran heads back inside, burning torch held high.
"Threfdil! Are you there? Can you hear us? Honor!"
He gives it three minutes before mounting Honor and moving on on his own.
[Trying to cast Detect Magic.]
"Is everyone alright? Did something happen?"
Edit: If it's not too much to ask, could you tell us approximately how much we can see and hear in that fog, Kitey? Can we see each other, provided we're say, no more than 5 ft. apart? Can we hear eachother or is it like a giant Silence spell?
Don't worry, I'm just trying to find out more about the fog. Won't take long.
"This is very disorienting. Codrian? Ran?"
His voice is subdued.
Also he is quiet sure he is shouting loudly for Threfdil, but there is no sound at all. It is a discomorting feeling for others in the group as well. Anaya put her hand on the cave wall feeling the rough texture of the rock as the entered back into the cave, but now all she can feel is a slight pressure at her fingertips where she is still touching the wall.
Codrian might as well be having his conversation in his head since he can not even hear his own words. However fortune is with him when he stops and casts his spell. His motions for the spell are well memorized and are almost like a reflex. The words are correct even though no one hears.
His senses a single aura all around him and enveloping him and as he continues his concentration the strength of this aura is very intense, but not quiet enough to overload his magical senses. Tynk becomes oblivous once again in the fog, but nothing that he knows can explain what is happening in this haze.
When Ran feels the tightened rope goes slack once again he continues on. Emerging from the fog again Ran sees that the group is once again back in the clearing with the cages in distance.
-------------------
Threfdil waits with Honor in silence wondering what could have happened to the group. Finally he decides to move on.
(Threfdil for clarification were you moving back into the fog or further in the clear part of the cave?)
"It is very disorienting in there. I couldn't even hear myself speak."
Anaya brushes her hair back in annoyance.
"The wall became smooth and very unearthly further inside."
The words give Tynk an idea.
"Maybe he stumbled into a passage we, quite likely, actually, missed."
.oO(I can't even hear myself...)
When he exits the cave once again, the elf's frustration and anguish grows even more.
"This stinks! It reeks of foulness!"
Tynk's words offer a glimmer of hope for him to latch onto.
"Yes!
But wait - there may be more than one passage. Or maybe Trefdil is still in the cave, and we'd leave him behind if we followed that passage - provided we found it again..."
The monk pounds his fist against the rock, fruitlessly trying to control the tension that has him taut as a wire.
"Wait... I have an idea. We split up in two pairs, Tynk's rope between us. Each"pair sweeps another wall of the cave until we find a passage. A tug on the rope will tell the others if one of us do so. In the meantime the rope will sweep the entire cave, if the pair that doesn't find a passage makes a full circle - avoiding the exit on the other side, of course. We should be able to snag Threfdil and Honor that way, if they're still in the main cave..."
He is serious.
"Yes, tie a square between us like you said..."
Looks to the cave to judge how wide it is.
.oO(Maybe it widens inside.)
Continues talking, looking at the cave, then meets a look from Codrian as he turns back to Ran.
"...two to one side and two to the other."
"We'll need to communicate what we find or dangers with a certain tug."
"Should we cover the whole length of the cave before we take a passage, if one is found?"
...well, some excitement...he begins to make adjustments to the rope.
That fog is a magical creation, but it doesn't completely prohibit spellcasting.
As for going back in... it might be best to at least poke into passages we find to see if Threfdil is in there.
"Perhaps I could dispel it, but I have no idea of the strength or type of enchantment."
"Or weather it will even have an effect...its use could better serve against Benelvir."
Anaya speaks up.
"Then what of communication? As Ran suggested a tug to signify finding a passage? Anything else we should devise a communication for should we need to convey a message to one-another?"
"Sinple enough."
Tynk also nods, satisfied. Between Ran and himself, the four of them are secured with knots with special attention to make them undoable...hopefuly.
After tying the group further apart more at the ends of the rope they venture once more into the fog with hands guiding them along the walls. Codrian and Ran take the left side of the cave wall with Tynk and Anaya on the opposite side.
Entering in the fog once again their sense are muted, and they can barely feel the wall that they are touching. Codrian and Ran feel the wall that they are on round off and continue on to the left. Giving a sharp tug of the rope they signal to Anaya and Tynk to follow.
Moving along slowly they feel that the wall turns into a gentle curve. The continue along the wall for what seems like ages for them until Cordian and Ran break free of the the fog. Immediately Codrian recognizes this vast cavern, he was here before when he was given the task to kill the necromancer.
The room is basically the same as before except for the absence of Benelvir and more importantly Threfdil.
Ran waits for Tynk and Anaya to make their way to the cavern. The elf then searches the walls, floor and ceiling for passages and looks around for items of interest.
[Seach +4 - hoping to roll better than a 10 and not willing to take 20 ;) ]
Anaya busies herself with finding any trace of their lost friend.
(Tynk; Int check)
(Anaya; Survival: +13)
At the large stone table Codrian is not finding much that is helpful either. A simple stone goblet and a single place setting is all that is on the table, and the four chairs that encircle the table are not of much interest.
Anaya walks the enterance of the cavern carefully, but she can not find any evidence of Threfdil or Honor ever being in this place. Tynk studies the walls of the cavern, but he has little knowledge of caves and can not think of anything important about this place.
Sits down to one of chairs to think. A stray thought crosses his mind.
.oO(I wonder what he did with that hobgoblin aphrodisiac. Hopefully drank it and got indigestion.)
Calls out to Ran.
Can you find any other passages or anything?
Ran's voice sounds grim.
"I could give it another try, but I think we'd better try to find any other rooms or passages connected to that fogged up cave we entered through. He's been missing for a short while now, but I don't think Threfdil - especially with Honor at his side - would be such an easy prey that he could have been whisked off while we weren't with him. And I don't see any signs of a struggle here either. There probably should be if Threfdil was attacked here, even if he was beaten.
Back into the fog, everyone. Same technique as before."
Heads back towards the entrance where they can tie each other to the rope.
Ran calls out softly to the bear, sure that the predator's keen ears will pick up the sound easily enough.
"Codrian? Either we found Honor, or we're in trouble... Tug once, but be ready to tug a few more times if things go wrong."
As Ran moves closer he can see the paladin glance left for a moment looking down and then quickly to his right. Behind Threfdil is a rock wall.
Should say floor instead of flow.
Which way then?
Ran follows Threfdil's glance.
"Anything we should know about?"
What took ye so long?
"Threfdil, I am so glad nothing happened. We were worried for a bit there."
"And you too Honor," he adds in response to a look from the bear.
"Shall we continue?" the elven woman says patiently.
Ran is still agitated and obviously impatient to go on, but the experience in the magical fog has gone a long way towards sobering him up.
.oO(I should have thought there would be all sorts of strange defenses. As much as there's riding on getting this done swiftly, we'll have to be careful and deliberate.)
Right it is then.
"With that fog, though, we cannot be certain of what direction we are facing from the passageways leading out of it. A curve within it would be rather inperceptable."
.oO(There's a whole bunch of us and we're carrying torches - no point in trying to move unnoticed. We might as well not lose any more time.)
The torch light flickers along the walls causing the groups shadows to dancing in the light. Moving down the corridor Ran sees that it does not go far before narrowing into a dead end about sixty feet ahead.
Ran goes further down the corridor, trying to find anything not readily apparent that looks like it might yield a passage.
[Search +4 - again, too hasty to take 20 and taking 10 is probably not enough]
(Tynk: Search: +3²)
Turns around and makes his way back, wacthing he doesn't bump his head and dodging a small shower of sparks when he bumps his torch.
"Oopse..."
"I have a feeling there are no secrets to this passage, but I could be wrong. Should we search the rest going back to the juncture?"
Ran gives the place a last sweeping look and then turns to go back.
It seems that while the stalagtites drip water off their tips the water has collected in a small pool underneath. The pool is about seven feet in diameter and how deep is not certain. However Tynk and Ran see a fish or two swimming in the pool. Aparantly brought into the cave by Benelvir himself.
Tynk holds his torch high again to stare down the pool to judge how deep it is, then begins to search the room.
(Anaya, Knowledge (Nature) +11)
(Tynk, Search +3²)
Ran looks around for passages leading deeper into the cave system, careful not to jostle the others.
[Search +4, still same system]
"Fish. Just a couple of fish. Back into the fog?"
"I don't think we need a rope tied, as long as we just hold it...maybe wrap it a few times around our wrists loosely?"
.oO(Agathalos, I hope the passage we're looking for isn't somehow in the middle of that fog...)
"Someone else can take the lead if they want. It's not necessary to push past each other at every turn, especially with Honor being with us."
Thref turns Honor and heads back down the passage. Then he gets an idea.
Per'aps it moight be good ta 'ave one person stay in this room as an anchor of sorts whoile we investigate the rest of the fog?
Suddenly his mouth closes and his attention falls to listening.
.oO(...)
Anaya looks at Threfdil then Tynk impassively before attempting to meet a quick glance from Codrian.
"If so two should, really. We don't want to leave anyone alone if Benelvir happens to have a hobby of feeding his fish at odd times, do we?" She suggests.
It's obvious from the way he says it Ran isn't going to volunteer himself.
"It is best that I stay and catch a little more rest while there is an opportunity, if anyone is to stay. You five should be quite alright without me."
"In fact, you'd be better off so."
"Not to bicker," he adds with a side-glance cast to Codrian and a slight of a smirk.
.oO(Better late than never...)
"Either way, we won't be far away. If we find another passage to explore, we'll signal for you to join us."
Grabs a bit of the rope and prepares to set out into the fog.
Will Ran and the others be holding one end of the rope to be an anchor or are they just waiting in this corridor so they do not have to go looking for each other?
"Try to move fast, but don't take any unnecessary risks, ok? Remember the signals, we'll come running when you need us."
Ran watches as the rope uncoils in his hands and drags into the fog. Looking down he realizes that the speed at which the rope is leaving is constent, but the amount of rope left is almost gone.
Codrian and Threfdil feel a tug as there appears to be no more slack in the rope. Feeling out cautiously in front of them there is nothing but air and the wall on their left that they have been following.
"He is a cleaver one, to devise such a fog. There could be numerous possibilities. I was a fool to have expected this to be easy."
"Do we want to try to communicate to them to come back? We should stick together in such confusion," Anaya says lightly.
Ran gathers the rope for everyone to hold onto.
"Let's get moving again. It's well possible Benelvir has noticed our presence here already. We don't want to give him any more time to prepare for us than necessary.
Codrian, Threfdil, will you take the lead? Head in the direction you tried just now, maybe we'll find something beyond the reach of the rope there."
They get back to the others; and when they set out again, Thref takes the lead on Honor.
.oO(He must have some way to suppress this cursed fog as I am sure he doesn't want to spend hours every day in effort of getting out of his cave.)
They find the two sharp lefts that Codrian and Threfdil remember. Moving forward along the wall there is the only sensation that the group can be sure of. Finally Threfdil and Honor emerge from the fog and see a group of bushes.
Moving closer they see that they are on the edge of a cliff with a significate drop below. The others slowly stumble out of the fog and recognize this as the place the first emerged from the caves and realized that Threfdil was missing from the party. Judging the time that have spent exploring the cave, Threfdil believes that Honor will be with them for less than an hour before he has to return from whence he came.
Time slipping away is making Ran nervous again, but he manages to stay on top of his emotions for now.
.oO(No point in getting angry - we're not going to get anywhere if we don't stay methodical.)
The only way Oi cin think of would be ta sacrifice these folk in the cages 'ere. Oi don' wanna do that, but if'n we cannot think o' anythin' else, it moight 'ave ta be done. Ben'levir will come 'ere, er send some o' 'is goons, at some point ta collect these prisoners. We 'ide, and follow them when they come, er attack Ben'levir roight 'ere.
Unless somebody 'as an oidear that would save these good folk?
.oO(Please? Agathalos may forgive me if I lose them, but I don't think I could.)
Do you think he would notice if we destroyed that magical altar or whatever it is and come running? Could we burn it?
If not, we could try a new search of those caves, but it seems unlikely we missed something there the first time. Unless there's a passage of some sort hidden in the fog - we could well have missed that."
Ran isn't about to give up looking.
"We're not killing anyone though, Threfdil, not as long as they are still human. I'm sure you couldn't bring yourself to do that any more than I could."
[edit 'cause I'm a slow typer and needed to respond to Thref']
"Did you see anything while we were away?"
"If you are serious about getting Benelvir he just returned from whatever he was doing and told that dog of his it was bathtime and went past the cave and headed that direction through the woods."
He points away from the cages past the cave. Ran thinks that the direction is south that the man is pointing to.
"What is your name? We should at least know."
"And let us at least give you what water we can spare."
The mage fishes in his backpack a little, pulling out the small sack with his stash of iron rations. A little less than half is left, and he hands this meager offering to the man along with his waterskin.
"Keep these, and try to stay with us. We will do the best we can to return soon to see what we can do, I promise."
Musters all of his strength of aura to empower the man to fight for his life, and trys to deliver this in his commitment.
.oO(Is there any hope for this man? If we don't return soon, we will miss our chance to even have the opportunity to try.)
Turns to look away from the man and meets the eyes of his companions, and he doesn't bother to wipe the tear that falls as he moves to wait for them to be ready to head the direction the man pointed.
Ran turns to the captive.
"If you can manage to hold it together, we may soon be able to help you. We will do what we can."
The elf holds the man's gaze for a moment, making that statement a solemn promise. He nods as Tynk offers his rations, approving of the gesture.
"Let's go then."
Ran heads south, past the cave and into the woods, all senses attuned to detecting anyone up ahead.
[Listen +16, Spot +5, Move Silently +11]
.oO(Witless like a mage.)
Don't worry, Lanton. Nor is safe, we escorted him back home.
Try to hold on, we'll try to get back as soon as possible.
Heads with Ran towards where Benelvir went.
"Not only is your son safe, he told us he'd found his sister and took her home before he came looking for you. Rest assured, your whole family is safe. Now just hold on, and we'll see you reunited with them soon."
.oO(I must be out of my mind because of this curse, not realizing who he was.)
The elf turns around again and for the second time sets of into the woods.
The group heads south through the woods, and it is not long before they see the tracks of what Anaya thinks of a rather large dog. Codrian knows that the stream runs near through here.
"I cannot believe our oversight. That man could have passed on not knowing that his children are ok. Praise Agathalos that he hung on, and may the Wise One grant us the chance to help him."
Ran is still shaking his head over not seeing things for what they are, but that's not stopping him from keeping a keen eye out now.
"When we find them, I won't be wasting any more time. I'll rush Benelvir straight away, unless any of you casters wants to use a spell against him and I might get in the way, so if that's the case better tell me now. Either way, I intend to give him as little time as possible to react."
"I have many enchantments of celerity but none last very long, being as little as under a minute to as much as six or seven minutes."
Both keep eyes and ears open. Anaya wonders if the spell she put on Ran has worn off, while Tynk wonders the same of his own enchantments.
Anaya leads the group after the tracks of the large dog through the snow. Although it would not be hard for anyone to follow, however any trail left by the druid is painfully absent. Anaya knows how to do this feat, but it is the why that puzzles her.
Looking around she sees that the trees are slowly growing further apart. This part of the forest is younger obivously. From what she has seen in other forests Anaya thinks that they might be reaching a clearing soon.
However before she can say anything Ran has spotted an opening up ahead. Silently he dashes ahead behind a tree to get a better view. Ahead Ran sees a huge clearing about fifty feet at its widest point and perhaps seventy-five to eighty feet to a rising incline.
At the top of the incline is one of the biggest dogs that the monk has ever seen. Across the shoulders Ran thinks perhaps three feet of soild muscle and standing nearly four feet tall. The dogs face is a blend of grey and black fur giving the dog a menacing look.
The dog seems to be circling up on the incline keeping an intense watch on his surroundings. Quietly Ran slinks away back to the others to tell what he has seen.
Clearing
"There's a clearing up ahead - at the other end of it there's a huge dog pacing around. If there are dogs bigger than that, I don't need to see them. Anyway, so we found the dog but there's no sign of the druid. What do we do?"
Benelvir is probably somewhere near as well. I never saw him far away from his dog. Likely he is hiding somewhere nearby. In midst of those boulders perhaps, we can't see every crag and cut.
I'll say a prayer to boost our combat prowess a bit as soon as we decide to move out.
"I suggest I attempt to command the dog and have him lead us to his master. If the attempt fails I will be the only visible one to Geahn, as another spell I have will mask us from his or other animal's senses."
"The masking lasts for an hour or so, and you will become visible if you attack anyone or to an animal you touch. T
The commanding spell will only last a rather short time, however...say less than a minute.
Tynk speaks low.
"I myself have a few more enchantemnts to place..."
"And I will pray with you, Codrian."
Starts praying for Thalos to grant better morale for them all.
[Cast Bless.]
Originally posted by Tynk77
"I suggest I attempt to command the dog and have him lead us to his master."
"How close do you have to get for that? That dog looks like it could eat you up in a single gulp."
She has a hand on her hip and the slight of a smile as she says this.
"You may not be without yours anaya...that I have seen...but the way Codrian and Ran describe this dog he is definately with his."
Anaya shrugs.
"Just a suggestion. The spell will dominate him if successful though, and having him on our side would be a great boon."
As Codrianchants his prayer, Tynk hangs his head low.
[celestial]"My gratitude for the things you give us worth defending, and may your blessing be with us to make it home safe again doing so."[/celestial]
Following this Tynk chants a few spells, and Anaya does the same.
(Tynk casts Cat's Grace on both Threfdil and Ran. Anaya casts Cat's Grace on herself, then Hide from Animals on all, even Honor.)
Ran isn't entirely happy with attempting to get close to try a spell on the beast.
.oO(If it fails, she'll be a sitting duck...)
If she's determined though, the elf won't stop Anaya from her attempt.
"As for an ambush, I have an idea. Otherwise, we can get close, hide, and give the spell a shot."
"Perhaps this dog is not all muscle though. Something of the sort may seem obvious to a creature with some level of reasoning."
Tynk shuffles his feet.
"The dog would know where Benelvir is. Casting that spell from hiding may not be a bad idea if we can get close without Benelvir knowing."
"But we are in his element right now..." he adds hesitantly.
Now, Anaya, if you would, cast your invisibility spell and lets advance nearer to Geahn. Then all one of us has to do is to make himself visible to the hound so that we can get him closer and then Anaya will cast the domination enchantment on him. If that doesn't work, we can still just kill him.
Let's get going soon, before power of my prayer wears off.
Originally posted by Tynk77
"As for an ambush, I have an idea."
"We don't have a lot of time if we want to use the spells and prayers we now benefit from, but which idea would that be?"
"Then it is settled?"
One: you do realize that you'll be visible again as soon as you cast that spell, and that if it fails that dog is going to be mighty unfriendly?
Two: who's going to lure the dog in?"
Ran takes the crossbow.
"Stay close to me, Codrian. After the one shot, I'll pass the weapon back to you. Once that monster of a dog comes after me, I'll need to have my hands free to defend myself.
Very well. If we're in agreement, let's do this thing now and do it well. We won't get a second chance."
The dog continues to circle as the group moves into the clearing. Ran thinks for a moment that the dog paused for just a moment as he entered the clearing, but he chalks it up to nervousness.
Moving into a comfortable position to shoot Ran signals that he is ready to the others. Taking careful aim he fires at the dog. The bolt flies true and is going to strike the dog, but it turns quickly and the bolt glances off its back.
It barks furiously at Ran and the others. Then they see something emerging slowly out of the top of the incline. A dark bald head containing black coals for eyes, shoulders broader than Aric's. Wet glistening skin catches them by suprise, and then he steps up next to the dog totally naked dripping wet with the animal hides that he normally wears in on hand. Glancing about his eyes stop and rest on Codrian who shudders at Benelvir's visage.
He towers over the dog and the displeasure in his booming voice is obvious as he speak. "Why have you returned Mr. Enelevin, do you tire of this mortal coil and have come for me to release you from it?" He laughs and the laughter grates against everyones nerves. "I see you come to attempt to slay me, but I doubt you can succede. Be gone and kept your pitiful lives a little longer. I have a bigger worm to deal with soon, and can not suffer this foolishness."
He starts to throw the hides over his body before anyone can snap out of the shock of seeing a seven foot man emerge from the ground naked dripping wet.
Initiative/Current HP standings for PCs
Vareanin 24 15/15
Anaya 20 27/27
Threfdil 20 42/49
Screech 17 22/22
Geahn 15
Ran 13 44/44
Codrian 10 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor 10 32/32
Benelvir 9
Tynk 7 33/33
Bless 5 minutes remaining
Cat's Grace 6 minutes remaing
(Ran, Threfdil, Anaya +4 enhancement to Dex)[/i]
Shakes his head and struggles to say a prayer.
Vareanin flies over the scene, and Codrian can feel trepiditation from the bird.
[Cast Shield of Faith.]
Despite a few misgivings now that he sees how physically imposing their opponent is, Ran rushes Benelvir, knowing he has to try and prevent him from using the power of his spells against him and his friends. He drops the crossbow Codrian lent him, so the priest can pick it up and use it.
[charge against Benelvir (assuming he's closer than 120'') - attack used for a grapple attempt. Attack bonus for the initiating attack: +15, opposed grapple check mod: +11, damage: 1d10+1 *2; AC for the round: 21. Ran provokes an AoO from Benelvir if he threatens (and possibly from Geahn if he charges past the dog).
edit; couple of wrong numbers, sorry about those]
[druidic]"Nature is calling your master, and you with it. Will you hear it's call now or when your dead? I offer you freedom, and on your own grounds to hunt."
"He has wronged by taking choice away from others, and a choice you have now."[/druidic]
(Dominate Animal)
Tynk sees the speed at which the battle becomes real and hesitates a moment. Finaly, he curses his slowness and decides to spell a chant to combat it.
(Haste, effecting all including Honor and, if possible, Screach or Vareanin)
Positions After Ran fired the crossbow and Benelvir's appearance
Vareanin G3
Anaya C1
Threfdil B1
Screech C3
Geahn D10
Ran H2
Codrian G2
Honor A1
Benelvir C10
Tynk E2
Thref runs straight forward; since this is before the haste, he moves 45 feet, taking up all his actions in the round. Should end up at B10.
He is about to start climbing the incline to reach Benelvir when Geahn moves to block his way and then bites down hard on the monk's thigh ripping and tearing flesh very painfully. (-5hp +2 nonlethal) Codrian finishes his prayer and has a renewed sense of confidence until he sees the way Geahn tore into Ran. Honor runs behind Threfdil, but the numbers in the way cause the bear to stop short from the battle.
Benelvir starts moving away from Threfdil smirking at him, when he reaches the spot where Geahn was he calls upon the forces of nature and clouds of fog billow out covering himself and others from Tynk's sight.
(Fog covers D5 - E5, B6 - G6, B7 - G7, A8 - H8, A9 - H9, B10 - G10, B11 - G11, and D12 - E12 Threfdil, Honor, Ran, and Geahn can still see each other, but they have lost sight of Benelvir.)
Location and HP standings
Vareanin G3 15/15
Anaya C1 27/27
Threfdil B9 42/49
Screech C3 22/22
Geahn C9 ???? :P
Ran C8 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian G2 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor B8 32/32
Benelvir ?? ???? :P
Tynk E2 33/33
"Enough fog already. We cannot have this."
"Cancellos," he enunciates as he lightly taps his staff on the ground.
[Dispel Magic, burst: F6-G6, D7-I7, D8-I8, C9-J9, C10-J10, D11-I11, D12-I12, F13-G13]
Grits his teeth and pulls out the wand. Starts jogging forward, the wand held ready.
[Move to G8.]
With a grunt from the pain and a slight limp, Ran moves away from the monstrous dog and enters the fog, trusting his instincts will help him find the druid and take him down.
[assuming Ran can still do this after Geahn's action, he'll ready an action to try to grapple anyone he bumps into in the fog and then tumble away from the dog and into the fog; trajectory: starting in C8 going towards E10, since he's blocked by a bush there, change direction and move towards B10; movement is halved by tumbling and reduced to 3/4 of that for not being able to see, to 22.5 ft (getting Ran to C10/B10). Hopefully he'll find Benelvir before that though. Grapple attack +13 (miss chance 20?% due to concealment; 1 reroll thanks to Blindfight feat); opposed grapple check +11; damage: 1d10+1; AC 23
edit after good look at the map]
[move to H7]
Anaya moves to the edge of the fog, but does not see anything dangerous coming out at her. Codrian however plunges into the fog headless of any potential danger, fortunatly he remains unmolested.
Threfdil unleashes his fury on Geahn who quickly evades both strike from the sword. Geahn bites twice at Ran who is suprised that the dog's agility matches his menace. The field of protection Tynk cast springs forth and barely deflects Geahn's first bite, the second attack is easy enough to dodge.
Ran moves around in the fog around the dog, but is unable to locate Benelvir. Honor tries to rake the dog with his claws stumbling with the first strike. The second looks certain to tear into Geahn's muzzle when the fog swirls for just a moment obscuring the bear's view and when it clears Geahn is unharmed.
Vareanin G3 15/15
Anaya H7 27/27
Threfdil B9 42/49
Screech C3 22/22
Geahn C9 ????
Ran C10 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian G8 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor B8 32/32
Benelvir ?? ????
Tynk E2 33/33
"Gnagh! What should I do?"
Instead of falling into a sense of uselessness he is used to, he clenches his jaw as he takes a few cautious steps forward.
.oO(I would try to dispel the fog again, but I have no idea where my friends are)
"Ran! Codrian! Damn!!"
[moves to C4]
So she does the best she can to ask Screech's aid in scanning the farther reaches for unknown danger as she steps a little away from the fog.
.oO(No sense assuming he cannot control his slaves without being near them.)
Tucks the wand back to his belt and takes a good grip of his halberd. Ventures varily forward, ready to strike any foe materializing near him.
"Tynk? I'm here with Threfdil! He's dealing with that dog and I'm looking for its master! If you're out of this accursed fog, stay there and make sure he doesn't get away! Keep an eye on everyone else you can see!"
Realizing the fog gives him a a certain measure of protection as well as frustrating his sight, Ran foregoes his more careful movement in favour of being able to move faster as he keeps searching for the druid, moving in straight lines until he gets to the edge of the fog and then changing direction.
[Ran takes a move action to wander through the fog until he meets Benelvir. Speed in concealment condition: 45 ft. Trajectory: C10-D11-E12(edge of the fog)-E11-E10-E9-E8-E7-E6. If he finds Benelvir during that move, he'll stop and ready an action to follow the druid if he tries to move away. If he doesn't find him, Ran'll take a second move action to keep going until he does or runs out of movement for the round: E6-E5(edge of the fog)-D6-C7(find Honor, presumably)-D7-E7-F7-G7(edge of the fog)-G8. AC 23 + concealment miss chance against Geahn's AoO]
Thref continues his attack on Geahn.
Originally posted by Ran
Keep an eye on everyone else you can see!"
"I can see Anaya and our flying friends...the rest are in the fog, so be careful!" he sys in an attempt to be tactful.
"Benelvir, this can be a lot less painful for both of us!"
He eyes the perimeter of the fog, and even checks the pond for unatural vibrations.
Swinging his sword down at the dog proves to be ineffective, Geahn reads his moves rather easily and avoids any potential strikes against him. Geahn snaps after Ran, but the magical barrier pushes the beast back and it can only growl in disgust.
Ran circles about the edges of the fog not finding the druid in the mists and nearly walks into Codrian, who is startled at the appearance of someone in the fog. Codrian swings his halabred before he notices that it is Ran. Only with a tremendous effort does he stop the blow from hitting the monk. "I thought you were on the other side of the fog a moment ago!" he exclaims crossly.
Honor swipes twice at the dog, and his second blow digs into Geahn's back. Forgetting about the Ran the dog turns and focusing now on the bear.
Tynk has no clue where there would be a pond if any near here.
Vareanin G3 15/15
Anaya I7 27/27
Threfdil B9 42/49
Screech 22/22 (Flies out of the battle grid and circles widely to the north first)
Geahn C9 ????
Ran G7 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian G8 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor B8 32/32
Benelvir ?? ????
Tynk C4 33/33
Any idea at all where Benelvir is?
Ran looks around for his two companions. He sees Anaya almost immediately, only ten feet or so away outside the fog cloud. Tynk is nowhere to be seen.
"I'll go looking for Tynk and try to get move closer to Threfdil and Honor to help with that dog. They're somewhere on the other side."
.oO(I can't see him... And I can't hear him either, over the noise from Honor and Thref dealing with Geahn... Is it possible that he can see further than I can inside this damanable cloud?)
Ran stays just inside the fog and circles around, keeping an eye open for Tynk on the one hand and for Benelvir and Geahn on the other. When he sees the young wizard, he calls for him to keep in contact with Anaya, so Benelvir can't surprise him on his own.
Ran moves up to 45 ft: G7-G6-F6-E5-D5(should see Tynk about here)-C6-B6-B7, again unless he finds Benelvir before that. Ran talked a bit much but if he has an action left, make it a readied one to follow the druid.
Honor, stay where you are.
Slides to the side, and attacks Geahn again.
Move to C10, full attack on the dog.
.oO(I shouldn't stray to far from his aid...I am the only one who knows where he is, it seems.)
(Circles the fog's outter reches to F5)
.oO(How long will this be here?)
Tynk attempts to recall what motions, words (if any), and/or object(s) Benelvir had used when he had cast the fog. (Spellcraft?+14)
.oO(Druid-magic is so strange...)
Examines how big the cloud is and recalls how it was formed, trying to tell how long the fogged area will be affected. Seeing Anaya move he adjusts as well.
(…to D2)
Geahn however latches his massive jaws onto one of Honor's legs causing the bear much pain. (-6hp +1 nonlethal) Codrian and Ran continue searching the fog for Benelvir, but nothing reveals itself along their pathes. Honor tries to retaliate against Geahn but the pain from the bite must be distracting as he fails to even come close. Tynk move further away from the fog trying to figure out what Benelvir did exactly, but the ability to find anything escapes him.
[SIZE=1]
HP standings and locations
Vareanin G3 15/15
Anaya F5 27/27
Threfdil C10 42/49
Screech 22/22
Geahn C9 ????
Ran B7 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian G11 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor B8 26/32 (+1 nonlethal)
Benelvir ?? ????
Tynk D2 33/33
[/SIZE]
.oO(Benelvir seems content to hide in the mist and do nothing offensive anyway so far. If the others keep an eye on each other, they should be safe enough. And hopefully defeating his dog will lure him out in the open...)
[5-ft step to C8, Flurry of Blows against Geahn (non-lethal), +13/+13/+8, 1d10+1 *2, miss chance 20?%, 1 reroll for each attack if necessary, AC 23 - minor edit based on Threfdil's action]
.oO(Now, where did I come from. There... but I'm quite sure I haven't traversed in straight line.)
Picks a direction, to forward and right, and tries to get out of the fog.
.oO(This wont be easy, if even possible. I'll have to keep in mind Beahn's and my comrad's auras while looking for his.)
Anaya watches out for him as he does, not forgetting how the druid rose from the ground, or the fact that he could be sulking from withing the fog or the perimeter of the clearing.
[Tynk moves to F3 and reads his scroll of detect magic and sweeps the sight, looking for an aura that does not belong, aside from where Beahn is surrounded by his friends.]
Inside the fog Threfdil deftly steps behind Geahn and unleashes his skills. Unfortunately his weapon seems inadequet against Geahn's speed and thick hide. Honor shudders violently as Geahn continues to tear appart his wounded leg. Then the dog bites down near the neck and shoulder tearing away a large chunk of flesh and fur. (Honor -17hp and +2 nonlethal)
Ran punches and kickes at the dog hoping to slow down the assault on Honor. His first blow connects solidly despite the swirling fog temporarily obscuring his view, instinict drives the blow home. However despite the monk's speed the dog is just as quick and avoids any other blow.
Codrian struggles through the brush that he is in and out of the fog into more brush that stops him completly. Looking around he can see Benelvir working armor over his body and a spear at his feet.
(Codrian can see Benelvir as his turn ends, start of next round Ran and Threfdil will be able to hear Codrian shout he has found the druid)
HP standings and locations
Vareanin G3 15/15
Anaya F4 27/27
Threfdil D10 42/49
Screech 22/22
Geahn C9 ????
Ran B8 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian H12 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor B8 9/32 (+1 nonlethal)
Benelvir E14 ????
Tynk F3 33/33
"Any luck?"
Quickly draws the wand and points it at Benelvir.
Blue - Green!
"Be careful, Codrian! We've got our hands full with this dog already! Tynk, Anaya, help him! We'll seek you out as soon as we can!"
[FoB against Geahn, same as last round]
Honor, hold yourself in a defensive position. We must succeed!
Making sure he is in a flanking position from where he had left honor, Thref pulls out the stops and goes all out trying to take down the dog.
Honor fights defensively; Thref does a full attack.
Tynk continues his scan in vain, probing all the area he can and trying to relax to let himself feel it out.
"I do not know where Codrian is, but Ran said he has found Benelvir," she tells Tynk.
Tynk counts up the number of auras in the area has over twenty to contend with, and there is a strong aura that is the most prominent.
Threfdil continues to strike at Geahn his first blow hits the dog, but the thick hide turns away his blade and there is no visible damage. Geahn barely acknowledging the blows from Ran and Threfdil concentrates on the badly wounded bear. Twice he bites quickly ripping and rending flesh.
Immediately Threfdil knows that something is wrong with Honor. The pain he feels is overwhelming and then a sense of relief as it ceases to hurt. However he can no longer sense Honor at all. Ran sees Honor stagger from the blows and then vanish suddenly from his sight. Geahn is confused as well and moves to where the bear just was.
Still confused Ran launches into a full attack on Geahn, but he only manages to kick the dog in the shoulder and the dog mearly snarls as its attention is now focused back on the monk with the bear's dissappearance.
Mystical orbs fly striking Benelvir solidly causing small burn, Codrian is satisfied that they struck, but Benelvir finishes with his armor locking some guantlets in place and picking up his spear. Benelvir's piercing glare locks onto Codrian.
"I am going to make slaves of you all," he threatens.
HP standings and locations
Vareanin G3 15/15
Anaya F4 27/27
Threfdil D10 42/49
Screech 22/22
Geahn B8 ????
Ran C8 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian H12 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Honor (Dead and vanishes)
Benelvir E14 ????
Tynk F3 33/33
Honor dies folks, and Threfdil feels the consequences of the bear's death. For 30 days or until he levels up again he takes -1 penalty to attack rolls and damage rolls. Also he is unable to summon another mount.
Somewhat daunted by the sight of the ferocious dog now turning its attention on him, Ran perseveres and keeps lashing out at it furiously - but with his defenses shored up a bit more now.
[FoB against the dog again, still non-lethal, no movement, but using Combat Expertise for 1 point]
Retreats away from Benelvir but without entering the fog.
Blue - green.
Shouts very loudly.
Tynk! Get here!
[First move 30 ft. then use the wand again.]
.oO(Only one thing left to do...I can't seem to hit the beast with my weapons.)
Thref darts forward towards Geahn, and throws himself on the dog, trying to make sure it can't get away.
Get tha druid!
Geahn has other ideas, as he rears up flexing and then throws Threfdil back off him. The dog shifts his attention to the paladin but is not able to get by armor and padding. Ran goes to take advantage of the distraction. He punches and kicks at Geahn, but only the third time is the charm, and Geahn barely notices the inconvience.
Backing away from Benelvir, Codrian dispatches two more mystical orbs leaving smoking burns in the druids armor. Sneering at Codrian, Benelvir moves through the brush and ends up just a few feet from him.
"Mr. Enelvin, what will I do with you? A biting fly I would swat quickly, but that seems too good for you and your friends. Suffering seems mandatory before I enslave you."
Tynk senses that his staff is strongest aura. The auras in the fog are from the spells that should be on Ran, Threfdil, and Honor, but some of those auras are gone now. "Disturbing" he thinks.
He sees Codrian emerge beyond the fog and alerts Anaya to follow him so that they can help. The other faint auras that must be Benelvir move closer to Codrian. Arriving behind the half-elf Tynk sees Benelvir and quickly takes pork rind casting his spell.
Benelvir slips, but he quickly recovers to remain standing. Anaya moves notching an arrow to her bow. When she sees Benelvir she fires an arrow at him, however her aim needs work as it sails high over the druid.
HP standings and locations
Vareanin G3 15/15
Threfdil C9 42/49
Screech 22/22
Geahn B8 ????
Ran C8 39/44 (+2 nonlethal)
Codrian K9 27/30 (+2 nonlethal)
Benelvir K11 ????
Tynk K8 33/33
Anaya J8 27/27
(Grease in squares K10 & 11, L10 & 11, Anaya delays to act after Tynk now)
And after everything, you are revealed as yet another pompous power-hungry fool.
After moving some distance, says a prayer and points his hand at Benelvir.
[First move, then cast Hold Person.]
Originally posted by Threfdil Proudfoot
Get tha druid!
"I still don't even know where he is! We have to trust the others to hold their own for a while."
.oO(... and hope we can wear this freak of a dog down soon...)
Ran continuous his assault on the beast, again going all-out offensive.
[FoB again, no Combat Expertise this round]
Moves forward again, still intending to pin the beast.
Ran stands in awe of the dog as it avoids most of his onslaught, but one connects solidly on Geahn's muzzle. The dog shakes out the stinging sensation and growls loudly. Codrian backs away pushing Tynk aside as he goes. Stopping he prays and releases his spell at the druid.
Codrian thinks he might have succeded until Benelvir steps forward and drives his spear straight at Tynk's chest. Only through some small miraculous intervention does the mage flinch and avoid a devistating blow, but the spear still pierces deeply into his shoulder. (-3hp +2NL)
Tynk and Anaya back away in front of Codrian. Tynk takes licorice root and speaks words of power. Anaya, Codrian and the young boy feel the affects of the spell immediatly. Anaya fires two arrows at her druid counterpart. The first lodges in between the hides covering Benelvir, but falls to the ground as Benelvir dodges the second arrow.
HP standings and locations
Vareanin G3 15/15
Threfdil C9 39/49 (+4 NL)
Geahn B8 ????
Ran C8 39/44 (+2 NL)
Codrian K5 27/30 (+2 NL)
Benelvir K9 ????
Tynk L6 30/33 (+2 NL)
Anaya K6 27/27
Haste active 7 rounds +1 attack rolls and +1 dodge bonus
Steels his mind and aided with the enhanced speed from Tynk's spell rapidly sidesteps and then moves towards Benelvir. Tries to dodge druid's spear to best of his skills, but knows that it will almost inevitably hit him even while he is not blindly charging at Benelvir.
Thalos' guide my blade!
Executes a rapid attack at Benelvir.
[Move first K5-J5-I5-H5-H6-I7-I8-J9, then attack with Halberd (+4 to attack, 1d10 damage)]
Meanwhile, above Codrian, Vareanin flies bit closer to Benelvir, maintaining altitude though.
"Oy! Benelvir, or whatever your name is! That lapdog of yours isn't much fun! I was going to teach it to play dead and roll over, but unless it gets the 'play' part right real soon we're not going to get to the rolling part!"
Ran shouts loudly, affecting a mocking tone, hoping the druid will hear him.
[FoB against Geahn, no movement, Combat Expertise for 1 point + untrained Bluff attempt (+0) to get Benelvir to worry about his dog]
Thref returns to his weapons, going for a full attack against the beast.
Hey, I'd forgotten about the haste. That should give me three attacks...
Codrian hustles back to the druid swinging his halberd in a fluid motion that cleaves the superior smirk off Benelvir's face as he opens a nasty wound on his chest. All pomp and toying is gone as he skewers Codrian twice in the gut nearly ripping out intestines with his strikes. (-20hp +4NL)
Tynk gawks as he sees Benelvir feorcity and then Codrian stagger under the blows.
.oO(Desperate times indeed) he thinks.
Taking a bit of fur and amber he chants loudly with agile firm motions. Pointing lightning jumps from his finger and streaks towards Benelvir. It looks to be a direct strike until the druid twists away avoiding the full brunt of the onslaught. Unbridled fury burns in his eyes looking at the mage and the half-elf.
"INSECTS!!!" he sputters.
Then Anaya fires twice driving the arrows deeply into Benelvir causing him much pain, but still he stands and glares.
"Now you will all just die...."
HP standings and locations
Vareanin I8 15/15
Threfdil C9 39/49 (+4 NL)
Geahn B8 ????
Ran C8 23/44 (+6 NL)
Codrian J9 7/30 (+6 NL)
Benelvir K9 ????
Tynk L6 30/33 (+2 NL)
Anaya K6 27/27
edited because I typed the wrong damage info for Codrian.
Feels his life force flowing away with incresing speed. Staggers away from the melee, moving away from Benelvir. His vision dims and brightens in turns and he almost falls down couple of times.
Once away from the combat, slumps down like power had been turned off from his feet. Tries to get words of a simple prayer said and stench the bleeding.
[Move to H1 and convert Guidance to Cure Minor Wounds.]
The young-man backs as he repeats the casting of his spell, not letting the pang from seeing the brutality bestowed to his friend affect his concentration.
“Funny how luck is given to the undeserving at times…”
.oO(You know who I am, come get me!)
His eyes locked on Benlvir's, spiting the druid’s malice with challenge as he mocks the spell he had just cast. When finished he whispers into the head of his staff…
”Flectrose”
[Casts shield from staff after mocking another cast of the lightning. Prepared for Benelvir’s attention…hopefully ;)]
Ran has to will himself to ignore the pain as he fails the dog's fangs rend his flesh.
.oO(That's not a dog, that's a four-legged demon...)
The monk rolls around the dog to position it squarely between him and Threfdil, emerging from the fog. He metally gathers his energy and focuses on regaining strength for a moment, before getting ready for another and hopefully decisive try to win this confrontation.
[Tumble to A7, Wholeness of Body for 16 points (2 left for the day)]
Twisting and twirling Ran has Geahn between himself and Threfdil, and outside of the fog. Blood ceases to spill and flesh wounds mend as Ran comands his body to obey his will and knit itself back together. Stumbling backwards near Anaya, Codrian can only slow the flow of blood. (+1hp)
Benelvir seems relived at Codrian's withdrawal, and with a strong gesture the druid seems to stand up straighter and the wound that Codrian caused closes and ceases bleeding. Tynk's spell causes Benelvir to flinch momentarily, but when the lightning does not come there is a look of burning hatred directed at Tynk.
Anaya using Tynk as a distraction moves next to Codrian and healing energies rapidly pour through the half-elf's wounds relieving nearly all of his agony. He feels renewed hope knowing that he will not soon fall. (+20 hp)
HP standings and locations
Vareanin I8 15/15
Threfdil C9 31/49 (+8 NL)
Geahn B8 ????
Ran A7 34/44 (+0 NL)
Codrian I6 28/30 (+0 NL)
Benelvir K9 ????
Tynk L6 30/33 (+2 NL)
Anaya J6 27/27
Agathalos grant me the power to destroy this beast so I may aid my companions...
Thref presses the attack, knowing that Ran is somewhere on the other side.
Yeah, I know it sounds like it, but I'm not calling for the smite. In fact, if I haven't hit before the final attack, switch to the aid another action to aid Ran's attack bonus.
Hand slick with blood, fishes the wand from his belt and uses it to attack Benelvir.
Blue - green.
.oO(I was saving it to bring down the druid with, but I can't afford not to use every advantage at my disposal against this fiend of a dog...)
[FoB against Geahn, no movement, no Combat Expertise, Stunning Fist for the first blow (DC 17, 1/9). Still non-lethal, even if Ran should have figured out by now that the dog probably shrugs off some of that]
Codrian's mystical orbs strike and burn at the druids flesh. Benelvir assumes a defensive posture and begins calling loudly to the sky in a strange language that none can comprehend. Tynk takes his sling and hurls stones at the druid striking him twice, but it does little to disturb him.
Anaya lets two arrows fly at Benelvir. The first arrow pierces the armor in his chest very near the heart and only stops as the fletchings of the arrow becomes lodged in the animal furs. There is stunned silence from Benelvir looking down at the arrow, and a gurgling of blood emerges from his mouth as he falls to his knees and then onto his face.
Protruding from his back is the majority of the arrow soaked in blood. No one even knows what has happened to the second arrow, not that it really matters with Benelvir laying prone on the ground.
HP standings and locations
Vareanin I8 15/15
Threfdil C9 24/49 (+12 NL)
Geahn B8 ????
Ran A7 28/44 (+2 NL)
Codrian I6 28/30 (+0 NL)
Benelvir K9 ????
Tynk L6 30/33 (+2 NL)
Anaya J6 27/27
(Beware the wolf girl who criticals with max damage!)
You lose.
And with that, swings his halberd and cleaves Benelvir's head off his shoulders.
And won't be coming back.
"Are you still there, Threfdil? Any luck on your end?"
Ran tries to assure himself of his comrade's continuing health while he tries again to subdue the dog, even as he's almost despairing of even hitting the animal.
[same action as last round]
"Codrian, Anaya, there is one of our auras missing in the fog."
Turns to the fog, yelling loudly and closing to its very edge.
"Ran! Threfdil! Are you and Honor ok?!"
.oO(Please...)
Concentrates on a full round attack again.
Exhaustion from this long exhertion starts to set in on Threfdil, but he barely manages to bring his sword up to knock away the snarling mouth of the beast.
Ran takes advantage of Geahn's momentary distraction and his technique pays off as he hits the beast in its side. Muscles seize up in Geahn refusing to respond and the dog stands between the both of them helpless to defend itself. Codrian charges the fallen body of Benelvir and he drives his halbred into the druids side. However Codrian can still see signs of life within Benelvir. Tynk moves to the edge of the fog desperately calling out to Ran, Threfdil, and Honor. He twists his quarterstaff nervously in his hands.
Anaya hearing Tynk's words and knowing it can take too long to find the others in the fog reverts back to her four legged form. Codrian and Tynk both occupied with what they are doing miss this. Catching the scent of those in the fog and the strong scent of blood Anaya charges recklessly into fog past Tynk.
"Ahhh!!!" is all that Tynk manages as the wolf runs by him. Trying to hit the best and drive it away causes the boy to stumble and he ends up spun around backwards legs all crossed up. Within the fog Anaya follows the smell of blood and her mouth opens in anticipation of biting down on the dog. Threfdil is suprised by the sudden appearance of a wolf and he swings his sword cutting into Anaya's hide. (-9hp) "Ran a wolf has shown up, be careful"
He is even more suspicous when the wolf bites the dog. Not sure of what to do he strikes Geahn once again who finally succumbs and collapses into blackness, and then steps over the fallen dog to put some distance between himself and the wolf. Ran seeing the paladin appear cautiously and hearing his warning moves closer and then sees the wolf standing there.
Outside of the fog Codrian carefully aims and then brings his halbred down lopping off Benelvir's head. Looking around he asks Tynk what happened to Anaya, but the boy can only shake his head in confusion and mutter something about a wolf.
HP standings and locations
Vareanin I8 15/15
Threfdil B8 18/49 (+16 NL)
Geahn B8 down
Ran B7 28/44 (+2 NL)
Codrian K8 28/30 (+0 NL)
Benelvir K9 headless
Tynk L6 30/33 (+2 NL)
Anaya C8 (46/54) 19/27
"Anaya has disappeared, and strangly enough a wolf just ran into the fog," he says obliviously as he looks to the fog then back to Codrian.
"Do you think I should try to dispel the fog? I have failed once already..."
"Where are they?" Worry is almost well hidden in his expression as he sets his staff defensively.
"Threfdil? Can you get out of the fog? We can take a single wolf easily enough, but its nose gives it a distinct advantage where we can't see.
Tynk, Anaya, Codrian! We've taken care of Geahn! How are you holding up, and where are you?"
The elf starts to circle around the fog bank, but decides against it to check on Threfdil first and make sure the halfling can handle the wolf. He mentally prepares himself to attack the animal should it come after him.
[move action to tumble completely clear of the fog, readied action to attack Anaya is she appears to attack him]
Wolf?! Benelvir has another animal helper?
Pulls out his wand, ready to fire at the moment he sees the wolf.
Thref does so, avoiding the wolf as best he can until he's out of the fog.
"What is the matter with you? I was attacking the dog and still you hit me with your sword? Have you no ability at detecting friend or foe?"
.oO(Of course... She taps into the force of nature much like Benelvir. Her motivations are much nobler, fortunately. Supposedly at least...)
He remembers the earlier episode when she joined the group, and howmuch of her true reasons for being here are still in the dark.
"Anaya... In truth, I did not see you attack the dog - the fog prohibited it. Under the circumstances and lacking knowledge of what was happening to half our group, I don't blame Threfdil for not taking any chances.
Speaking of which: the druid?"
The elf's tone makes it a question, even if he assumes the situation is under control since Anaya was able to join them.
"Careful, in the fog! Anaya may be there, and Benelvir is down!"
"And look out for a wolf! I don't know if it is one of Benelvir's," he says in his louder voice.
[single move around fog toward Ran's voice]
If'n ye'll let me, Oi cin 'eal the 'urt Oi dealt ye.
She frowns as she notices the shape that the pair are in. Where is the bear did it pull another disappearing act.
What happened that delayed you for so long? The dog did not look that tough.
Tynk moves closer to the sounds of the others talking, but what of Codrian?
It's not clear whether Ran is refering to his and Threfdil's condition or to Geahn's battle prowess. Possibly it's both.
The monk carefully walks back into the fog to where he remembers the dog fell and checks the body, to see if the animal can still be saved.
"The druid is truly dead then? I'd hoped to question him about what he did to his prisoners..."
"Codrian, I think they are ok. I can't see them, but hear talking."
Turns back toward the wanderer and keeps him in sight while he holds his position...obviously not yet trusting the scene.
"Geahn can't speak, I imagine..."
Agathalos, forgive me for allowing your servant to perish. Grant me the ability to heal myself so I may do your work without him.
Thref pours healing energies into himself, healing himself of 9 hit points. When done, he slides down a convenient rock, staring into space.
Before doing so however, Ran walks over to the paladin.
"Are you alright, Threfdil? You don't seem pleased with the way you acquitted yourself today..."
"Codrian, what is wrong? Talk to me."
He avoids looking at the dead body all together, and finds himself looking at the decending sun instead.
Oi've fought better. But it's not meself that bothers me, it's 'Onor. That dog killed 'im...and Oi miss 'is presence already. Oi 'ope Agathalos will return 'im to me, but Oi think Oi'll 'ave some toime before that 'appens.
It's obvious that Thref is just barely holding back tears. He sees Codrian's reaction to the dead body, and decides that he has stuff to do. He goes to cut a couple branches of trees to cover the body with.
Speaks that while heaving.
With the sun lower in the sky the temprature starts dropping. Winter will have still one last gasp before spring comes. Perhaps the group should seek shelter before it becomes too cold.
Only now does Ran realize the true extent of what happened to Threfdil's faithful companion.
"I'm deeply sorry, Threfdil. He was a true friend, a friend with no equal."
The monk bows deeply to express his respect and briefly lays his hand on the paladin's shoulder.
Looking around, he stoops to pick up the unconscious dog.
"We have to return, find out how Benelvir's prisoners are faring now the druid's dead, find shelter for the night. Maybe that fog in the cave has lifted too now.
Anaya, where are the others? On the other side of the fog?"
Shouldering the weight of the animal, Ran walks slowly around the fog until he sees Tynk and Codrian.
"How's everyone doing? No sense lingering here now - take whatever you find on the druid that may be of interest, and let's get out of here."
The elf waits patiently for a few moments and then leads the way back to the cave.
.oO(Now where did I drop my bow? I think I left it on the other side of the cave, because I needed a free hand for a torch...)
Still, a portion of the druid's blood ends up in his hands as he snatches the spear and anything else that may be apparent of value.
Once finished and Threfdil has the Druid covered properly, Tynk fights off fatigue as he sets his jaw to stay awake. One would wonder if he were half-asleep as he speaks a prayer of his own.
[celestial]"Lightbringer and Wise Spirit of Agathalos, we pray this act does not make you weep as we do, for we do it not in your name less it be your will"
Steadies himself, wavering slightly.
"Carry him to the light, and may this stray spirit be once again content."[/celestial]
"Amen."
He takes a moment, then looks around slowly.
. o O (Where is Honor?)
"The druid is dead. How are you feeling?"
Takes a deep swig from his water flask. Then nudges Tynk.
You going to clutch that stuff for rest of the trip? Why did you even take those rags off him?
Waits for a moment and then snaps his fingers in front of Tynk. Spends a moment of re-adjusting the carrying strap of his crossbow before speaking again.
Well? At least, let's get rid of those furs. They have something like a gallon of blood on them. Just lay the stuff there and I'll see if any of them are magical, okay?
Proceeds then to cast the simple spell to detect magical auras. After enduring the host of winking lights lighting over his companions, focuses on items taken from Benelvir.
Another spell eases a bit of the suffering she took from Threfdil's blade. She figures that a good nights rest and she will be fine. Anaya also advises the paladin if he can recover himself enough that rest would be enough to complete his healing process. No telling what will become of the rest of Benelvir's slaves now.
Threfdil thinks this to be sound advice and spends the rest of his healing on his wounds. Codrian concentrates and realizes that everything Tynk took from the druid radiates as magic. The spear and the armor, the amulet, the gauntlets, the four vials, and the wand. The strength of the items are from faint to moderate.
Ran and Tynk hear rapid clicking as they leave the area. Tynk thinks for a moment he spots something that he has seen in a dream, but when he turns his head to look all he can see is the brush.
Moving back to the druid's cave they see Lanton pacing nervously in his cage. Lanton appears untouched by Benelvir's enslavement, but no apparent reason seems obvious. Anaya does point out that some people can resist snake poison, and this transformation reminded her of that. The others now look like the previously encountered slaves of Benelvir's but the appear to be unconcious still.
Knowing that it will be a cold night the group decides to take shelter in the cave, and they release Lanton from his prison who asks if he can spend the night with the group and then head home in the morning. Working together they reach the large cavern with table.
Taking turns at watch the group sleeps well past morning before they wake. It is a good thing all of there rest as none of them can feel any of the effects from the physical injuries. The other injuries might take longer to heal though.
Geahn is now awake and trying to catch a part of the rope to free himself of his bonds, but to no avail. Any who approach the dog gains his attention and a low rumbling growl. Those foolish enough to get closer flinch as Geahn tries to snap at them.
All members are at full health. Tynk can now use spells available to him from his level advance. Lanton will leave after the group shows him to the exit.
All of those items have some magic in them. Even the furs, though I can't see what magic they have. At least not self-cleaning. If I had few pearls, I could tell you more about those items.
.oO(I don't want to leave him around here if he's still vicious, but I have no desire to kill him either. If he gets loose, we'll see what he does...)
Turning to the others, he suggests they pack up and leave.
"We can determine what's what and who should get it when we get back to the city. Unless that strange mist inside the cave is gone, in which case we might look around a bit more first. I'd like to return as soon as possible though."
.oO(Returning to the folds of the Church might do Threfdil some good. The loss of Honor has affected him terribly...)
No problem. I will need your, all of you, help to acquire few pearls to create needed infusions for cast the dweomer to reveal magic item's properties. Maybe you could accept slightly lower payment in exchange of items with fully known abilities? Though, Tynk, you can do the potions, right? You have all that alchemist's stuff at the store.
Ran, what are you planning to do with Geahn. I don't think he'll ever be a nice dog. Ugly as heck too.
Packs away the smaller magic items and gives armor and spear to Tynk or Anaya to carry.
Originally posted by Codrian
Ugly as heck too.
"No argument there. That's not really his fault though, and maybe his temper isn't either. Not that I know much about dogs. Nothing at all really.
It's not right to just kill him though. And it doesn't seem right to leave him wandering around on his own either, not if he's likely to attack someone...
Hand me a knife, will you? I'm cutting him loose, to see what he does."
Ran walks over to Geahn, careful to approach him from behind, and tries to cut the dog loose without getting bitten.
.oO(I can't believe I'm doing this. I can't believe I can't think of anything less stupid to do either...)
Grips his halberd and edges away from the dog.
Ran shrugs.
"If you have an alternative suggestion, I'll be happy to listen. If not, I'm taking a chance."
Then he opens his mouth to speak innocently as he catches himself, turning very red and being forced to compose himself a moment.
. o O (Honor? No, poor Threfdil. I pray it isn’t so…)
Codrian mentions the pearls and Tynk informs him he posses enough to identify these and then some, and offers without much enthusiasm to perform a share of the divinations.
"I do not want to complicate things though. We can discuss this on the way back if you want."
He is openly relieved to see Codrian’s strength considering what he must be going through, and it reminds him with a pang of yesterday when he half-struck Benelvir with the bolt.
The young man’s eyes lock suddenly on the brush, causing him to forget what he was about to say.
. o O (How unusual that I would think that…)
. o O (Free Geahn?)
He hesitates even further as if torn between thoughts that demand attention. The emotion etched in his expression suggests either growth or resolution of mild bewilderment, and continues without change.
His eyes stray oft to the different brushes for a few moments, and the hairs settle slowly on the back of his neck in unison with their lids as Codrian inquires Anaya on her feelings of the issue. He nods at this.
“Yes, what would you suggest Anaya?”
Anaya studies the dog carefully, aware of each sound and movement.
"The bond between this one and his master was a strong one, but for all that, Geahn is still an animal. He understands the loyalty of the pack, but not the morality."
She reaches out to touch the forehead of the bound creature, which struggles.
"I doubt I'll ever by able to make a true friend of this one. Give me a few minutes, however, and I may be able to calm him enough to free him."
She frowns.
"Give me a day, and I may be able to bind him to me for a time, but he's always going to be dangerous, especially to those who trespass on his territory. It would make him a fine guardian of this place, however."
Originally posted by Shatteredtower
It would make him a fine guardian of this place, however.
Ran nods pensively.
"I hadn't thought of that. That would be a fine solution. If the dog would stay here, and not go roaming around where it would be a threat to people, that would be great.
But when you say 'guardian', does that imply you think this place needs one?"
.oO(I'm not sure I like the idea of leaving this place as it is, if it's dangerous in some way. Even with a big dog as its guardian.)
The monk refrains from cutting the dog's bonds just yet though, deferring to Anaya's larger experience with and knowledge of animals.
"Whatever else he is, whatever else he has become, I do not believe that Geahn knows enough of good or evil to choose for himself."
She continues her efforts to reassure the dog.
"I say we give her the necesary time to do what she has to, and be sure to make known the threat one may encounter in this area."
Turns and begins walking away to allow Anaya room to calm the pup, and stands near Lanton.
"Lanton, it looks like you are fairing well. You are a resilient one to resist such magics..."
The mage talks lower with the man, asking him questions about his family and smiling when he is told how eager the man is to get back with them.
"We'd rather you went to town with one of us. We have no idea if there are more of these plant-zombies hanging around and what effect killing Benelvir has on them."
Still oft the boy's eyes stray to the brushes and beyond...looking for something.
. o O (I know it is Honor, there's no doubt now.)
His feet crunch the snow underneath his measured steps as he comes to a halt behind the mornful paladine, placing his hand lightly on his armored shoulder as he speaks softly.
"I have picked up the writings and begin now to learn the ways of Agathalos. I know the rode is long and many obstacles lie in the path I've chosen."
He remembers Gamis, and how much the big man cared for Valor. For a moment his eyes stray to Geahn, then the heap of Benelvir's possesions.
. o O (This is not the way Honor should have died. Would it be possible...?)
Continues slowly.
"I can't say that I understand. I don't. But I will never forget the paladine I saw charging a giant centipede that attacked the market square some years ago when I was truly young. Between you and a few others I am a full believer and follower in His ways. I pray that is worth something."
"His loyalty to Benlevir is too great," she says, and there is some admiration in her tone. "Even now, he still seeks to defend the man, regardless of his actions or his current state.
"If we release him, he may still try to attack us. I fear we'll need to render him unconscious first before we let him go. We'll also want to be hours gone before he wakes again."
Originally posted by Shatteredtower
"I fear we'll need to render him unconscious first before we let him go. We'll also want to be hours gone before he wakes again."
Ran looks a bit dubious.
"I could knock him out, even if that's not a very elegant solution. Maybe a spell?"
.oO(I keep finding reasons to regret not having pursued the Arts more... But maybe I can figure out a way to use my medical training in some way for situations like this...)
"If we'll want to leave long before he wakes up, should we try a last search of Benelvir's cave first then? Is that strange mist still up inside the cave?"
"I will try," Anaya says, frowning.
Weaving words and gestures together over the dog, Anaya then appears to undergo a degree of strain, tensing as she stares at Geahn. Finally, with a sigh of relief, she turns to Ran.
"You may release him. His will is incredible, but he's no longer able to defy me, or to cause you harm."
She smirks mischievously for a moment.
"As long as you don't give me cause, of course."
She winks.
OoC: Editted because I misread a previous post.
Ran is a bit too tense to appreciate the joke, having seen first-hand what the dog can do, but manages to respond with a bit of wry humour in his voice nonetheless.
He cuts Geahn's bonds, careful not to appear any more threatening than necessary with the knife, and backs up a few paces to see what happens.
"I regret the necessity," she says to the animal, "but you leave us no choice."
Facing the others again, she says, "I'll need to send him away for now -- this sort of control doesn't last very long."
Oi'm jest not in the mood fer yer placations roight now, if'n ye get me drift.
Looks back towards Geahn, anger in his eyes.
'Ad that beast not bin under the control o' the druid, Oi'd've killed it already. But the innocent don' deserve ta die.
. o O (Don't deserve to indeed...)
As he politely walks away, he finds himself again aside his companion Codrian, and remains there to be silent a while before talking in low-tones.
Ran checks the bow he recovered and the part of Benelvir's possessions he'll be carrying back to the city and looks the others over to see if they're ready.
"I suggest we take the same route we used getting here, across the river and back to our last camp site. I trust that, without further surprises, this time around no-one will be taking any sudden baths..."
"That should tire him a bit," she says. "It is fortunate that revenge is no--"
She is cut off by a disturbingly loud yelp, almost certainly canine, coming from the direction taken by their former nemesis.
.oO(Wha... Was that Geahn? There shouldn't be anything else around that could seriously harm him...)
The elf looks around at the others.
"I guess we should take a look. He'll have to take care of himself, but anything more dangerous than that dog could be dangerous for people living in the wide neighbourhood. The dog would stay in its territory, something else might not.
Who's with me?"
.oO(I can't blame Threfdil if he's not keen on going to the aid of the dog that killed Honor and, for myself, I'm not in favour of helping it if it can't take care of itself either... We should still talke a look at what's going on though.)
He strings his bow, nocks an arrow and slowly, alert for anything coming towards him, walks in the rough direction of where the sound came from.
The young man follows after Ran, keeping the monk in sight as best he can.
As Ran hears Tynk approach from behind, he can sense that the reptile hears him as well, for it drops its prize, which seems to crackle and sizzel audibly where it lies.
As the wings unfurl from the creature's back, Ran has cause to suspect that this is not merely some lizard after all.
"Tynk, I don't think we should let something like that loose around here. I can't believe Benelvir would tolerate such a beast here without imposing his will on it - that means it's migratory, and could well go trouble Lanton's family and others like it living in the area.
Keep your distance, don't allow it to focus on the both of us at once."
Ran moves a few steps to the side, to increase the distance between him and the young mage, without going too far to be able to reach him quickly, and pulls the string of his bow taut, sighting along the arrow's shaft.
He raises his voice slightly to warn the others.
"There's a winged beast that wants to have Geahn for lunch... I don't like the way it's looking at us, maybe its appetite is a bigger than one dog."
[move about 15 ft. away from Tynk, readied action to shoot the critter if it attacks him or Tynk
(edit due to bad grammar)]
Oi'll not let another innocent perish the same way tonight.
He moves off into the woods to aid Tynk and Ran.
"Does anyone know what that is?"
Seeing the halfling joining them Ran turns towards Threfdil without taking his eyes off of the sinister creature.
"Threfdil, can you tell its intentions? Is it acting merely on instinct, or is there an evil cunning driving it?"
[no movement, same readied action, including attacking Threfdil in the trigger]
Moves to take a look at the unknown being, still mouthing the words to a spell as he does. He keeps some 40' distance from his nearby companions and trys to be silent and hidden.
. o O (If this thing took out Geahn this easy we may not want to fight it)
(Knowlege, Arcana +10)
Tynk is all too familiar with this form as well. It's clearly a dragon. Despite the fact that he outmasses the wyrmling, he's all too aware of how deadly they can be.
Judging from the coloration, he can form a guess as to how it brought Geahn down. This creature sprays acid, not fire, unless he is mistaken.
It does indeed detect as evil. And the dog is dead, Oi see.
Oi cannot let this go as it 'as.
Thref charges the dragon, using a smite attack when he gets there.
Total +14 to hit, 1d10+7 damage, -2 AC
The mage's face goes white as he gets a good view of the thing, and his knees quiver sightly in response. He quickly looks to Ran, gaining his attetnion and mouthing the words "dragon" and "acid". Then he turns back to watching the dragon as he moves closer to the two whiles he casts a spell.
[Mage Armor]
Tynk draws a spell around himself and the dragon's head whips left to face him. Ran cries out a warning and both he and Anaya manage a shot at the monster, but the elves are too late to prevent what happens next. A burning mist deluges the mage, leaving his eyes and nose watering freely in response.
The dragon starts to bound forward toward its new prey, then skitters back as Threfdil launches himself at it with a swing that carries more force than the creature had expected. It turns with the blow just enough to avoid a more serious cut, then hisses at the halfling like a cat.
==
OoC:
Initiative:
- Tynk (21/33 hp)
- Ran
- Codrian
- Anaya
- Dragon (x-13/x hp)
- Threfdil
Tynk, I'm going with your pre-edit choice of spells here, since otherwise I can't really afford to guess what your intention was. Mage armor it is.
Oh, and an edit. Sorry, I completely forgot one source of damage there.
Agathalos, Guide my Hand.
Thref calls upon his power of smite again, using it against the dragon one more time, as part of a full attack action.
Not charging this time, so +12 to hit, but same damage on the first attack, 1d10+1 on the second.
A dragon?!
Sees the acid splurge and stands there for a moment.
Sheritlaelyn's offspring? Drillge was really after something in this place?
I sure do hope the old mother isn't around.
Thinks for a moment and then starts to say a prayer.
Fall!
[Cast Command.]
.oO(Can't risk shooting Threfdil. And with those wings, I have to make sure it can't fly away...)
[move adjacent (charge if necessary, otherwise not) + grapple; +10 for the touch attack, +11 for the grapple check, AC 21]
[Draconic]"You bite more than you can chew!"[/Draconic]
Takes the blow in the back of his mind and lets his voice cry out to release some pain. He gathers his concious and bends it to perform an augmentation of celerity without hesitation, almost beginning a hair before he is struck.
[Cast Defensively, Concentration +16 vs. DC: 18 to cast Haste.]
Blinking through blurred vision, he does his best to locate his companions to place the enchantments while he moves cautiously opposite to Threfdil of the dragon.
Shaking its head, the dragon manages to throw off the effects of Codrian's magic, and manages to shake itself loose from the monk's stranglehold, but not without feeling the sting of Threfdil's vengeful blade before it can fly out of reach.
OoC:
Initiative:
1. Tynk (hasted for seven rounds, 21/33 hp)
2. Ran (hasted for seven rounds)
3. Codrian (hasted for seven rounds)
4. Anaya
5. Dragon (x-35/x hp)
6. Threfdil (hasted for seven rounds)
It is currently Threfdil's action, as he (and Ran) both used Attacks of Opportunity against the dragon (which took a move action after breaking a grapple). Since Threfdil intended to use a smite attack as his attack, I employed it with the AoO. (Ran, unfortunately, missed with his. Then again, how many people have ever successfully -- if only briefly -- managed to grapple a dragon?)
Editted: Included the dragon's action, which I neglected to describe properly.
. o O (We seems to outmatch this thing, I hope they can fair well with the help I provided.)
With a few arcane words and a gesture with a feather Tynk feels the spell take effect. He remains on the ground unless he can use it's speed to escape harm.
[Fly, casted defensively.]
Try saying name 'Sheritlaelyn' to it in its own language.
Stands where he is and fires a bolt at the dragon with his crossbow.
[draconic]"Weakling!"[/draconic]
.oO(It'd have to be pretty stupid to fall for such an immature attack on its vanity...)
The monk runs back to his bow, picks it up and nocks an arrow, sighting for the dragonling.
Tynk doesn't even need to repeat Codrian's instruction -- the name is apparently recognizable enough based on how quickly the batlike creature whips its head toward Codrian. The bolt that follows the word scars it just beneath a wing, but it remains aloft.
Ran manages to strike a hauch with his first arrow. He notices, just barely, that the buzzing he heard earlier has become more pronounced, and that's it's not coming from the dragon.
Tynk, try to get it just flap away. It appears that this one is also related to that bigger dragon. Sheritlaelyn by name. I encountered a half-dragon called Drillge on my last trip around here, he was searching his dragon sire with a band of kobolds. I think that this Sheritlaelyn is quite powerful and old dragon, something we don't want to anger right now.
"Codrian, what if it brings mom back. Perhaps we have no choice at this point?"
Codrian: "Which do you think will anger it more, dead child or that there are folk in the forest. For all we know, it might have been waiting all along for someone to deal with Benelvir. And we are heading away from this place anyway. I've no taste to tarry around to see if there's more enemies to be found."
The young-man nods and flys to the air near the dragon defensively. The buzzing noises play in the back of his head, making him fight confusion.
[Draconic]"Young and powerful dragon, hear me! Our fight is not with you today. Leave this area and you will not be followed, and with our awed respect do we bid you farewell."
[If the Dragon comes at any group-member, Lightning Bolt to fry his draco-butt. Otherwise, Cat's Grace on self. Either casted defensively]
"Please do not stay and force us to fight further."[/Draconic]
Ran definitely has some misgivings about the currently adopted strategy though, so he nocks another arrow in case the dragonling responds aggressively.
.oO(Where's that buzzing coming from?)
Keeping half an eye on the dark-scaled lizard winging overhead, the monk surreptitiously tries to locate the source of the eerie sound.
[Spot +5/Search +4]
The dragon stops circling as Tynk enters the sky. Drawn by his appeal, the creature flies closer, saying, [draconic]"Your proper consideration is--"[/draconic] cutting the sentence short as it inhales. Tynk prepares to release lightning over it, but panics in the face of the threat. He manages to avoid the worst of it, but a few droplets sting his right hand.
The creature heads for higher skies with an evil chuckle, then yelps as the elves manage to plant several more shafts in its flanks. Whining and cursing, it pulls further away from them.
Ran's eyes spot the source of the buzzing when it snaps sharply, producing a bright white glow. His eyes light on the small blue figure at the centre of it, a horned lizard that had been hiding among the brush.
Right now, however, it seems too focused on the figures in the sky to care who notices it.
Dragon = x-60/x
Tynk takes 3 hp of damage, putting him at 18/33.
Flys to hide back under the tree-line as he whipes his hand, keeping the dragon in sight and he landing near Codrian and Ran.
"I almost lost it there...buckled on the cast. That thing is scary."
He places his hand on the monk near him.
"This should help."
[Cat's Grace]
"Threfdil! There's something else over there!"
The elf indicates the other lizard with his head while he keeps peppering the dragonling with arrows until it goes out of range.
.oO(I could try to follow it for a while to get a few more shots in maybe, but the others couldn't all keep up, I think. And I'd rather stick together and deal with any other creatures that pop up, like that other scaly thing.)
Aims his crossbow at sky and tries to take a shot at the dragon.
OoC: dragon = x-78/x+11
Ran is unsure about how to feel about his actions, even if he's certain of the dragonling's character.
.oO(No need to think about that now. I can do that when we're back home again.)
The elf hurries over to where the body landed, halting about 15 ft. from it to see the reaction of the other lizard.
"Tynk, you're the one who seems to know most of these creatures. Do you know what that is?"
Belatedly, the monk realizes the mage got hit by the dragon's corrosive spray.
"Are you alright?"
"Someone check on Geahn!"
With a burst of speed he is next to Ran, looking where the monk points.
"I don't see...gasp...that's..." The look of awe is written plainly on his face, awe and recognition. The mage seams unable to speak, and doesn't realize it as he ignores Ran's other question.
Finaly, he manages to utter a few words faintly...and only that which Ran's keen ears pick up.
"...from my dream."
Without thinking the young man approaches the horned lizard very slowly as he exhales a heavey breath to alert the critter he is present.
It looks curiously at the wizard who tries to approach it, but backs away carefully as he advances.
"Anaya, over here." he says in his best combination of a voice soft yet loud enough for the elf to hear, while trying to be polite to her.
Take a look at Tynk's wounds. That creature's made him so giddy that he don't notice he's wounded.
Stops to stand by Ran.
Do you know what that thing is? Looks like some sort of lizard.
"I need you to befriend this creature to take her with us. This is the creature I spoke of in the last Lich a month ago when I last saw you."
"Please. Have faith."
His stare is focused and sincere, his jaw set.
"That hardly seems the best portent in the circumstances, you realize," she says. "No, never mind, forget it. Give me some time, and some distance. And something to eat."
He walks off near Codrian and begins to eat, pensive for a moment. Finaly, he says to the man in a calm voice, describing a dream he had of this lizard.
"She is the exact same coloration. I know it is her."
[Reference to Dream: Page 1 of the Hightower, halfway down.]
So, you dreamed of seeing a creature like that? I am not sure if that's to say anything exactly. People dream of rooks, and other animals quite often, and that doesn't mean anything.
Thinks about his second dream.
"But I dreamed again of her, after I had done my research. This time I had fallen asleep in the library browsing some tombs for a new spell to add to my spellbook."
"When I woke, I found my book on the first page of a spell. Can you guess which spell, Codrian?"
His look is serious, and square.
It sniffs, looks at her, then sniffs again, never taking its eyes from the larger creature, even as it eventually snatches it up.
Still crooning, Anaya holds out more food in the palm of her hand, waiting patiently until the beast finally, cautiously, feels comfortable enough to take it from her.
"I can convince her to follow us, but not into the city," she says, "And we're going to have to keep feeding her as we go, so she'll not wander away. Just don't make any sudden movements near her, or you might scare her off."
.oO(Yes... I think I can see where's this one going to.)
Nods while digs out a piece of cloth.
I can make an educated guess. That lightning bolt spell, which use you were squeamish about when we were heading out to this trip, two days ago. You've used twice now, and don't seem to be too shaken.
Though you should improve your aim.
Hold still.
Then says a short prayer and with a swipe of the cloth, removes marks of the acid burns.
[Convert Shield of Faith to Cure Light Wounds.]
"I even considered taking a crossbow myself against these threats if necesary. My friends are worth more than my selfish desire to not get my hands dirty."
Breaths a sigh of relief as some of the pain leaves him.
"Ah, thank you friend."
As Anaya walks near Tynk surveys the remaining rations to judge how much will be necesary.
"We only need to get near the city. I can handle myself there, but the ceremony will take a full day. Anyone want to make a few coins playing bodyguard?"
"I owe you."
Points at his weapons.
I need both of these as I don't possess such destructive magical power as you do. It could be said that I need to cheat a bit, but then again Thalos doesn't grant destructive spells to his worshipers. Except against undead, of course. And we could see in the fight with Benelvir that my weapons didn't have that much effect.
Looks to the dragon grounded dragonling after his meal is finished.
"We should have rites for the young reptile."
Anaya finds a sheltered spot near the river as they approach the city, and it is here that she and the lizard wait for Tynk, while the others enter the gates one more.
OoC: Home again, folks. If there is anything that you feel was overlooked before you finished the journey, or you have any finishing touches you want to add before returning to play within the city (and catching up to current events), feel free to post it now. If not, feel free to catch yourselves up again. Tynk, of course, knows where he has to start with that. ;)
I'll try to look into getting most of the items identified quite soon. As to arrange division of them. Also, a concern of yours, Volos should have a pouch of money ready for each one of you.
- +1 spear (1151 gp for purposes of treasure share)
- +2 hide armor (2082 gp and 5 sp treasure share)
- +2 amulet of natural armor (4000 gp treasure share)
- gauntlets of ogre power (2000 gp treasure share)
- wand of cure serious wounds with 20 charges (2,225 gp treasure share)
- potion of bear' endurance (150 gp treasure share)
- potion of resist fire 10 (150 gp treasure share)
- potion of resist electricity 10 (150 gp treasure share)
- potion of water breathing (375 gp treasure share)
Cost to Identify Everything: 500 gp in pearls (400 gp* payable to Tynk, as they're his pearls, but since he's benefitting from this as well, he contributes a quarter of the cost -- payment can come in the form of treasure acquired, of course).
*Tynk may choose to settle for less compensation for said pearls if he wishes.
Total Funds for Share Purposes: 11,283 gp.
Share Value (Codrian): 2,245 gp and 6 sp.
Share Value (Tynk): 2,200 gp (assuming payment for pearls)
Share Value (Anaya, Ran, Threfdil): 1,800 gp each
Share Value (Guild): 1784 gp.
Bonus Payment (Ran, Threfdil, Tynk): 151 gp and 6 sp
Players will have to sell one or more of the items (for the share value listed) to cover each share. PCs may use personal funds to complete the purchase of an item.
I'm going to make this a bit easier by having Anaya contribute 282 gp toward the purchase of the armor. (I hope everyone will pardon me for making this decision on her behalf, but she has been absent for some time now.) That adds 48 gp and 4 sp to each remaining character's total (the guild gets a share of that amount, after all).
Note that between Anaya's contribution and the bonus from the guild, this leaves Ran and Threfdil a 2,000 gp fund, while Tynk has 2,400 (in exchange for his five pearl contribution).
So long as I don't have to do the cooking. "
I'm sure I'll see all of you there soon enough, but first I have see to some other things. Let Mrs Weatherby know we returned safe and sound, Natala as well, check everything's fine at the Lich...
So for now, my thanks and until then. Good job, everyone."
Ran makes sure everything they brought is delivered where the mages will do their arcane research to find any magical properties and then walks into town.
[in case anyone has his/her eyes on any of the items, Ran isn't interested in any of them (or at least not in spending his entire fortune on them)]
I would like all three potions save the Water Breathing, unless anyone else wants any of them?
There's no problem by me if you take the wand, codrian.
I can go with the idea to wait to sell the items at a larger price to other interested players. Ran? Threfdil?
Oi don' want any o' this. Oi need ta save me money now...got a friend to retrieve.
Ran bows towards the paladin.
"I would like to hear from you if there's anything I can help with in that regard, Threfdil."
.oO(Although I'd like to know what happened to Honor excatly first... Or maybe I'd prefer not knowing in this case.)
[I thought about the Fire resistance, but I'm going to trust evasion and a high AC. ;) Take 'em all, Tynk. As for selling items to interested PCs, sure. It's not like we have ye olde magick shoppe around the corner anyway, so it's not quite as easy to get your hands on magical items as in a regular campaign.]
His face becomes serious.
"I would like to see Honor come back, and I would offer any assistance I could to see that happen."
His voice is sincere, but the offer noted lightly...as if not to preasure anyone. He notes the other's reactions.
Oi don' know 'ow it cin be done. Or even if it cin. But Oi'm goin' ta foind out, Oi 'ope.
'N Oi'll be findin' ye when it 'appens. If'n ye want ta be part of it, that is.
Bows deeply in response to Threfdil's offer to include him.
"Nothing you could do could make me more happy, Sir Threfdil Proudfoot..."
He pauses, then speaks softly and subdued.
"That bear kept me warm when I was cold enough to have died."
Treasure division thus far is as follows:
- Anaya: contributes 57 gp and 5 sp to purchase hide armor +2
- Codrian: wand of cure serious wounds (20 charges), 200 gp and 6 sp
- Ran: 2025 gp
- Threfdil: 2025 gp
- Tynk: three potions (bear's endurance, resist electricity 10, resist fire 10) and 1850 gp
More to come if anyone else chooses to purchase any of the remaining equipment.