Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredtower Aug 09, 2007 13:49:36	A road -- little more than packed dirt, really -- leads the way between Garic's City and Fort Malifaeyr, the Silver Sword's gateway to the Pass. It is used mainly by the Silver Sword, though merchants have also been known to make use of this route as well. Naturally, this this sort of traffic can draw the wrong sort of attention. The main rest stop is nearly a day's march out of Garic's City, a modest palisade built in the midst of several farmsteads. Members of the guild usually receive a breakfast (usually a thin gruel with turnips) and a bunk for the night, though the farmers might offer more personal hospitality to a familiar face. OoC For those who wish to play the long route between the city and the fortress, this is the thread.
#2 dorian_d_grey Aug 10, 2007 1:17:13	Dorian leads the group out of the fortress and onto the road. As soon as the looming fortress sinks beyond the horizon Dorian becomes more alert to his surroundings. Once again the ranger seems to change once he is out in the wild. He looks so much more at home here than between the walls of a fortress or a city. Soon he finds himself talking to his companions about the miracles of nature again. At one point he stoops and picks a few leaves from a plant "This here is what we should have had with us when we got sick with filth fever. This is Mirr, a tea made from these leaves helps with infection fevers. If you crush them and place them under a bandage they help the wounds to heal"
#3 aridar Aug 10, 2007 20:07:43	Aridar doesn't say much but watches as Dorian explains the properties of the leaves. The lecture starts to remind him of the similar talks he and his father had many years ago. The little excursions his father took him on to remind him that even though he lived as a noble in a human city, that he was still an elf. At that moment, he wished he had paid more attention to his father's lecture...went on more excursions...generally just spent more time with him.
#4 xade_lilfellow Aug 13, 2007 0:10:36	Xade takes a couple of the leaves and examines them carefully, and then puts them in with his supplies for treating injuries. "Are the leaves better fresh or do they keep for a while?"
#5 dorian_d_grey Aug 13, 2007 0:49:09	"As with most herbs their virtueis greatest when they are fresh ut when dried in the right wat Mirr keeps its virtues for a few days. For brewing a tea they keep even longer, a month or two. Beyond that the leaves lose all their potentie" Dorian keeps scanning the underbrush for other usefull herbs to show to his companions
#6 dorian_d_grey Aug 13, 2007 5:13:40	after a while Dorian discovers another usefull herb by the side of the road. He indicates it to the others "Look, this is Angelroot, old men use it's leaves in a salve that eases their sore joints, it also works wonders against skin irratations. A few leaves in a brew helps against headaches. You can see that something hes been eating at it, judging by these tracks it looks like this plant has been visited by a dear with a headache" Dorian is in his element and keeps pointing out new wonders of mother nature to his fellows. He is carefull though not to slow down their trip to much. When the break for a bite to eat around noon he turns to Aridar "Aridar, would you mind if I had a look at your spear?"
#7 xade_lilfellow Aug 13, 2007 17:41:32	"Deer get headaches too?" Xade says with amazement as he takes in the virtues of the plants that Dorian is pointing out. He takes careful note of this plants as they could be used to aid others when the time comes
#8 dorian_d_grey Aug 14, 2007 0:47:33	Dorian chuckles at Xade's remark "That my dear halfling was a joke. But I digress, you both must be tiring of my lectures on the benefits of mother nature. Xade, can you share some of your knowledge about your goddess with us? The powers she grants you have been very helpfull on our last endeavour and I would like to learn how to thank her"
#9 aridar Aug 14, 2007 11:03:03	Dorian's question snaps the elf back to reality. He somehow was able to make out the word "spear" and guessed that the ranger wished to hold it. A few clumsy minutes later and the elf finally manages to pull the spear around. Digging the butt end of the spear into the dirt, Aridar holds his longspear out towards Dorian.
#10 dorian_d_grey Aug 14, 2007 13:55:06	Dorian observes as Aridar pulls the spear from behind his back, his mood shifts and he scowls at the elf "Is that a way to present a weapon, soldier? Where is that elven dexterity? '" Dorian snatches the weapon out of Aridar's hand and nimbly spins it around, stopping the motion an inch short of Aridar's throat, then he hands the weapon back to the elf. "Show me the first defensive position with a polearm"
#11 aridar Aug 15, 2007 2:09:26	Aridar's face shows no surprise nor anger when Dorian thrusts the spear inches from his throat. The elf's nuetral expression is only betrayed by the slight sparkle in his eyes, showing Dorian that he's willing to learn. Grabbing ahold of the spear, Aridar takes one step back with his right foot and bends both knees slightly. The elf then recalls some of the training he had with a spear many years ago and makes little corrections in his stance. He finally lowers the spear at an angle parallel to the ground and looks to Dorian.
#12 dorian_d_grey Aug 15, 2007 4:04:20	Dorian pushes sideways against the head of the spear, instantly unbalancing Aridar, he then walks around the elf, adjusting his stance and hold on his weapon. When next Dorian pushes against the spearhead Aridar finds the ranger needs a great deal of force to shift his balance "When fighting with a polearm you keep your weight divided over both feet as opposed to fighting with a sword or dagger. A polearms use is in reach, not in speed. You exert force over a slightly longer distance then with a blade, therefore your feet must be rooted firmly to the ground unless you're willing to knock yourself down" Dorian takes the spear from Aridar again and performs a series of basic defensive stances and manouevers all of which sould be familiar if he's had basic training with the weapon. He then hands the spear back to the Elf "Your turn my friend, let's see how much you remember"
#13 aridar Aug 15, 2007 11:01:50	Dorian's maneuvers spark some of the old memories he had of training with the long spear. Once again he takes hold of the spear and lowers his stance just as the ranger had shown him. He then falls into the different stances as well as the basic maneuvers. The elf manages to perform all the moves, not nearly as smooth and graceful as Dorian but performed them nonetheless. I have much to learn.
#14 xade_lilfellow Aug 15, 2007 17:15:15	"If you want to thank her you can offer her prayer in thanks, offer assistance to her servants, or something simple like coin to her church. There are many ways to show thanks, but she would want you to do so that you remain true to what you are as a person." Xade says as he watches the elf and ranger practice sparring on the road "I have question, with a polearm if they are inside the reach of the polearm it becomes very ineffective correct?"
#15 dorian_d_grey Aug 16, 2007 0:59:47	Dorian watches with approval as Aridar's training comes back to him "Much better Aridar, now do them again, focus your mind on the weapon, let it become an extension of your body. Feel the way the weapon reacts to your moves." Dorian listens to Xade's explanation about thanking the Goddess then answers his question "There is more than one bussiness end of a polearm Xade. If someone comes to close to use the head of the weapon you can use the shaft to block and push or use the butt to strike. Lance Heafstane the greatest swordsman in the memory of the peope of Rolde only ever lost one fight, to a common soldier who knew how to handle a spear...."
#16 xade_lilfellow Aug 16, 2007 2:34:11	"Interesting, I guess even the most common among us could win a fight if the enemy is unprepared for what one could do." Xade stands up and adjusts the shield he is carrying on his back not yet used to the new weight
#17 aridar Aug 16, 2007 11:52:05	Aridar transitions to various stances while Xade and Dorian speak to each other. Each time he repeats the series of stances, they are executed with a bit more grace then the previous. When he finishes with the exercise, Aridar leans on the spear and takes several deep breaths. Once he's able to control his breathing, he looks to the other two a nods.
#18 dorian_d_grey Aug 16, 2007 14:33:11	Dorian has been watching Aridar from the corner of his eyes and returns Aridars nod after he ends his excercise "Better Aridar but enough for now, we need to et back on the road soon. Do we eat walking or do we take a few moments more to take a bite before we go on"
#19 shatteredtower Aug 16, 2007 23:08:15	So faint that he almost misses it to the conversation, Xade hears the sound of something heavy being struck -- or perhaps striking. There it is again, in fact. And again, only this time it is clearly the sound of metal clanging against metal. Though he can't hear anything yet, Dorian notices that something has caught the hafling's attention OoC Result of Listen checks: Aridar: 5 (yes, I rolled a 1) Dorian: 11 (6) Xade: 25 (17) I threw in a Sense Motive check to give those who didn't hear anything a chance to post, in case they get to it before Xade. Unfortunately, Aridar just barely (19) missed the hunch (normally requiring a minute, but this seemed to justify picking things up more quickly). Dorian, on the other hand, barely picked it up (20 exactly). He still doesn't know it's something Xade's heard, but he knows the halfling is distracted by something.
#20 dorian_d_grey Aug 17, 2007 2:37:30	When Dorian sees the halfling react to something he picks up his bow and draws an arrow from his quiver "What is it Xade?"
#21 xade_lilfellow Aug 17, 2007 7:27:25	"Either there is a blacksmith hammering metal or some fight going on that way." Xade points to the direction he hears the sound coming from.
#22 aridar Aug 17, 2007 10:29:23	Aridar misses the conversation between Xade and Dorian as he re-sheaths the spear to his pack. After moments of fumbling with the buckles, he manages to keep the weapon in place. He then looks over at the two and waits for them to continue with their journey.
#23 dorian_d_grey Aug 18, 2007 5:38:51	"Ready your crossbow Aridar, Xade hears the sound of iron on Iron coming from that direction, it sounds like a fight. Follow me..." Dorian leads the group along the road in the direction Xade indicated,an arrow nocked and halfdrawn.
#24 shatteredtower Aug 18, 2007 12:55:47	It takes about half a minute before the others are close enough to make anything out, punctuated by a shouted exchange. While the words can't be made out, the frustration is fairly evident. After a bit of fumbling about, trying to get a clear idea of exactly where the sounds originate, the trio finally locate the source just beyond a patch of undergrowth. At the base of a steep slope, a pair of elves are doing their best to fend off a trio of skeletons, their blades deftly parrying each attack that comes their way. In turn, the skeletons are putting up a fairly good defense as well, using shields to best effect. One of the two elves, a male in a midnight blue tunic with a deep green cloak, has apparently noticed the group, as he calls out, "If you're here to rob us, could you perhaps come back another day? We're rather busy right now."
#25 xade_lilfellow Aug 18, 2007 13:03:11	Seeing the skeletons, Xade grabs his holy symbol and moves to channel Terrametrex's holy power to drive off the the creatures to assist the elves with their fight. "Begone!" the halfling shouts ooc Attempt 1 of 5. Turn undead +2, 2d6+4, 3rd
#26 dorian_d_grey Aug 18, 2007 14:07:21	Dorian draws his bow aims his arrow at the first skeletons head, When his arrow flies he shouts to the elves "Do not worry about your purses, we're here to help"
#27 shatteredtower Aug 19, 2007 16:34:18	"I'm not sure which of those facts I find more welcome," the elf remarks, holding his own with rapier and dagger, but no better than that. His companion, a female in chestnut brown, her hair rolled up into a tight bun, comes closer to her mark, but her opponent gets its shield in the way just in time. The skeleton's flee before Xade's display of divine power. The male elf attempts to exploit the opening this affords him, but his sword glances harmlessly off bone. Dorian takes a shot, but he underestimates the speed with which his target moves, missing by a foot. "The offer of help it is, then," the elf says, lowering his guard, "though I'd be curious to see if you could do robbery half so well." His companion shakes her head at the comment, but says nothing. OoC Initiative Order: [list=1] [*]Elf #1 (21) [*]Skeletons (18); turned [*]Elf #2 (09) [*]Xade (07) [*]Dorian (04) [*]Aridar (03) Xade rolled an 11 (modified to 15) for the turn check, and 13 for turning damage. Dorian rolled an 5 (modified to 11) for his attack roll, which was almost enough to hit the fleeing skeletons, but not quite. I'm leaving the initiative up just in case you decide to pursue (and it takes longer than a minute of game time to sort this out ;)). They're running, which makes it easier to hit them with ranged attacks, but melee attacks are probably right out.
#28 xade_lilfellow Aug 19, 2007 17:21:21	"Dorian, unless you ammo is enchanted, I suspect your arrows would do about as well on these skeletons as it did on the zombie we faced several days ago." Keeping his holy symbol visible in case there are more skeletons that were unseen. Xade walks slowly towards the elves. He shows slight confusion about the robbery comment wondering what it could mean. "Greetings travelers, I am Xade, servant to Terrametrex. These are my friends, and I will let them introduce themselves."
#29 dorian_d_grey Aug 20, 2007 0:58:05	Dorian slings his bow on his shoulder and joins Xade and the elves, he bows with his slightly arms open, palms up "Dorian D'Grey at your service and that of your house, you have master Xade here to thank for our intervention"
#30 aridar Aug 20, 2007 10:42:13	As the skeletons flee from Xade's holy symbol, Aridar focuses on one of the excapees. He raises one hand and just before he starts the evocation, he notices the rest of the group relaxing. Letting his arm rest, he looks back at the two elf's and studies their faces. When it's time for him to introduce himself, he gives them both a slight nod. My name is Aridar.
#31 shatteredtower Aug 20, 2007 23:09:48	The male elf bends one knee to bow, arms outstretched to flourish his blades. "My name is Thomil," he says. "My companion--" He gestures to the female, who nods but never looks up. "--is Karuil." Karuil replies to her name with little more than a grunt. "Karuil, really. These fellows may have saved your life." She shrugs in reply. "You'll have to excuse her," Thomil tells the others. "She can be a bit shy with strangers."
#32 dorian_d_grey Aug 21, 2007 1:06:30	"Well met Thomil, would you care to tell us what happenned? These undead seemed a tad more agile and skilled than most of the lesser undead"
#33 xade_lilfellow Aug 21, 2007 5:25:27	Xade nods to Thomil and Karuil when they introduce themselves. Then he listens to Dorian's question wondering the same thing himself. "The shield work wasn't too bad." he says softly.
#34 shatteredtower Aug 21, 2007 6:14:18	"Really?" Had much experience with the undead, have you?" There is a trace of amusement in Thomil's voice as he asks this. It fades with a sigh, and then he answers Dorian's question in a more matter-of-fact tone. "I'd brought Karuil out here for some training. Those things attacked us. Perhaps they were being guided by someone if, as you suggest, they showed more skill than you would expect?"
#35 aridar Aug 21, 2007 10:19:14	The elf finds the conversation less interesting then he had first anticipated. Squatting down, he grabs a twig and begins to draw random symbols into the dirt. At one point he even draws two little stick figures having a sword fight. Without glacing up to the others, he voices a question of his own. Where are you from.
#36 dorian_d_grey Aug 21, 2007 13:06:42	Dorian looks at the female elf, noticing her clothing and equipment, he does the same with Thomil "Would anyone have a reason to send these skelletons against you, or is anyhting known or rumoured in the surrounding area aout wandering undead? "
#37 xade_lilfellow Aug 21, 2007 15:06:19	"I wouldn't say we were experts, but the zombies that we recently faced didn't seem as skilled as the skeletons. Although I couldn't say for certain if zombies have less skill than skeletons or not. Perhaps the skeletons were quicker and more agile since they didn't have rotting flesh to hinder them. the halfling suggests
#38 shatteredtower Aug 22, 2007 5:07:08	"From the city," Thomil answers Aridar. "The orcs?" he offers to Dorian, shrugging his shoulders. "I've been told that the countryside can be dangerous, but I'd assumed we'd meet something of that nature, not the undead." Dorian has little trouble spotting the contrast between how both are dressed. Both wear a dark green cloak, but Thomil's tunic and trousers are midnight blue, while Karuil's attire is chestnut brown. Thomil wears armbands and a chain shirt, a few rings, an orange choker around his neck. Karuil, on the other hand, wears leather armor and appears to have added no decoration to her wardroobe at all. Each of them is carrying a rapier, a dagger, and a shortbow for armament.
#39 aridar Aug 22, 2007 10:07:24	With his question answered, Aridar begins with the next doodle. This time he draws a lone stick figure shooting what seems to be a massive fireball from a bow.
#40 xade_lilfellow Aug 22, 2007 10:26:36	"Well that is a coincidence we are currently traveling to the city at the moment." Xade says cheerfully "Perhaps we could travel together when you are done with your training?"
#41 shatteredtower Aug 22, 2007 21:10:54	"I dare say we got enough of that from the skeletons," Thomil observes, feigning an expression of mild horror. "Wouldn't you agree, Karuil?" Karuil glances up at him, a wary look in her eyes. She gives a quick nod, then looks away, her eyes resting on Aridar's work. "Well, I'm glad that's settled then," the more talkative elf says, "--assuming your companions have no objection to picking up strays by the roadside, of course. Good fellows? We brought little with us and it is simple fare, but we shall gladly share out meal--" Karuil turns to offer him a questioning look, prompting him to add, "--to thank you for such timely assistance. No, that is not adequate thanks, is it, Karuil?" Receiving a barely perceptible shrug in reply, Thomil continues. "Would you be in need of accomodations at journey's end?" he asks.
#42 xade_lilfellow Aug 22, 2007 21:58:23	"I think that would make things easier on us. It will be our first time in the city and we were not exactly sure where we should head when getting there. If you do not mind me asking what do you do in the city? I only ask because you seem to have almost identical clothing and were here on a training mission." Xade asks
#43 aridar Aug 23, 2007 0:44:56	While putting the finishing touches to his picture, Aridar gives a slight shrug to Xade's offer of assistance. His doodle ends with the lone stick figure shooting the fireball at a group of skeleton stick figures. He looks up from his work to find Karuil eye's on the finished product. The sorcerer in turn looks back at her with the same expressionless look he gives to everything else. When Karuil notices his stare, Aridar snaps the twig in half and holds it out towards her.
#44 dorian_d_grey Aug 23, 2007 0:58:22	Dorian keeps quiet during the rest of the exchange, keeping an eye on the direction the skelleton's fled in. "If we are all going to travel together, to which I have no objections, I suggest we get back on our way before the skelletons return"
#45 shatteredtower Aug 23, 2007 11:24:05	"A capital idea," Thomil agrees, "Let us be off." Karuil stares at the stick for a moment, then holds out a hand to wave it off. She spares Aridar one more glance before turning away, checking her weapons and pouches as she does so. "In answer to your question, Xade," Thomil says, "the city is always in need of those with a sharp eye, a soft step, and a good blade wielded with skill. The roads may be a dangerous place for those ignorant of that which lies ahead of them. Those who hire us, be they merchant, wizard, or city official, often surprise the bandits and raiders who'd intended to ambush them. We have built our reputation on such skills and we would be ever so grateful --as if the aid you have already given to us had not already left us brimming gratitude! -- if word of our recent dilemma didn't get out."
#46 xade_lilfellow Aug 23, 2007 11:51:48	"Ah, I think I understand. Reputation is needed in order to get the best jobs. Not a problem I will not tell." the halfling smiles
#47 aridar Aug 23, 2007 12:11:01	The elf watches Karuil for a few more moments before dropping the two twigs and standing up. He then starts his way back up the slope towards the road, pausing half way up to look back at his companions before finishing the climb.
#48 dorian_d_grey Aug 24, 2007 0:54:23	Dorian follows the others, bringing up the rear. His bow is in his hands again, an arrow fitted to the string. As the group moves further away from the area of the fight the ranger relaxes and replaces the arrow in his Quiver. He then adresses the female elf "My lady, you have been silent until now, is it that you do not agree with your companion that we should travel together or do you not believe in conversation" ooc So I brought a full quiver with 20 arrows, 1 flew into the woods, 19 left
#49 xade_lilfellow Aug 24, 2007 1:35:16	Xade follows behind Thomil keeping an attentive watch on their surroundings to hopefully remember the way back for later. "I wonder whether or not this good weather will keep for awhile. Last time we were about there was quiet a bit of rain"
#50 shatteredtower Aug 24, 2007 8:51:47	Xade's assurances draw a smile from Thomil. He has little to offer on the subject of the weather, however. "I gather it must have quite the ordeal," he comments. "What could keep you out in such trying conditions?" Dorian's question earns him a sudden laugh from Karuil, but her expression closes up again almost immediately. "I've nothing to say," she tells him in voice so quiet it barely carries the words to his ears.
#51 aridar Aug 24, 2007 12:14:39	Aridar turns his head and looks at Xade immediately after Thomil asks the question. His expression says nothing but the halfing can tell that Aridar believes it may be unwise to diverge any information to those not part of the order.
#52 xade_lilfellow Aug 24, 2007 12:19:16	Oblivious to the look that Aridar gives him Xade answers carefully "Well I am not sure I should give all the details, but I think I can say that we were doing a training mission for the Royal Order of the Silver Sword." Xade explains to Thomil
#53 shatteredtower Aug 25, 2007 9:49:29	"Ah... discretion in service," Thomil murmurs. "Commendable. I shall not pry further, then. It is sufficient that the three of you happened by us at a fortuitous moment and that we shall repay you for your assistance. Have you been to the Last Lich Inn before?" OoC The dice favour Aridar this time -- 18 on an untrained Knowledge check means he's the only one familiar with the Last Lich. The results for Dorian and Xade were 4 and 6 respectively. Aridar, the reasons you know of the place are entirely up to you. You even know the reason it was given its name (it was built on the site where the city's last lich was destroyed), so it could be that you stayed at the place, you'd picked up that bit of history out of general interest, a combination of the two, or any of a number of other factors. Just don't make them too convoluted. ;)
#54 aridar Aug 25, 2007 13:02:08	I've stayed there on a few occasions, Aridar says while he snags a leaf from a nearby bush.
#55 xade_lilfellow Aug 25, 2007 16:53:17	"Sorry, I can not say that I have." states the halfling "I would imagine that the food is better than trail rations?"
#56 dorian_d_grey Aug 27, 2007 1:04:48	Dorian eyes Karuil curiously than equally quiet he answers "Then let us walk in peace and enjoy nature's blessing"
#57 shatteredtower Aug 28, 2007 0:21:20	"Mm," Karuil says, nodding her affirmation to Dorian. "Yes," Thomil tells Xade, "Most certainly. At least some of it will be fresh, rather than pickled or salted, for one thing, though for those with a deep enough purse, I have been told that the place can come through with the best ingredients even out of season."
#58 xade_lilfellow Aug 28, 2007 16:40:21	"Sounds like they are a very fine establishment. I wonder about the name Last Lich, it seems a bit strange, but I don't think it matters." as he continues walking along
#59 dorian_d_grey Aug 29, 2007 1:20:43	Dorian walks besides Karuil and keeps quiet. His bow loosly in his hand, every now and then he stops to examine some animal tracks or a flower or plant. Whenever he finds something usefull he pockets a few leaves to show to Xade and Aridar later on