A ship rides at anchor, supplies being loaded carefully into its hold, a lot of supplies.  This ship is being readied for a long voyage, from the armaments already on deck you gather that they are expecting trouble on this trip and are ready to deal with it.
This message was last updated by the GM at 09:08, Thu 29 Sept 2005.

Brald walks whistling down the dock, his thin blades swinging jauntily, but comfortably, at his sides, hung from a belt that was nearly a sash.  Seeing the ship ahead, he scrambles up the side, nearly levitating as he walks up the mooring rope while carrying his duffle on one shoulder, and a jug on the other.

Hopping off the rail to deck, he looks around for officers or crew, and heads for the crew berths to pick a good place to sling his hammock.

Varul finishes checking the hull of the ship. Seeing that it is sound and no one seems to be around beneath the waves. He spears a fish and eats it raw before surfacing. He then climbs up the rope he left hanging over the leeward side. As he jumps on deck holding his trident he see's that the ship is still being loaded. And some little person was heading down below deck with a duffel bag.  He scans the deck for the captain ready to ask about the little person...but has already forgotten about him.

Sitting amidships on the prow, Varlath gazed lazily overboard at the calm water. He had a feeling it wouldn't be long before the sails held the wind and they skipped along the waves after some other pirate ship or whatnot. Ever since he had travelled down from the Cold Lands, Varlath found the climate to be a lot more agreeable, even on a boat. Except for a few squalls here and there, and the ever present danger of losing a battle to the pirates, life on the water was ultimately better than living off the frozen barrens up north. Shaking himself from his thoughts, Varlath contented himself with flickering tiny balls of light from finger to finger, keeping his fingers loose and his attention focused while waiting for a signal from the captain, telling them when they'd be off.

"Be careful with those supplies men, get them stored and lashed down, I don't want them rolling around below decks if we hit a squal!" the Captain yells to his men as they go about loading various supplies into the ships hold.  Food stuffs, water, rum, weapons, cold weather gear, all manner of supplies are loaded deep into the hold.  Several men are busy testing and retesting the draw on several large balista, making sure they are in good working order should the time come that they are needed.  Turning to his first mate the Captain asks "Varul, your back! How was the swim? Have you assembled the crew? we are about ready to sail.  I only see two of my marines, I take it the rest are still spending thier advance, making ready to bury The Dead Horse?" he chuckles as he says this last.

Vraul wathced as the Captain looked over his domain. He was lost in thought at how lucky he was to be with such a man. When hearing his name broke him out of his musing, "Huh! Ahh, I mean aye sir. Everything be fine down below. And I am 'fraid half da crew still be ashore. Should I fetch 'em?"  He ask having forgotten the destruction and harm he did last time he went to round up the crew....and a couple of others that looked like crew by mistake.

Calgarvin walks hurriedly along the edge of the docks, one leg seeming to be out of time with the other. He throws the occasional pebble or somesuch into the water, and continues on towards the ship. When he arrives, he boards the vessel and seeks out the captain. "Sorry I'm close to time, Captain. All anyone seems willing to do here is haggle. It took me longer than I had anticipated." He looks around at the last of the gear being stowed aboard. "Perhaps I should assist with the cargo?" and he waits for his captain to confirm his orders.

Vraul doesn't give time for the captain to answer. Feeling like he should have gotten everyone on board by now he snaps, "Don't be bothering the captn about your shore leave. Jump to it and lay a hand on the cargo so we can leave this stinking shoreline."

Calgarvin nods to Varul with a cheerful smile and goes to tend with the remaining cargo.

Seeing Calgarvin jump to work Vraul thinks Besides the captn. Dis is why I like did ship, all true sailors knowin whats got to be done.

Brald stowed his gear at one of the better spots in the crew deck, near the gangway down, and thus one of the few places that actually got fresh air in the stinking hold.

Returning above, he saw the Mate and the Cap'n getting things started for a shove-off, and quicky scampered into the rigging.  Unlacing the casings from the canvas, readying for the order to uncase, and checking the cleats, lashes, belays, lines, and sheets for security and soundness.

Working his way quickly from mast to mast along booms, lines and stays. He joined the crew at the cargo boom, working to secure the heavy spar once the last of the cargo was winched aboard.

Vraul checks over the crew and slowly counts the number he see's. When he reaches 29 he cannot he is not happy. He knows that their is 30 crew plus the captain. And the captain is here. So he counts again. He comes up with 29. He walks over to the cpatain and says, "I see's 29 sailors on board or hauling cargo aboard and we 's suppose to have 30." [Private to Captain Clarke: Of course the capt may remember he always forgets to count his self....]

Xan walked down the dock toward the ship he'd signed on with, lost in his own thoughts.  He climbed the gangplank and walked right past the Captain and first mate and down the steps to the crew quarters, all the while muttering to himself.   "If I can just find the right components to stablize the spell matrix, I won't need to worry about the inflections, I can just use Acibek's Principle to create a basic resonance..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:44, Wed 05 Oct 2005.

"Well Varul, worry not about that last man, I'm sure we won't be to badly put out being one man down." Clarke says with a smile at his old friend.  "I hope to sail with the morning tide Varul, make sure the men are settled in below, the food stuffs are stored safetly below decks, and the weapons are ready for our sailing.  Let me know if anything is out of order before we ship...I'd like to have as smooth a trip as possible this round out." walking to the rail of the ship Captain Clarke looks over and gives a whistle, when that whistle is returned by the swish of water as a huge beast churns the water nearby, knowing that his full crew is ready to sail now.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Sun 23 Oct 2005.

Vraul starts bellowing "Alright you maggots. Lets get this cargo below deck and lashed down. Then everyone check your battle stations. All weapons to be maintained and kept in well working order. Once ye have done dat. You can square aways your own gear get sum food and grab some sleep. Ye will be needing it. We leave on the morning tide." Then he walks around makig sure everything he hs asked is being done. He was in such a good mood today knowing he was leaving shallow waters tha the was kinda nice in his request today.

He will go below decks and start by checking the food stuffs. One thing he knew, this crew didn't eat live items from da sea like him. So theny need their food stored right. He checks all items, including personal are tied down. If he finds somthing that isn't, he will throw it to the ground and call the owner to task.  He will finally check all weapons. from melee to the siege. For these he hopes we will need.

Varlath absently watches the Captain and Varul interact, standing as the Captain gave his orders. "Weapons secure, sir." Varlath calls out to the man, waggling his fingers playfully and heading below docks as well, making sure his personal gear was strapped down so it wouldn't be spilt all over the place. Looking around, Varlath also made sure his spear and crossbow were strapped tightly in place as well, hoping to prevent any chance of injury.

"Shipshape and all square, Sir!"  Brald tells the mate with a causually sloppy salute, but there is nothing sloppy about his gear or the cargo he'd secured.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Thu 06 Oct 2005.

Vraul is pleased to see that everyone is doing as required for a successful cruise. His spirits are up as he see's and hears that all is ship shape. And once he has double checked....he will inform the cpatain that all is ready.

Glad to know that all is ready for the journey ahead Clarke calls his crew together before sending them back to their duties and bedding down for the night. "People, we ship out on the 'morrow for a round of hunting.  With any luck we will have a good run, and come back with enough to retire on!  Our letter of marque has been renewed to protect the waters around Amn, specificly we are to protect these waters.  We will be out for a good little while, I expect you to keep a tight ship.  I want to know that when the time comes for battle each of you is ready for what is to be required of us all.  That said, finish your duties and relax for the evening.  I'd like you all to stay aboard tonight, I don't want to have to sail while some of you are still sleeping off the nights revelry." his peace said Clarke nods to excuse you and returns to his cabin to go over charts.

"Aye aye Capn," Vraul says. Then shouts "Get back to work and anyone leaving the ship will have their gizard ate by me."

Varlath returns the captain's nod and heads back to his place near the prow of the ship where he takes a seat for the night, retiring only when the sky blackens and the call for curfew goes out. Looking out over the calm waters of port, the young mage's thoughts drifted randomly between memories and guesses of the future.

Calgarvin goes below to check that all of his gear is in order. He resurfaces on deck a short while later and begins wandering slowly about the ship, checking joins, etc, acquainting himself with the architecture of the vessel.[Private to DM Foxpaws: Occasionally I will check in on my animal companion (who I have yet to name), just to make sure all is well with him.

Sounds good to me, Hell, I havn't even figured out what the captain is yet...I'm thinking he's gonna be turned into a cleric, or just a straight fighter...gotta be sure I can kill Ninj4 when it comes time for battle....

 I'm justing holding the game in port until the pirates are ready to rock, and I'm busying getting ready for mid-terms so i'm putting more effort into school right now than I am into the game (have to, boss will only pay for a B or better, and I won't accept less than an A)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:19, Sat 08 Oct 2005.

Its almost six days later that the Swyft Wynd limps its way into a port in Amn.  The captain calls his crew together, thanking them for their work on board these last six weeks as he hands each man the remainder of their pay, 25 small bags of coins is handed out to each sailor, a slightly larger bag is handed to each of the marines as the captain tells his men enjoy their leave time and to report back in a a tenday...looking back over the ship he amends that....two ten day before she'll be ready to sail again.


OOC: Looks like the pirates are getting to sail, so I'm bringing the ship in for outfitting, each of you has been paid a gold per level a day (for anyone that was luck enough to lvl up with that shark its 180, for the rest 120.  Have fun in port, once Ninj4cow starts to maraude and sink ships (a rumors get back to port).

Your in a typical sailing town, not very large but if needed you can get up to 2nd lvl scrolls and potions, and most common items.[Private to Varlath Kir'El: To save you some money, the spear is +1 spellstoring.]

Also, everyone gets 110010000 in XP....thats binary, not base 10 folks....the first one to send me what it is its another 110010 to go with it :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:17, Sat 05 Nov 2005.

OOC:
400 XP[Private to DM Foxpaws: 50 XP for knowing]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Sat 05 Nov 2005.

"You guys go get drunk..have fun. But be back here sober and ready for work as the capn said. We sail wif or wit out ya." Vraul says as he watches the crew leave.

OOC: Very good Varul, unfortunatly Valrath sent me a PM with it at 12:22....he beat ya by 2 hours I'm afraid.  BUt yes, everyone gets 400xp :)

OOC: Yaa...sure he did....Teachers pet...:)

OOC: Yeah, I know how it looks, he gets the spear, he gets the xp....but just between you and me, he's not gonna survive the town! MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!  Oh, don't read this Varlath....

See, I am willing to post my guess in public..what was he scared for others to see him wrong...Puny human. :)

As the men leave the ship the captain goes about checking on carpenters to repair his ship, he'll be busy for a while.  Fanning out from the ship the men all head off to whatever taverns or whorehouses they can find.  Enter into a tavern near to the dock the small group of Marines find a livly place.  The place is fairly full with sailors and ladies of less than the best reputations.  The innkeeper is behind the counter as barmaids run drinks back and forth from bar to various tables, dodging hands that reach out to grab at them.


how about a little fun while we wait in port....I'm trying to give the pirates time to have some fun and cause some havoc.  Take a seat, have some drinks, check the place out you just might find something to do while in port...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Sun 06 Nov 2005.

OOC: lol Sorry. I'm working on a major in computing, binary is almost second nature to me.

Varlath smiles faintly as the ship nears the city. He was still a 'land-lubber' enough to like the feel of a city, and as such, roamed the city with relish. He went out looking for a magic supply shop, almost itching to be around another trained in the Art, and hoping they had a few items that could help him and the crew should any pirates be seen the next time they put out.

Since your leaveing the group briefly, we'll go this route for the deal...just update this message in a new color so we can figure out whats what.

Wandering the town you soon come upon a small herb shop that seems to have some other items sprinkled about.  Upon entering you are greeted by a young woman, carefully measuring powders into small flasks.  "Welcome, I'll be with you in a moment, feel free to look around! she says to you with a distracted smile.


Returning the woman's smile, Varlath takes a few moments to look around, waiting for the apparent shop owner to finish her task before speaking. "You wouldn't happen to have any mage wares would you? Perhaps a few scrolls? Or potions maybe?"

With a smile she replies "Indeed I do! though my selection is not large I carry a few items of iterest.  Here, have a look at these." as she points out a small glass case, a small selection of vials, rolled papers, and a few odds and ends are contained within.

Potions:
Cure light wounds
Endure Elements
Mage Armor
Magic Weapon

Scrolls:
Burning Hands
Comprehend Languages
Identify
Floating Disk
True Strike
(ask for others, all 0 lvl spells, most 1st and a few 2nd can be made with time)

Other Items:
Wand of magic missile (1st lvl)
Feather Token, Whip
Elixir of swimming
Bracers of Armor +1
ring of resistance +1

"See anything of interest?" she asks after you have finished looking at and asking about her wares.

"Indeed I do! Although, I do have another question. Do you buy items?" Varlath points towards the wand of magic missile and then pulls a wand of his own out from his belt pouch. "I find myself not using this certain wand, and would be more than willing to say...trade it? For the one you have. I assure you the item is full of energy, having not been used once. It allows the user to detect doors and whatnot that are hidden from view. Either way you'd like to do this, I'm also looking at purchasing two scrolls of Identify should my budget allow for it."

OOC: Planning on selling/trading Wand of Detect Secret Doors(50 charges) and buying the Wand of Magic Missile + 2 Identify scrolls.

"Hmmm....I don't think a swap would be possible, but I think perhaps I can give you the scrolls and 300 gold for the wand (ooc, wand would sell for 375, the scrolls are 125 each....good deal, she'll give you 550 for the wand basicly... But the new wand will cost list price.) but don't go telling anyone about this!" she tells you, waiting to see if the offer is acceptable to you.

"Sounds good...uh and can I get a restock of basic components?" With another smile, Varlath waits for the lady to get his 'order' together.

Humming as she collects items from here and there about the store the young woman soon arrives with a small tray of odd items which she gives you to restock your component pouch.  Once that is done she asks "Were you interested in the missile wand?" waiting to hear your answer.

"Ah, yes, I was interested in that item. So, what's the damage?" he asks with a warm smile, lifting a clinking pouch from his belt.

"Well, if I keep the 300, and it'll run you another 450gp for the wand" she says.  Holding the items expect for the wand out to you, that she has in her other hand, ready to hand over if you still want it.

"I'll take it all then, thank you." Hefting his pouch of gold from his belt, along with the one recently aqquired from the captain when they commenced shore leave, Varlath begins to sort out the required payment due, reattching his 'purse' to his belt and slipping the two scrolls into the scroll organizer he wore across his chest, the wand getting tucked in another pouch along with one from previous adventures.

Handing over the scrolls and the 300 gold pieces for your wand she agrees "Yes, 750gp it is sir." she smiles as she says this, obviously one of her better sales of the week.

"Alright then. Here ya go...your 300 back, and the rest..." Varlath passes back the woman's 300 gold along with 450 from his own stock, smiling all the while and thanking her once more before heading from the shop and back towards the tavern he'd seen the rest of the group enter.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Wed 16 Nov 2005.

Grabbing a recently vacated table near the hearth the small group of Marines sit down and begin to order drinks.  Taking out a small pouch of coins that the captain always gives to Varul for just such occasions the Large warrior orders a round for the group from the captain as thanks for a good, safe, voyage.  Glacing around the inn it is a fairly normal place.  There is however an old man, a bottle sits at this table unopened, as does a small box, which looks like a writting table.  The man keeps looking at the writing table and shaking his head as he mutters quietly to himself.  The rest of the inn is filled with the usual assortment of sailors and docksmen, drinking alone or in groups, quietly or boasting it is the same as any of a thousand dockside taverns around the world, and it is comforting to back in one again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:07, Mon 14 Nov 2005.

"A drink ta da Capn," Vraul says raising his mug. But keeping his eyes on the old man. "Drink up boys. Ye earned it."

Calgarvin follows the crew as they enter the tavern and tentatively toasts the Captain's health when Varul does. Other than that, he remains quiet throughout proceedings.

Vraul call for another ale. Asking if they have a real size mug. When he askthat you look at his hand and it easily encompases the entire mug. If you were not looking for it you might have missed it.

Brald picked up his flagon, and makes a grandiose salute with it.   "To the Captain!"  He shouts out, agreeing with the toast.  Then he takes a mighty draught, emptying the draught in heroic, if somewhat sloppy manner.

Once he finishes the toast, he slams the mug unto the table hard, upside down, and calls for the barmaid and a refill. "Another drink!  and for my friends here, at the table, Lass!"  He addresses the comely wench, and gives her a friendly smack on the derriere.

OOC:
Not a round for the house, or even the crew, just the table.

A fresh round of drinks is brought to the table, the wench serving them careful to keep away from the large warrior at the end of the table...she doesn't like the cut of his jib!  Taking a few silver pieces from Brald she makes her way away from the table and on to another.

PM[Private to Varlath Kir'El: OOC: Ok, so its 750 for the wand, but you got 300 and the two scrolls for your wand, so that should help cover the costs.  When you get done go ahead and hop on over to the tavern where the rest of the group is....be sure to read the post about the tavern and beyond and have fun.]

OOC: Hey guys, I know I havn't posted anything, but please, talk to each other, you've just spent 3 months at sea and barely spoke there, now your going to spend 2 weeks in a bar and not speak to, come on guys!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:20, Tue 15 Nov 2005.

Brald gives the better looking of the barmaids an eye, his face in a lopsided smile.  "Hey lass!"  he coaxes, "Come here."   He attempts to swing an arm around her waist and pull her to sit on his lap.  "I've just spent three months at sea, and you're the prettiest thing I've seen in that time and more!" He bounces her on his knee.  "Care to be friendly with a sailin' man?"  He laughs, roughly and over-loud, not drunk yet, but feeling release from shipboard discipline.

Twisting away with a playful slap and a wink the barmaid slides off your lap and goes about her duties.  Not interested just yet, but who knows what the night, and a few coins, might bring.

He laughs, and matches her slap on the wrist with one of his own on her backside.  Turning to his companions, he lifts his flagon and downs most of it.  "So, what plans have ye in port, fellas?"  He asks, wiping foam from his lip with his sleeve.

Vraul yells over at the old man, "why you not drinking. If ye be a sailor come join us." And he downs another mug. He also indicates he needs more rather quickly.

Much to old to be a sailor any longer the old man looks up briefly at the large first mates call, putting a protective hand on the writing box as he does so before taking his head in his hands again, snatching it away from the box when he reliases where it is resting.  He quietly goes back to muttering "_{to late now, to old, to late, why now?}" he goes on with more of the same.

Vraul stands and faces the old man, "Hey whadda ya say? Not even answering to da drink is bad enough...but cursing us too."

"A drink, yes, that is just what I need! Thank you young ma..." the old man replies before looking up and snapping his mouth shut with an audible snap.  He recognizes the half-ogre for what he is, and the fear is evident in his eyes.  "A drink...yes....a nice peaceful drink.....whatever you say sir... he grabs the writing box as he says this, slowly getting up to go stand by the rest of Varul's group, hoping that they can keep the first mate in check should anything happen.

"Too late for what, old timer?"  Brald asks, pouring the geezer a drink.

Accepting the drink brought for him, the old man downs it quickly, and another after that.  It takes him a little while to figure out if he's going to discuss it, but eventually he begins to speak.  "My name is Renny Beroon, i've been sailing these waters for longer 'em most of you have been alive...and I'm to old for it any longer.  My father was a merchant, my mother a pirate...a union that didn't last to long!  Mum left shortly after I was born, leaving me with my father who taught me everything he knew about the sea.  My mum's been dead now for close to 30 years, but just yesterday I got this from her...its been waiting with an old elf friend of hers...and I'm just to old for what it says." Renny rests his hand on the box, a sad expression on his face.

Brald laughs so hard he nearly - not quite, but nearly - spills his drink.   "So you have a pirate treasure map, old timer?"  He fishes about in his pocket, and pulls forth 7 silver coins.  "You keep your map, and take this to keep the chill from your bones."  He then turns his attention back to the barmaid.

"Map? no, no map, a note I said, a note from my mother. and I thank you for the coins" taking the coin he orders himself a drink and goes back to his table with the box still shaking his head at the box and its timeliness in getting to him.

PM
[Private to GM:
Dearest Renny,

   If you are reading this letter then I have passed away. I have kept this story away from you all these years in hope that it will not be necessary to tell you.  However, I had long ago decided that once I am no longer amongst the living that this story be told.  Many years ago I roamed the seas aboard a ship called Nightfall.  In desperate times I fell to piracy, and discovered I had quite a knack for the life.  During my last voyage we encountered danger that we had never seen before and it caused me to decide to leave the sea.  We had run across a priate named Bloodsong and were chasing him for his famed treasure.  This might not sound so strange, except that Bloodsong is a powerful undead.  The troubles that we ran into decimated my crw, killing more than half of them.  We turned back and made for a safe harbor, barely being able to sail the ship.  We were out manned and outmagicked.  They sunk the ship.  Only three of us got away.  Other than the two that swam to shore with me, I never saw any of the crew of the nightfall again.  I do not know what ever happened to Bloodsong, but I'll give you a piece of advice, if you do decide to seek out his treasure and the treasure he took from us, don't underestimate him.

  With this letter is a map to where the key for Bloodsong's treasure is hidden.  You must find all the pieces of the key to claim the treasure.  It shows you where the treasure was hidden all those years ago, I know not if it is still there.

   I hope that this admission will bring you luck, not harm.

                          --Remember me alays,
                          --You mother - Black Kat
]
[Private to Varlath Kir'El: Feel free to join yourself into the party at the tavern, come in as you like :)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Thu 17 Nov 2005.

"Note, map, whatever - I'm sure you'll find someone to take if off your hands for a good price."  He agrees jovialy, and tips his flagon toward the serving wench, requesting a refill.

"Sell it he says, keep it says I! I may be told to do anything with it, but its mine!  You sell off the last stitch yer mother ever gave to ya, damn kids have no sense of family..." with that the old man gets up and leaves, the box under his arm as he exits the tavern to disappear into the city.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Thu 17 Nov 2005.

"Hmmm... No sales pitch, that's odd."  Brald mused over his beer, and watched the door close behind the old man.  For a minute or so, he watched the door to see if anyone followed.

[Private to Brald Wyndlass: You weren't interested, and he wasn't selling...but it was real and for a cut he would have hired a younger crew to go get it ;) - FP]

[Private to DM Foxpaws: I figured from the start it was probably real - but someone with a 'genuine pirate treasure map' is so cliche that Brald couldn't help but be suspicious.  That, and his 'people skills' all suck.]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Thu 17 Nov 2005.

"Hey old man. You leave and me not done drinking!" Vraul roars at the insult. "Sailor may....you just wish ye were one. You low life land lubber."

[Private to DM Foxpaws: I wouldn;t have done the insult, instead I would have just stopped him by grabbing him...but you go to the DRs and post just fly by.....so much for my bar fight huh...  :)]

Calgarvin consider the words of the old man. "Still, anyone whose mother was a pirate might have been a useful person to know in our line of business," he muses to no one in particular.

"If the story about his mother wasn't just background for his 'pirate treasure' con."  Brald answered cynically.  Then he slammed his empty flagon on the table.  "Wench!  More beer, and make haste!"  He yelled in a half-buzzed, good natured shout to the room, and banged the tankard again.

Bringing another round of brew for the table the barmaid smiles at Brald brazenly as she sets the drinks down, and doesn't seem to slap him quite as hard when he makes a grab for her.  Once that done she leaves the table with a back glance and a wink before heading on to another table.

Brald watches with appreciation the fluid dynamics of shoulder's, back, and hips swaying away through the crowd.  Surely, she rolled those hips like waves on a stormy shore - dangerous, but quite an exciting ride.

Varalth entered the tavern a few moments later, his eyes glancing throughout the interior for his shipmates, a wry smile gracing his features as his gaze came upon them. Striding up to their table, Varlath finds himself a seat though declines any offered ale. "Already you find entertainment. Would it not that the seas provided such fun, albeit without the dangers no?"

Vraul sits back down with a fresh drink. He could not believe how fast the old man was at running out of the bar. he scowls thinking of the insult of him leaving. And not knwoing what was in the box...

Coming into the tavern and looking around the Captain smiles to see his marines all together, coming to the table he addresses the small group.  "It seems we're going to be in port a little longer that i had thought.  That shark did quite a number on the old girl when it hit her, we're gonna be here another week at least." Taking a seat a the table Clarke calls out "Another round for my men barkeep!" to the crew he goes on "There is of course room on board the ship for bedding down, but the cook's gone on to have shore leave so yer pretty much on your own for grub.  I'm gonna be in and out of town, gonna try to scare up some work for us to cover these costs, damn shark..." finishing his drink the captain bids you all a good evening, and a fun one to boot as he gets up to head back to the ship to check on his carpenters.

Brald salutes the captain with his tankard.  "Valkur bless ye, Cap'n!"  He roared, emptying the vessel in the tradtional rapid, but messy manner of a drunken sailor.

"Bless ye Capn," Vraul says as he picks up th enew drink and downs it. "I'll be on and off our lady the whole time were here...." Then he mumbles "That be if not in a brig." with a slight smile.

OOC: Just for kicks....whos still with us?

Brald? - Check, I know your in still.
Calgarvin? - Last update the 19th
Varlath? - Last update the 19th
Varul? - Check, I know your in still.
Xannath? - Pretty sure you dropped out, but can't remember sh!t anymore...
Clarke? - You post way to infrequently, I'm gonna have to dock you 1,000,000 xp for that...sorry.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Sun 27 Nov 2005.

Still here Fox. I'm not tending to say much when Varul is around :)

Still here...

Varlath nodded to the captain, though refused the ale. The Art was difficult as it was, he didn't need the effects of alcohol making it any harder. "I'll probably be spending nights aboard the ship as well." he mentions, though trails off at the end as the Captain had already made his way out of the tavern.

If Vraul see's that Varlath's second and/or mug of ale is not empty..he wil lreach across grab them and down them. With a loud burb he says "Now dat is starting to hit da spot." He wipes his mouth with the back of his large hand. And shouts for more ale. "When I see dat old man again, I'll see what's in dat box. Pirates he says...right..."

"An 'ere's to da mate!"  Brald grabs a tankard - probably destined for another table - off the plate held by the passing barmaid, and holds it high.  "Him what's so ugly that when he meets a shark in tha sea, he scares da beast clean out'a da wadder!"  Then he downs the brew, getting most of it down his gullet and only a bit down the front of the shirt.

Then he slams the empty mug down hard, rocking the table, and roared out a challege.  "WHO HERE THINKS THEY CAN TAKE ON THE HAIRIEST, SMELLIST, FIGHT'NEST CREW WHAT EVER SAILED THE SEAS???   STEP UP OR CALL YERSELVES LILLY LIVERED BILGE SCUM!"

Varul laughs and drinks the ale. Though over the rim of the mug, he does check out the other patrons.

Calgarvin waits quietly to see if some group of oafs might take up the challenge.

A look around the tavern shows most people engrossed in their drinks, carefully avoiding eye contact with the drunkard and his companions.  Most of them are older folk, anyone healthy enough to be sailing is out doing so, those that aren't are at the docks looking for work.  Another round of brew is quickly brought to the table, as well as several barmaids sent by the innkeeper in an attempt to keep his bar in tact before anything gets destroyed.


OOC: if yer looking fer a fight, end the evening, we'll get the old man back in here and you can roll the bum for his box ;)  there will be plenty of battles in there...with luck I'll get one of you killed :)

Brald looks about the room gumpily, then gracelessly allows the extra maids to calm him down.  Soon, he's drinking again, more slowly, with a lass on each knee, bouncing saucily.


OOC:  I thought a bar fight might be fun.  And I figured we might not be the only ship in port - or the only crew with pride.  Besides, Bralds got the charisma of a turnip :)

With a gentle tug and a wink the bar maids pair off with each of the sailors, the evening has come to a close and its time for bedding...pulling off to a uite corner of the common room its not long before the regulars have left and the nights activies have begun.

OOC:  Brald, give me a spot check at -5 for being drunk.  anyone else that wants to bed a woman or two do so as well.  If not then walk yer drunk selves back to the ship and a quiet nights sleep before being woken by pounding from the carpenters and headaches ;)

btw, I hate running bar fights, never seems fair to me, most NPC's are gonna be lvl 1 or 2 commoners, most lvl 1 PC's are gonna be able to take out 2 or more before they go down....tossing uber npc's seems like a bit of a farce for me....I know, who am I to think of a farce....its me after all!

Vraul smiles a great smile, that has caused more fright then he has ever been aware of. And ask for one more Al for the road. "Bring me a big drink if ya want me ta walk outta here." Vraul yells as he places the coin for the dirink on the table. He will down it in one gulp with a loud burp afterwards. "Well then lads. Do what ever it is ya do for fun. And we can start a drinking again in da morning...." He laughs at da thought. He would hate to head out to sea with coin in his pocket...what a waste he thinks.

Sending a skin full of ale to the table there must be at least a gallon of the amber drink waiting.  The large first mate drains most of it in a long swing, more than a little running down his chest as the brew goes down.

Brald failed to notice his purse getting lifted, but he was having such a good time he didn't care much.

[Private to Brald Wyndlass: Good call, after the girl gets down with ya she's gonna help herself to a few coins...not so much as you'd kill her for it however ;)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:50, Tue 29 Nov 2005.

"Now that is how a drink should be served." Vraul says satisfied. "I think I can handle being on land now. So off to the hammock it is." He drains the skin and hands it back and says "Serve it to me like that for now on. The rest are not even a tatse." He laughs.

The night goes swiftly for the drink imbibed marines, the dawn bringing the dreaded sunlight, and the pounding of carpenters repairing the ship, or the ache of waking up from having slept on a tavern floor, the nights companion off about her daily chores to return in the evening.  There are a few chores to be taken care of on the ship, checking on the work and checking in with the captain for any duties that he might want done.  He informs you all that everything is well with the ship for now, and that Fido has security covered...the large riples under the water letting you know that the monster is near at hand.

brald made his way, blurry-eyed, away from the docks along the shore - finding a stretch of beach - he stripped to his ponaloons and dove into the salty waters - splashing about for a few minutes - he rinsied the worst of the night off his face and waded back to shore.

Not waiting for his skin to dry, he re-dressed and walked back into town, feeling remotely human again.

Vraul was sleeping deeply and was suprise dto be woken up by a nudge. He opens his eyes and see's Fido. Though he lies in shadow from the great beast, the sun is up. He shakes his head and smiles. He swims up to the bottom of the ship and lays his hand up against her hull. He does not remember if he walked into the bay...but even drunk he would not fall off a ship.

He nods to Fido and climbs up on to the ship and reports into the Captain. Even though he has the day off, he examines what is being done to the ship. With a grunt here or there as he pass' by the workers.

He feels his pouch and decides he has to go back on land....it is not yet empty....

At first light Calgarvin moves away from the docks to take a swim for a half hour or so. [Private to DM Foxpaws: and have a bit of a play with my dolphin]

He returns to the ship and seeks out Varul.
[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: When he sees the first mate he draws in a breath and approaches him. "Mr Varul, sir, I was wondering if I could just have a moment. I was hoping I might be able to take a small advance in my pay. It's not that I'm greedy. But I don't have a copper to my name and was unable to buy a round of drinks for the lads last night. I don't want to be labelled a leech and a bludger. Is there any possibility I might be able to grab just a few silver for today so that I can pitch in with buying drinks?" (OOC: I'm assuming that you can read that too, Foxpaws)]

Vraul turns to Calgarvin and yells, but since all other characters are ashore...only the Captain and the hired hands hear...
[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: Some spittle flys "Why you no good land lubbing worm. You have no money and want an advance do ya. We give no advances here. You earn what's you get." And don;t forget it. Then in a lower voice "You owe me boy. And don;t be talking about iot either." Vraul grabs a couple of gold (2),  9 silver and 9 copper and hands it to him with a snear. "Now get ashore and don;t let the Capn know you was needing money and went sking like a begger. You let me know iffin you get into trouble...but I won't give you more moeny unless it be for grog." ]

Having retired to the ship for the night, refusing both women and ale, Varlath wakes feeling refreshed. He stands from his place of rest on his cot deep within the ship and streches, yawning slightly and shaking his head to further wake himself up. Varlath goes about the daily routine of clothing himself and gathering his possessions before heading abovedecks, looking out over the water and glancing around for and sign of his other shipmates. As he sees Calgarvin approaching the ship, and Varul yelling something to the man, Varlath decides to attempt to remain unobtrusive, hanging around the rear of the ship, opposite the first mate and adjusting to the rising sun.

Calgarvin quickly thanks Varul and exits his presence in the direction of Varlath.

He approaches his shipmate, calmly wiping the odd dollop of saliva from his face and cloak. He whispers to Varlath, "He's quite a nice fellow, actually, once you get to know him," and he finishes his obsrvations with a cheeky smile.

He continues to speak with Varlath in hushed tones; "I was wondering if I might interest you in a drink this morning. Perhaps a couple of quiet ales, or whatever is your fancy, before he arrives." He looks around to make sure Varul is not within earshot, "I tend to feel a little on edge in his presence, whether we be on duty or no."

"Ah, no you misunderstand my intentions. I do not, fear the first mate, merely find the work he assigns to be...against my tendancies." Varlath smiles jokingly and nods. "A drink would be grand, though please do not take offense should I refuse the offer of ale. I merely wish to keep a tight hold on my Art." Grabing his new spear, the young mage looks to Calgarvin expectantly, waiting to see which particular alehouse they would go to.
This message was last updated by the player at 00:14, Thu 01 Dec 2005.

Brald walked around the dock district for most of the morning.  Enjoying the salt air and the smells of city sewage pouring out into the harbor.  "Ah!  Cities!"  He exclaimed with pride in human ingenuity.  "What grand places they be."  And he winked at a passing lass.

Laughing at nothing, he wandered the streets, looking into shops and passing by taverns, admirng the wenches and keeping a hand near his purse.

Wandering the streets its a bit of a suprise to run into the old man and his box sitting in front of one of the many dockside taverns, a bottle of rum by his side, barely any of it drunk.

(This is Brald that found the old guy, sorry others)

Brald pauses in his wanderings, then sits next to the old man.  The rickety bench creaked as he leaned back, and he stretched his legs with a long sigh of contentment.   "We meet again, Old Timer."  He notes, after a slight pause.

"Eh, oh...." the old man replies, pushing the bottle of rum towards you.  "Thanks for the coins" he says, offering you the bottle, most likely where all of the coins went.  After Brald has taken a few drinks from the bottle Renny (the old man) turns to him and says "You's got a ship kid?  I'm not selling me map like ya thought, but I do need a ship, and some strong arms...ahh hell, what am I saying, you don't trust the old man with his maps, do ya?" with that he snatches the bottle out of your mid swallow and downs a healthy swig himself before handing it back.

Taking a healthy swig of the dog that bit him, Brald nodded slowly.  "Ahhh - good grog that be!"  He rasped out in his best pirate growl, then threw back his head and laughed.  "No."  He sobered, wiping his face with a sleeve after he took another swig when offered, then handed the bottle back.  "I'm just a simple seaman - but if you have need of a ship - mayhap my cap'n would be interested in helping you."

He chuckled then,  "Though he's right sore-toothed over the damage to the ship."  He gave the fellow a long, appraising glance.  "I may have misjudged you sir."  The honorific came easy - he just thought of the fellow as an officer.  "But, before I'd risk wasting the cap'ns time, I'd have to know why."

"'ere, take a look fer yerself pushing the box towards you it takes a few moments to find the clasp, cleverly hidden in the decorative swirl work.  Inside there is a letter, a map, and an a piece of metal that appears as if it is missing something.

The letter reads

Dearest Renny,

   If you are reading this letter then I have passed away. I have kept this story away from you all these years in hope that it will not be necessary to tell you.  However, I had long ago decided that once I am no longer amongst the living that this story be told.  Many years ago I roamed the seas aboard a ship called Nightfall.  In desperate times I fell to piracy, and discovered I had quite a knack for the life.  During my last voyage we encountered danger that we had never seen before and it caused me to decide to leave the sea.  We had run across a priate named Bloodsong and were chasing him for his famed treasure.  This might not sound so strange, except that Bloodsong is a powerful undead.  The troubles that we ran into decimated my crw, killing more than half of them.  We turned back and made for a safe harbor, barely being able to sail the ship.  We were out manned and outmagicked.  They sunk the ship.  Only three of us got away.  Other than the two that swam to shore with me, I never saw any of the crew of the nightfall again.  I do not know what ever happened to Bloodsong, but I'll give you a piece of advice, if you do decide to seek out his treasure and the treasure he took from us, don't underestimate him.

  With this letter is a map to where the key for Bloodsong's treasure is hidden.  You must find all the pieces of the key to claim the treasure.  It shows you where the treasure was hidden all those years ago, I know not if it is still there.

   I hope that this admission will bring you luck, not harm.

                          --Remember me alays,
                          --You mother - Black Kat

Once you've finshed reading the letter the man says, "<Blue>I've got me a hundred gold, more'n enough to pay for ships passage...if the map leads no where, well thats that, if it does however....well, I figure this Bloodsong is gonna be keeping what's his...thats where you and that big lout of a friend ye had yesterday come in....I'll give half to the ship's captin, and half goes to me....if'n yer following any sort of code 'en ye'll get at least a share or two for yer work.</Blue"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:19, Thu 01 Dec 2005.

Brald read silently for a while, much longer than it should have taken.  Slowly, He unfolded the map, memorizing it's key points.  Then he picked up the piece of metal - part of the key, obviously, and hefted it.

It was a long time before he closed the box, and a longer time while he sat there, drumming his work-worn fingers on the worn wooden top.  His eyes traveled over the port, sizing up each ship and it's crew, considering.

Finally, he broke out of the long reflection and turned to the old man.    "Well Renny,"  He began, with more than a shade of regret in his voice.  "Let's go find the Mate."  He handed the box back, and took the bottle, swigging down a triple shot gulp without coming up for air before handing it back.  Then he stood and waited.

OOC: sorry for the lame intro to the next steps, but i'm tired so :P

Renny gets up and follows the scruffy looking sailor, making sure that he has the key well in hand inside the box.

Brald pushes his way along the crowded dock, making his way to the Swyft Wynd moored near the end.  Standing near a mooring post - his blue eyes flick over the scene of busy carpenters and laborers working to repair the worthy craft.

In no time at all, his quick eyes pick out the burly form of the Mate, and he waves, whistles, and calls out.  "Yo!  Reefcrusher!  Over here!"  Then he leads the old man to the gangway, advancing up to the rail and waiting.  "Permission to bring a guest aboard, Sir!"  He snaps in very marine-like fashion, then spoils the effect with a sloppy salute.  As he stood waiting, he belched and flicked a freshly dug booger out over the dock.

Calgarvin turns to move to leave the ship when he spies Brald coming aboard with a visitor. "Say Varlath, isn't that the old fellow from the inn? He seems to be keen to do some business with us." He moves quietly, a little closer to the action to see if he might hear the exchange as Brald addresses the first mate.

Varlath shrugs in agreement and follows behind Calgarvin, though he didn't recognize the old man. "He musta been gone when I came in...doesn't ring a bell for me..." he says, leaning casually against the ship's railing.

Vraul looks down and yells "Come aboard and lets see what he has." Vraul thinks now he will not have to search for the man and take his box. Hmmm wonder wut he gots.

After being welcomed aboard the ship Renny talks to the first mate about his proposition, explaining to the mate the same as he did to Brald.  When done he asks "So, do you think the Captian will be up for it?"

"You know we're not a boat for hire." Says Vraul. "But  Iwill put it to him since it is a unique story and ye were a sailor. But 50/50 may not be enough. You may have the map but it is our lives and the Capn's ship. Wait here and lets see what he says."

Vraul walks off to find the Captain making sure the old man stays by the gang plank. He will find the Captain and fill him in on the deal.

Finding the captain doesn't take long, he is inspecting the ships hull under the surface.  As he emerges with Varul the two go below decks to discuss the offer.[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: After listening to the offer, and hearing your thoughts on it the Captain has this to say to his first mate.  "To put it simply, the ship just isn't ready for travel, one good storm could do us in on the open seas.  I can give you the runabout, it'll only hold a half dozen men, but she's seaworthy." ] Taking Varul back out on deck the captain points to the launch.  "She can be outfitted with a sail and be ready for going out on the 'morrow.  From the looks of that map yer island is no more than a ten-day round trip...I'm looking at that much time in dock at least....take her out, offer any man that goes with ya triple his normal share for the ride...won't leave much for the ship, but the ship isn't going, now is it?"

OOC: sorry Varul, captains gotta get something to keep his ship afloat, the launch isn't the best ship in the world, but I can promise it'll get you thru it

"Aye aye Capn." Vraul says an dheads back to the waiting old man. "OK, here is the deal...I will captain that ship there. You old man will help with your map and memory. She will hold half a dozen or so. Lets see who will volunteer to go with us at triple their normal share. The rest we give to our ship for refitting. We live with the rising of the sun."

Brald thinks the propsition over, obviously not at all happy with the arraingements.  "Triple share of what?  The old man is getting half of what we find, you as captain get half of whats left, and the rest of us get pocket change?"

Calgarvin is visibly about to volunteer for the journey but, after hearing Brald's bold and courageous words to the first mate, decides to be silent for a moment or two longer.

"Not true..It is the same as always. Excpet instead of your normal percentage of the 50% you get triple your percentage...That is three times what you would normally get?" Vraul states confused that the human doe snot hundersatnd what three times means... "After we are paid that will leave some left for the ship repairs top get us back to our real jobs; but that will be less then normal."

Calgarvin takes a tentative step forward. "Count me in, Sir."

With a raised hand and a nod, Varlath stands up from the railing he'd been leaning on earlier. "Aye, myself as well."

"Be on the boat in da morning wif your gear if your going. I expect a fight I do." Vraul says with a grin.

As its been pointed out to me a triple share means nothing, so the long and short of it will be that you'll be splitting 40% of what comes out of this adventure with the old man getting half to set himself up for the rest of his life and take care of any children he might have the last 10% will go to the ship to help with the cost of repairs and restocking.  BTW, for those that havn't gamed with me before, odds are you won't get treasure that often, but when you do...well, i'm sure you can get the idea.

"And if we set sail before the sun comes up, I will throw my Captains share in the pot and we can split it all evenly. So lets get ready." Vraul says trying to motivate everyone and get their best.

"I'm in."  Brald says after checking his purse.   "Another night in port and I'll be broke anyway."

"That sounds like a plan." Vraul says.

Another night in port goes fairly quickly, the day spent preparing the small craft with its makeshift sail and loading enough provisions on board for the small party.  The ships carpenter has also erected a makeshift tent over the rear of the craft to shade you from the warm sun.  The evening is spent resting up for the trip out, consulting charts and making copies of the charts needed to get you from port to where your guessing the first key piece should be waiting.

OOC: Lead us out whoever is going to be elected captain of this little trip.

Broke, but happy, Brald again takes a bath in the sea, this time differing only in that he washes his clothes too, by wearing them while he swims.  disrobing after he emerges from the water, he lays on the beach, his clothes spead in the sun.  When they dry, he beats the salt from them, and just as the sun parts from the horizon, he head to the little craft.  Immediately, he busys himself checking lines and rigging with a practiced eye.

Next morning, Calgarvin is at the launch well before sunrise and awaits the rest of the expedition to arrive. [Private to DM Foxpaws: Will spend a little time before then playing with my animal companion and try to familiarise him with the fact that we are heading off in the little boat. Also note I have changed my spells for the expedition. Cheers]

Vraul comes aboard the launch from underneath...Where once again you assume he slept under the ship. As soon as everyone is onboard he will shove off and set sail. He will consult with the old man and get the bearings right for their destination.

This message was deleted by the player at 03:09, Fri 09 Dec 2005.

"Get dem sails up, lets go." Varul calls out.

Brald hauls up the sails, basically by himself as not much halp was needed with this small craft.   Tying off the sheets, he set about trimming the sail to get the most wind off Varul's choosen course.

"Now we're off an running." Vraul smiles as the wind blows his hair back and the salt mist strikes his face.

Calgarvin looks around to see if anything needs doing and, if not, he sneaks a few moments to just enjoy the ride.

As the boat sail on effortlessly..Vraul does not notice what others are doing unless there is sudden movement...he is enjoying the freedom of being out to sea once again.

Brald stands at the bow and enjoys the sea breeze in his face and the salt spray plowing off the cutting keel.

"I think we are favored on this task." Vraul says as he see's that dolphins are now playing just off the racing bow of their small ship. Leading them on their course like a compass needle.

Sitting in the back of the ship under the impromtu 'roof', Varlath stares out at the horizon. He shakes his head slightly to bring himself out of his thoughts and looks around at the other marines. Muttering an incantation under his breath, Varlath looks at each of them once more.

[OOC: Casting Detect Magic and then just looking at everyone to see what items show up magic.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Sun 11 Dec 2005.

After enjoying the wind in his face for a bit, brald walks along the gunwale, checking sheets and bends for the most part, and he tightens the sail to get an extra bit of travel from the wind.

OOC:
Magic= three potions

"Good job Brald," Vraul yells as he double checks their course....

OOC: Did Vraul her the mumbling (casting)  :

His trident glows[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: Beat a 17 on a listen check and you did (15 for whispering, 2 for the sound of the surf to hide it behind) even still, you'll most likely only hear the muttering.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:46, Sun 11 Dec 2005.

Calgarvin's scarf glows.
His cloak glows.
His medal glows.

Brald watches out to sea, wondering if the gods are watching them.

The ship sails on, Renny consulting the simple charts made from Captain Clarke's maps back on the Wynd.  "It appears that the pieces of this puzzle should lie here." he says, stabbing his finger down on a small chain islands about 3 days sail from your current position.  "If this little rig can get us there then we should be set...if there is anything left of this treasure after all these years." this last is said with a twinge at the thought of taking what may turn into angry armed men out for nothing.

"Three days West by Nor'west."  Brald agrees, and strings his hammock up across the bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Wed 14 Dec 2005.

OOC: Slight problem with that Brald....this 'ship' doesn't have a below decks....think oversized rowboat with a sale....big enough for about 10 people, thats about all.

"Three days...No problem. We will get there. See what is left and get ye back to town." Vraul says.

"Does anyone know anything of these islands? How big they are, or what creatures might reside there?"

"I hear that some are haunted, by the ghosts of those killed by pirates.   Poor souls that can't chart their way home from the sea."  Brald answers seriously.  "And some are peopled by a native race, savages that eat each other and any seaman so careless as to let himself get captured."  Warming to his topic, he continued.  "An den deres da isles what are the spawning ground for sea serpants and dragon turtles - harmless enough for most of the year, except for the weeks when they come back to mate and deposit their eggs."

Shaking his head, he chuckled and adjusted the tension on a line, more for something to do, than for any need.

"If there be anyone der...da better stay outta my way." Vraul growls as the sail onto their destination.

Sailing on its is a boreing 3 days sail to a small island with a large sandy beach, overlooked by a small village.  Scoutting out the beach and island from the small boat you don't see any movement in the village, and it appears to be deserted.  There is ample space anywhere along the coast to beach the ship for a quick trip inland.  Checking the rough charts that have been copied the island is listed as a blip on the map, but no information is givening about it. (Give me a DC 10 pro: sailing check to make sure you lubbers don't wreck the boat)

Sailing check: 7
_{OOC - FP:
Well, lets hope one of the real sailors hoped on the boat when you got on ;) And WTF, do you as little life as I do, that post was almost instant!}
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:24, Sun 18 Dec 2005.

Standing at the bow of the study boat as Varul steers from the stern, Brald guides the craft into a soft landing on the beach.   As soon as the keel is aground, he jumps to the beach, line in hand, and ties the boat off to a nearby rock he'd aimed for as they came in.

His task finished, he looked up to the village, and turned to his companions.  "So, do we avoid them, fight them, or talk?"  He asks.

10:11, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Profession(sailor).

"Aye, this be a good place to beach the boat." Vraul says.
Prof. Sailor : 18"What does the map show? I;d rather check out the island before anyone knows we are here."

Renny makes no move to disembark the ship, but he is sitting in the bow reading the charts. "If we had decent copies of charts I might be able to tell you something about this place...As it is, we know its an island."

As the crew begins to disembark after the landing the island seems quiet. The beach is littered with the usual debris, seashells, driftwood, and scattered bones.  Taking a closer look up the banks of the beach you can see that the little village is indeed deserted, and has been for some time as it is falling apart!

Calgarvin surveys the beach and the tattered village. "It might be worth a look in the village. We may find someone yet alive."

"Even if we don't, it's the most likely place to find anything interesting."  He turns to Renny then, and asks.  "This isle was somekind of base for your mother and her pirate crew, wasn't it?"

"Huh? hmmm, no idea.  Never really knew about where she stayed when she wasn't in port." Renny yells out to be heard over the surf.

Calgarvin starts to retrieve his belongings from the boat and prepares to head off in serach of the treasure.[Private to DM Foxpaws: Will empathise with my dolphin of a short stay here and to hang around. Your friend warns you of danger approaching from the sea"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:05, Mon 19 Dec 2005.

Walking along with Calgarvin, Brald grins and suggests.  "I'm thinking this isle is the type haunted, by the ghosts of pirates and those killed by pirates.   Poor souls that can't chart their way home from the sea I was telling you of."

Calgarvin is going about fitting the last of his belongings to himself when he cocks his head then hisses sharply, "DRAW STEEL! And back from the sea. Danger is at hand!" and he moves away from the water, urging his comrades to be alert.

"Where?" Brald asks, drawing his blades in lightning reflex.


22:46, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Initiative. 

Vraul raises the trident and looks for what might be a living (or undead) target..."These bones all over beach are not normal."

The waters receed as three monsterous crab like creatures emerge from the water, each easily twelve feet tall as they rush onto their disturbed breeding grounds.  Intent on driving the invaders from their beach.

B = Brald - 19
C = Calgarvin - 18
H = Hippogriff - 18
V = Varlath - 19
R = Varul Reefcrusher - 7
r = Renny - 20
CR= Crab - 10

  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C |  |V |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H |  |  |  |  |r |  |  |  |R |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |CR|  |  |  |  |  |BO|AT|  |CR|  |  |  |  |  |CR|  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|

I'm updating this for as long as I can, I'll post it if we hope to a new page...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Tue 20 Dec 2005.

Thinblade thrust out before him, brald charges the nearest crab, hoping to draw it's attention from Renny.

OOC:
charge to I12, attack crab at J13
16:02, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 10 using 1d8+2. damage .
16:01, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 25 using 1d20+9. Charge!

Vraul throws the trident at a crab and misses...the trident apears back in his hands.

Init: 7
Attack: 9

Init: 18[Private to DM Foxpaws: Hey Foxpaws. I'm going to export Lesser Restoration and spontaneously cast Summon Nature's Ally II. Summoning a Hippogriff to appear adjacent to the crab on the left hand side between me and it. Should I make it attack this same round? Or will its first of three rounds begin next round? GO ahead and make its attack right away, no summoning sickness for you ;).]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Tue 20 Dec 2005.

Scrambling from the boat, Varlath watches with wide eyes as the crabs burst forth from the surf, snatching up his spear in the process. Magical words roll forth from his lips as he finally gets himself set on the sandy beach.

[OOC: Moving 15' from boat to 11G then casting Magic Missle at the crab stationed at J13]

16:56, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
16:56, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 5 using 2d4+2. Missile Dmg.

"Dem crabs is fast," Vraul comments.

Calgarvin chants in the strange druidic magic and in short order a Hippogriff appears on the beach and immediately begins attacking the giant crab on the left. [Private to DM Foxpaws: Hey Foxpaws, I would like him to appear adjacent to the crab, not me. So maybe around spot I-5 would be about right :). Just as an aside, you know when drew up my druid I had NO IDEA you could summon something so tough with only a 2nd order spell. I will have to look at the higher ones. I'm sure they're even juicier :).]

Hippogriff Bite: 18
Damage: 8
Hippogriff Claw1: 17
Damage: 8
Hippogriff Claw2: 16
Damage: 8

[Private to DM Foxpaws: For your information, young hippo has an AC: 15 and HP: 31 :)]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Tue 20 Dec 2005.

"Now that is helpful...calling your Hippogriff in..." Vraul says as he gets ready to attack again.

Moving out of the water the crabs rush to defend their turf, as Renny rushes to the bank at the end of the beach...as far from the beasts as he can get, and about 6' above where the battle looks about to begin.  Rushing into the mix of things Crab (c1) rushes to attack the loan Calgarvin, who luckily has called upon the aid of nature to defend him just in time, the sudden appearnce causing the beast to stop in mid stride as it lashes out with a claw that flies low under the beast as it attempts to lash out with its claws from above the beast, missing with that attack but able to latch on for a visious bite to the beast.  Meanwhile the third crab (c3) rushes onto land to drive the large Varul from its beach, catching the large man in both of its claws as it attempts to rip him apart.  The center crab doesn't have far to advance before it is accosted by the brave (foolish?) Brald who lashes out with his blade to bite deeply between the beasts seams of its shell, at the same time that Varlath's magical bolts blast into it, unfortunatly Brald does not move fast enough and the giant beast lets him know with a monsterous strike, the sound of bones breaking from the massive slam of the claw audible to all.

B = Brald - 19
C = Calgarvin - 18
H = Hippogriff - 18
V = Varlath - 19
R = Varul Reefcrusher - 7
r = Renny - 20
CR= Crab - 10

  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |r |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C |  |V |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |C1|H |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |R |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B |  |  |  |C3|  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |BO|AT|  |C2|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|

[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: 18 damage from beast, DC 18 to break free or the beast will continue its attack]

[Private to GM:
C1 - 51
C2 - 46
C3 - 59 ]
[Private to Brald Wyndlass: Damage 14]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Wed 21 Dec 2005.

Vraul tries to grapple his way free of the giant claw...

[Private to DM Foxpaws: Grapple Check: 19Take an attack as well...your going to need it]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:02, Wed 21 Dec 2005.

Calgarvin takes a 5ft-step (G10) and starts chanting another spell, this time on his club, preparing to charge in to help the hapless Brald. [Private to DM Foxpaws: Casting Shillielagh on my club]

The Hippogriff continues its vicious assault on the crab.

To Hit Bite: 18
Damage: 4
To Hit Claw1: 10
Damage: -
To Hit Claw2: 28 (natural 20) What is the crit range for my animals? 20 only?
Confirm Critical: 28 (natural 20) Cop that crab features!
Damage: 8
Critical Damage: 7
TOTAL Damage: 15

Vraul attacks the crab....
Attack: 13
Damage: 14

Brald continues his attempt at fighting the crab, though he feels in his bones that he's a walking dead man.

Current hp:  1
Current AC: 19
13:31, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 6 using 1d6+2. lightblade damage.
13:30, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 4 using 1d8+2. thinblade damage.
13:30, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 12 using 1d20+5. lightblade.
13:30, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 16 using 1d20+5. thinblade.


Glad you posted this, my notes were wrong and I had you down as 18ac...good to know that I was wrong (not that it would have mattered...the crab rolled a 27 on that last one).  For Everyone....Just for S and G's before next combat give me your current AC (I can look them up, but if its there its just easier)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:06, Wed 21 Dec 2005.

OOC: I'm giving this beast a reduced AC of 18 for you all and reducing some of its stats to bring them into line with the groups level.  But 18 is the magic number for attacks...touch 14

Taking another step back, Varlath mutters another series of arcane words and gestures towards the crab that had grabbed ahold of Varul, a fiery orange ray jumping from the tip of his finger and streaking out towards the monstrous creature.

OOC: Taking a step back diagonally to F-12 and casting Scorching Ray at Crab3.
22:10, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 13 using 1d20+4. Ranged Touch Attack.

With a mighty effort Varul breaks free of the giant crabs grasp, lashing out as he gets lose but catching nothing but air.  Brald meanwhile attacks with both of his blades, his aim off due to the wounds he's suffered, a ray of light shoots over his head, unfortunatly it also shoots over the beasts head.  Meanwhile, as Varlath begins to withdrawal inward, softly chanting, the great winged horse that has come to his aid lays into the giant crab once more, the armor of the shelled beast starting to crack under the assult.  The first two crabs seem to not know what they are doing as they lash out randomly connecting with nothing but air.  The third however (c3) snakes out a claw to catch Varul around the waste, crushing him in a viselike grip before tossing the big man to the ground some distance away.  As the big man is tossed to the side, Varlath finshes his chanting as his staff glows a soft green.  He begins to advance on c2.

B = Brald - 19
C = Calgarvin - 18
H = Hippogriff - 18
V = Varlath - 19
R = Varul Reefcrusher - 7
r = Renny - 20
CR= Crab - 10

  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |r |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |V |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |C1|H |  |C |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B |R |  |  |C3|  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |BO|AT|  |C2|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|

[Private to GM:
C1 - 32
C2 - 46
C3 - 59 ][Private to Varul Reefcrusher: 33 damage, sorry V, got a 20 on ya and landed the follow up for a nasty crit.  Your now prone, should have no worries getting up though.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:05, Sat 24 Dec 2005.

Brald dances in the sand.

16:45, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 15 using 1d20+5. attack AC 18.
16:45, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 10 using 1d20+5. attack AC 18.

The hippogriff continues its assault on the giant crab.

To Hit Bite: 13
Damage: -
To Hit Claw1: 13
Damage: -
To Hit Claw2: 22
Damage: 10

Calgarvin, seeing Brald badly injured and still fighting his crab, moves in to assist with his club.

Moving to I12....

To Hit: 14
Damage: -

EDIT: Calgarvin's AC: 14
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Mon 26 Dec 2005.

Varul stands up trident ready to throw, "Can anyone here heal me?"

[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: Is this your action for the round, or do you wish to move back/attack?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:33, Wed 28 Dec 2005.

Varlath winces as he sees Varul get tossed away, and furrows his brow in concentration as another string of syllables echo forth from his lips.

OOC: Casting Ray of Enfeeblement at the crab attacking Brald(C2)
14:02, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Ranged Touch Attack.
14:05, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 5 using 1d6+2. Strength Damage.

Foxpaws, do these creactures have a 10ft reach, or only 5ft?

they have a 10' but the size of thier claws would seem un-wieldy at a distance...thats not to say that it wouldn't hurt like hell though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:53, Wed 28 Dec 2005.

Vraul throws his trident at the crab...it bounces off its shell and the triedent apears back in Vraul's hand.

His wounds slowing him down Brald misses his attack on the large beast, his blades passing harmlessly past it.  Meanwhile Varul has regained his feet, and with a mighty throw launches his trident towards the crab, only to have it reappear shortly afterwards in his hand.  The summoned hippogriff of Calgarvin continues to attack the shell of C1, having nearly destroyed the creatures shell, before winking out of existance. Calgarvin himself has moved to join the fray, teaming up with Brald to miss C2 as well with a mighty swing of his club.  Varlath unleashes another blast of magic, the ray shooting from his hands visably weakening C2.

B = Brald - 19
C = Calgarvin - 18
H = Hippogriff - 18
V = Varlath - 19
R = Varul Reefcrusher - 7
r = Renny - 20
CR= Crab - 10

  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |r |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |V |  |  |C3|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |C1|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C |  |B |R |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |BO|AT|  |C2|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|

[Private to GM:
C1 - 22
C2 - 46
C3 - 59 ]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Sat 31 Dec 2005.

Calgarvin takes a 5ft step to his left to disengage from the crab, spins and begins chanting another spell, summoning another hippogriff to finish of the crab 1.

As soon as the second hippogriff appears, he immediately attacks the crab.

To Hit Bite: 5
Damage: -
To Hit Claw1: 13
Damage: -
To Hit Claw2: 12
Damage: -


[Private to DM Foxpaws: Exporting my last 2nd level spell, Soften Earth & Stone, to make way for Summon Nature's Ally II]

Brald waves his weapons about like he's conducting as crustacean orchestra.

Vraul throws the trident and misses again.
Attack: 8
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Fri 30 Dec 2005.

Blasting the beast accosting the majority of his comrades Varlath sends a ray of fire to burn the creature, its shell bubbling with the heat.  Meanwhile Calgarvin summons a second of his allies from nature to defend the left flank of the group.  Both crabs currently engaged miss their mark, the third advancing on both Varlath and Calgarvin.

B = Brald - 19
C = Calgarvin - 18
H = Hippogriff - 18
V = Varlath - 19
R = Varul Reefcrusher - 7
r = Renny - 20
CR= Crab - 10

  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |r |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |V |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |C1|H |  |  |  |C3|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C |  |  |B |R |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |BO|AT|  |C2|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|


[Private to GM:
C1 - 22
C2 - 30
C3 - 59 ]

[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill; Varlath Kir'El: AoO on the creature...do you worst folks...it will]

[Private to Brald Wyndlass: It is so unfair that I can't hit you, last few rounds I've tried to nail you for that last hp and I keep missing.  now i'm splitting the attacks between you and Varul (and the wolf now) and I still can't hit!]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Thu 05 Jan 2006.

Calgarvin takes the opportunity to swing his club at c3.

To Hit: 13

The Hippogriff continues its attack on c1.

To Hit Bite: 17
Damage: -
To Hit Claw1: 21
Damage: 9
To Hit Claw2: 23
Damage: 9

Calgarvin takes a 5ft step (to I10) and again begins to chant his magic, summoning a wolf (in square I11) who immediately sets upon the giant crab.

To Hit: 14
Damage: -
[Private to DM Foxpaws: will export Entangle to make way for the SNA 1. Wolfy has 17hp and AC:14]

Vraul stabs at the crab.
Attack: 22
Damage: 18

The jostling and weaving of battle finally goes Brald's way, and he sabs deep into the armored shellfish with both his blades.


OOC:
Total damage to crabby: 12 hp

19:14, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 8 using 1d6+2. lightblade damage.
19:14, Today: Varul Reefcrusher rolled 22 using 1d20+11. attack.
19:14, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 15 using 1d20+5. confirm crit.
19:13, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 23 using 1d20+5. lightblade.
19:13, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 4 using 1d8+2. thinblade damage.
19:11, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 20 using 1d20+5. thinblade.

OOC: C1 and C2 have now fallen. (sorry, if this was a table game you would know that right away, just wanted to warn before VK took an attack against one of those.

Varlath smiles as his ray burns the shell of the crab he'd aimed at, though his smile is wiped away as the third surviving beast makes it's way close to him. He stabs out with his spear but finds himself unable to pierce the hard outer armor.

20:16, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 11 using 1d20+3. AoO.

The third and final of the crabs lashes out at Calgarvin, narrowly missing the man positions his friends from nature into favorable attacking positions.  The other two beasts have fallen.

B = Brald - 19
C = Calgarvin - 18
H = Hippogriff - 18
V = Varlath - 19
R = Varul Reefcrusher - 7
r = Renny - 20
CR= Crab - 10

  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |r |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |V |  |W |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |DB|H |  |  |  |C3|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C |  |  |B |R |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |BO|AT|  |DB|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|


[Private to GM:
C3 - 59 ]

OOC: ok boys and girls, down to the last beast, take him down, I can't keep rolling crappy forever...I hope.[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: Since the hippogriff is outside of the 5' step your going to have to bull rush him over to get use out of the thing this round...just a little tip to get into the mix sooner :)]

[Private to DM Foxpaws: Thanks :). I think I'll just move him over and get one claw attack out of him. At least with everyone on him, and the hippogriff 15ft east of where he currently is, somebody should get a flank bonus......]
The hippogriff moves 15ft to the east (H11) and swipes at the crab with one of its claws.

To Hit Claw2: 18
Damage: 10

The wolf, now flanking the giant crab, lashes out with its teeth.

To Hit: 16
Damage: -

Calgarvin, also now flanking the crab, wades in with his club to try and finish off the crustacean.

To Hit: 23
Damage: 13

Vraul thrust at the crab...
Attack: 21
Damage: 14

Brald took a step toward the crab, and thrust with both his weapons, again missing miserably.

OOC:
5' Step to I13
miss with both weapons

Taking a small step back Varlath withdrawals into himself, sending a ray of scorching fire towards the crab.

OOC:
Attack: 19
Damage: 19
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:35, Fri 06 Jan 2006.

Under the assault of the entire group the third crab falls to suporier numbers.  coming back to the group now that its won the battle Renny calls out "Good! I was afraid that we might be stuck here if that had gone a little differently....Though I did notice, this village looks deserted for a reason...it is.  Half the place is falling apart.  I'm not sure what else is on this island, but I'm hopeing its not more of those things!"  he says this last with a shudder while looking at the dead crabs.

Calgarvin looks over to Varul and Brald to see who is the more wounded. "I can provide some healing to you quickly, then we should get off this beach before more of their kind arrive."

Taking a look at the group of you Renny suggests "I suggest we get up that dune, I'm willing to bet that with that soft sand these beasts won't be able to climb it.  Of course, I have no idea what might be up there either."

Brald looked about up and down the shore, appraising the size of the island.  "Probably nothing too dangerous in the way of beasts, this island doesn't seem large enough to support any major land preditors."

OOC:
Down to 1 hp from 15.

"Renny is right," replies Calgarvin as he heads up off the beach. "Come up with me now, Brald, and I will provide some healing for you."

"Aye. I got hit bad." Vraul says as you see a huge bleeding wound.

OOC: down  Down 38  hps and thought I was going to die. LoL

OOC: Aww, heck, you had plenty to go, I coulda gotten at least 1 more hit on you I'm sure. - FP
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:14, Sat 07 Jan 2006.

Its not the easiest of climbs to make, especially with the gaping wounds of some of your comrades, but eventually everyone makes it to the relative safety of the higher grounds.  Once there you see a village that has been deserted for quite some time.  There are several huts that are still standing, but they are in serious disrepair.  At least one of them appears to be in enough shape to rest in for a short while so that you may nurse your wounds.  "I'm not sure how long we should wait here, it may be that the people fled this village due to those crabs, or there may be something else here on this island that drove them off..." Renny says to the group as he watches nevously at the door.  Perhaps some of us should search the island, it didn't appear that large from the sea." and of course by some of us he means some of you with him well behind...he's old, and no fool to rush ino battle.

"One more attack like that and we are all dead." Varul growls.

"There may be another attack like that, if you forget the boat is still on that beach...hopefully there are no more of those things waiting t come back to shore." Renny says, though he does head out of the building to look around.

Two hours later

"Well, whoever lived here they are gone now.  I've been through the whole village and there is nothing here.  Though there is a burial ground of some sort behind here." he says upon his return.

Once in the relative safety of the intact hut, Calgarvin takes a look at Varul and Brald's injuries. "Both of you have suffered serious injury. It will take a while before I can have you both ready to continue. If I can rest for a few hours, I can meditate for an entire suite of healing spells, but that will leave me powerless in the way of magic until I rest again. As an immediate course of action, I can at least tend a little to one of you."

He moves over to Varul and chants a spell, healing him of some injury.

CLW: 5

Once he has cast his healing on Varul, he continues. "I also have some small knowledge in herbal healing, and if we rest for a full day I might be able to accelerate the healing process. I will need 8 hours of rest, and a further 8 hours to replenish my repertoire. But I suggest a full day for all of us.

What are your orders, Varul?"

"Spend a whole day here?! Are you mad!  We should search the island for whatever it is where supposed to find here and get back to the boat!  We can rest on the open sea!" Renny exclaims, his fear of the island and its crusteasous inhabitants overcoming him.

"Lets scout out the island, But do not engage in combat. We need to do this bt stealth." Vraul says. "When we go to rest...I'd rather be on the boat and out to sea."

A search of the island turns up little more than the deserted village and the cemitary.  the rest of the island has a few small animals that you run accross, but nothing else really.


OOC: search checks please.

Search: 12

[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: After hours of searching the village, cemitary and island you find...nothing.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:44, Sun 08 Jan 2006.

The adrenaline rush of battle gone, Brald groans as he lays, barely able to breathe, let alone search a small island.

OOC:
23:18, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 10 using 1d20+8. Search.

[Private to Brald Wyndlass: After hours of searching the village, cemitary and island you find...nothing.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:26, Sun 08 Jan 2006.

Search: 9

"Then perhaps it might be an idea to rest on the boat. Brald is inches from death, Varlath and I are out of spells, and Varul is still severely wounded. We are in no condition to fight again."

Calgarvin can find very little.

[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: After hours of searching the village, cemitary and island you find...nothing.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Sun 08 Jan 2006.

After several hours of searching the small island Renny eventually announces "Here, what is this?" Hidden in the back of what appears to have been an old shrine, to what god or goddess you cannot now say, is a small switch.  "I've found it...but I'm not so sure I want to mess with it, who knows what God this thing beloged to, I'm not going to touch it!"

"I'd be glad to mess wif it once healed. My diety is greater. So I do not fear." Vraul says.

Calgarvin moves up to have a look at the switch, then responds to Varul. "Sir, I am uninjured. Would you like me to flick the switch once you are all at a safe distance?"

"If you feel up to it yes. But I will stay in range so I can throw my trident if we are attacked." Vraul says. "Everyone else back us."

"As you wish, Sir."

Calgarvin waits until everyone else is in position, then moves over to the switch and begins casting a spell.
[Private to DM Foxpaws: Casting Resistance.]
He then leans in and flicks the switch.

Brald stay well back from the whole mess, having no inclination to do more than rest and recover.

As far as you can tell nothing seems to happen, the switch clicks over and thats about it.  How anti-climatic.

OOC: where is everyone on the island, and give me listen checks.

Listen: 20

[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: You hear something behind the house in the area of the burial ground.  Sounds like something fell.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:14, Tue 10 Jan 2006.

Brald is back on that high sand dune overlooking the town

08:32, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 5 using 1d20-1. Listen.

Listen: 16
Vraul is throwing distance from the switch...perpendicular tothe right.

[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: You hear something behind the house in the area of the burial ground.  Sounds like something fell.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:51, Wed 11 Jan 2006.

The day continues to run its course, the corpses of the crabs lay where they fell on the beach and nothing seems to bother the boat as you spend time recovering and searching the island.

"I heard somthing back this way. Lets go," Vraul says as he heads behind the house where he heard the noise. He has his trident ever ready.

Calgarvin follows Varul back behind the house.

Walkinga round to the back of the small village places you at the edge of the burial ground.  One of the shallow graves has collapsed, a wooden platformed covered by dirt has fallen to reveal a long rotted skeleton clutching a smallish box.

Vraul will use his trident and try to move the box. Unless someone can detect traps.

Not me

Calgarvin will stand by as Varul reaches in for the box.

Everyone watches in silence as the half-merrow pulls the small box from the dead mans grasp.  With a slight jerk the skeletal hands clasping the wooden box come apart, falling in a shambles into the shallow grave site.  Climbing out of the hole Varul stands before you with the small box in hand.

Calgarvin waits with anticipation for Varul to open the box.

"So far so good. Lets see what is here." He checks to see if box is latched/locked.

Checking back in the shallow grave Varul looks for the key to the locked box...without success.

"Can anyone open dis before I smash it." He grins. "Be a shame to destroy potions and things."

"I am able to get into the box without harming the contents, but I must rest to do so. Perhaps, Varul, we could leave opening it until I've rested. There may be delicate objects inside."

"Aye that we can do....it may also just be another clue as to where to go. But we shall wait to open it," Varul agrees.

With that decided the small band of shipmates makes its way back to the small town, setting up a watch on the beachhead and swapping out as needed with te healthier members of the crew. the evening passes in relative quiet, broken only once when a sea turtle is caught and prepared on the beach for a meal the next morning...its delicious.

OOC: Heal as normal for a nights rest (1hp per lvl)

"Any of use able to heal yet," Vraul ask. Then looking at Calgarvin, "Der is da box, lets see what its got."

Calgarvin places the box like so on the ground then begins chanting magic over and along it.
[Private to DM Foxpaws: casting wood shape on the box basically to splay the side right open so we can just reach in and grab it.]

With a creak and a shudder the box bends itself to Calgarvins will.  The box itself does not change shape much, but the bolts holding the hinges in place are warped enough to fall out onto the ground allowing the box to be opened.  Tipping the box on itside with his toe causes the lid to fall off, exposing two small pouches.  One with an odd crystal, the other contains a dozen gems...these latter causing Renny's eyes to gleam with greed.

"I know what we do with gems..but what are crystals....." Vraul says. "Ah who cares we will split all when we see gold de worth. Good job."

Pulling out the small piece of metal that came with his map Renny fits the odd crystal to it, it seems to match but does not say.  It also appears to be missing a top, as this crystal breaks off at a jagged edge.  "It is part of the key...the note spoke of the key, and more treasure....this must be only part of it.  I'm no jeweler, but there must be a fortune there...if this is only part, we will all be rich men!" Renny says, holding both the odd metal piece and the crystal.

"Maybe the cyrstal and metal make da key." Vraul says "If not where too now?"

"Well, there is another island listed on the map, both this one and the other say 'Key' on them, this third one here" Renny says pointing to the map he pulls out of the pouch at his belt, "Says 'Lock', so I'm guessing we go to this island, and the next, and then off to this island here with the 'lock' on it."

"Lets gather the treasure and go to next key island." He says.

Brald, feeling none too well even after a night's rest, watches the byplay with quick, bloodshot eyes, and asks.  "I'm really in no shape to be working at the lines, unless someone has some power to knit this big gash?"  He indicates the huge rent in his flesh, nearly flaying one side of his ribcage.

Vraul looks at Brald's gash and says "Dat is nuthing...look at this." And he proudly shows his wounds from the last battle.

Calgarvin comes between his two crewmates - a strange bunch the three of them make - and places his arm on the shoulder of each. "Mark your wounds well, friends, for they will soon be gone."

He looks first to Brald, who has had no healing since being battered, smashed, bruised and beaten to within inches of death by the crabs, and moves his hands in a circular pattern before laying them on him. "Take this, Brald, and be strong."


Brald CLW: 11hp

He then turns to his boss, Varul, and does the same. "Relax, and feel the healing," and he heals Varul further.

Varul CLW: 11hp

He then turns back to Brald and, running his hands over his wounds, again heals him further.

Brald CLW: another 7hp

He looks at both of his comrades, then looks to Varul. "It seems that we can accomplish much together, Sir."

"Yes thank you," Vraul says as he places his hand on his open wound that has apears to have been healed about part way...about a third.

Brald looks at Varul's bloody gash, and nods.  "Those are some impressive wounds - they'd have killed me."  He tells the orge, then grins cheerfully as Calgarvin's magic heals him.  At the offer of a second dose of the soothing magic, he shakes his head.  "No... Give it to Varul, I'm good now."

OOC:
Brald only has 15 hp at max, between a night's rest and the 11 from the first spell, he's back to full.

OOC: I am still down 18 HPs
So as long as we do not face those crabs again.....

So let me know if I got the other 7HP.. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Mon 16 Jan 2006.

Yeah no dramas. Calgarvin's not going to waste it. So the 3rd CLW goes to Varul for 7hp.

The island searched and the key found all that is left is to make it back to the boat...

Brald scowls at the beach, and the resting boat.  "You don't suppose there are more of those things out there, waiting..."  The question trailed away as he shifted his weapons from their shealthes, loosening them.

Vraul shifts his trident into a throwing position. "Lets go find out."

OOC FROM DM FP: Give me a marching order into the field of death....errr, the beach.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Tue 17 Jan 2006.

Calgarvin stops them in their tracks before they stride onto the beach. "Wait awhile. I will see if danger lurks." [Private to DM Foxpaws: I'll empathise with my dolphin to see if there is any similar danger about to the ones that crawled up onto the beach yesterday.]

OOC: We will go in with a V formation me at the front... :)
But we wait until we here from Calgarvin on what he finds.

Vraul stops,


"Wut you sense is der?" Vraul ask scanning the area in front of him.



Suggested marching order:
                 R
               B   V
              r     C

Using same letters you used for us......(if everyone agrees)

Senseing no danger from his dolphin friend Calgarvin gives the go ahead to board the boat and you once again set sail.  Steering for the second island on the map you now have time to fully heal and try to divide your plunder if you so wish.

Calgarvin sighs with relief at making the boat without further incident. As they begin their trip to the next island, he inquires about their detination. "Varul, how many days do you think to the next island?"

"we'll be der before ya know it," Vraul says making sure he is on the correct heading. Then looks at the map, "Lets see..it should be about...."

"That way."  Brald points.  "Make our heading about four points starboard, I'd say."

[Private to GM: 11:19, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 18 using 1d20+9. Know(Geo).  ]

Sailing on from the deserted island the small band has fairly smooth sailing for several days.

OOC: Rest up, talk amongst yourselves.  When you all are ready to reach the next island simply state something to that effect in your post and you'll be there in no time :)

"Da wind is at our backs, We should be there in several days." Vraul says. "Once we have all the treasure...we will find out what it is worth and split it as agreed."

Brald stood at the bow of the ship, the brisk salt brezze whipping through his hair, and grinned back at the mate.  "I don't much care - this is the life - a sturdy vessil 'neath your feet, a fair wind, and leagues of sea..."  He threw his head back, and let the sun shine in his leathered face.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:

DM Foxpaws/Varlath Kir'El:

OOC: Don't worry guys, everyone gets a toy...just need to have a few more encounters.....ones that don't die as soon as they see you :P

I think we're gonna need those toys matey - Brald doesn't have a stich of magic, and I don't think he'll last long against pirates without]

"Well said indeed." Vraul agrees.

"Well, if we are several days to our next destination, Varul, with your permission I will take rest and replenish my power. One never knows, it may be needed ere we reach the island."

There wasn't much to sailing the small craft, but Brald went about the tasks with methodic precision.  Occasionaly, he'd scowl at the tiny mast, looking up.  Obviously, he wanted something bigger there - something he could climb.

"Aye, get some sleep. All is in order here. She could sail herself in these wateers." Vraul says.

Calgarvin ensures his gear is stowed securely, then settles down out of the way of the others for a kip.

Brald dozed lightly as he leaned against a barrel stowed amidships.  sleeping on his feet, basically.  There weren't the hundred and one tasks to keep the crew busy here, like on a bigger ship, and with the others sleeping, he didn't have much to do.

When the others have rested....then Vraul will...

A few days rest on the open seas have brought you to a small chain of islands, the small charts that you do have show no villages or towns here, but who knows if they have truly been explored yet?  After sailing around the rather large island it is determined that the only good place to come in would be a small bay on the west side.  As the crew bring the small craft in they land at a small peaceful beach, a trail leads deeper into the woods of the island.

Brald looks fo Varul for comformation to bring her in, then guides the craft to a nearly perfect soft landing on the sandy beach of the small bay.  Wary of preditors from the sea, the sand, or the woods, he made his way to the trail, and inspected it for tracks.  Trying to determine if it was a game trail, or made by men or other intelligence.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:
15:05, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Prof (sailor).
15:08, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 17 using 1d20-1. Listen.
15:07, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Spot.
15:01, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Track.  ]

Bralds skill with the small craft is quiet good indeed, allowing for an almost perfect landing of the small ship.[Private to Brald Wyndlass: Listening closely you hear nothing out of the ordinary, the sounds of birds calling and small animals chittering in the woods.  Checking the trails you really can't get a sense if they are man made or animal made, they don't appear to be used often.]

Vraul makes sure the craft is well secured on the beach so that no tide could take it out. He then faces to turn the jungle and see's the trail. "Something made a trail. Must be used a lot to still be here in jungle." Vraul says. "I'll be back in a second." he then marches into the ocean and submerses himself completely feeling completely rejuvenated. He returns to his companions. "Lets go."

"Yeah, you'd think so, but this one really doesn't appear to be used often.  Gimme a few moments."  With that, he went to one knee and shifted soil through his fingers, looked for spoor, cast, or feces to give a clue as to the users of the trail.

[Private to DM Foxpaws: Take 20 (for 28) on Track thats enough o notice that this is used by both animals and humans]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:47, Sun 22 Jan 2006.

Calgarvin concentrates for a moment before getting out of the boat. Empathising with my animal companion for signs of more danger. I will assume there is none though for the time-being
He moes up with Varul and Brald to the path and inspects it. "We shall have to be on our guard here. Giant, unintelligent sea creatures is one thing, but organised humanoids is something different entirely," and he waits for Varul to give his orders.

"Ya. And I don't be liking this ground under me..staying so still. It just aint natural." Vraul says.

"Well, the island isn't uninhabited.  Humans use this trail. Humans and animals.  There must be a village deeper in the woods."

"Lets start looking. Any idea where we should go first," Vraul ask the old man.

"No idea, the map from my mother only listed this island as having the next piece of the key...not where on the island it would be." Renny says to the group, eyeing the wooded interior.  "I suppose we should head inland, there has to be something that would make it stand out, I would think"

"OK.' Vraul heads toward the trail.

As the party advances down the small slightly overgrown trail a shimmer appears before them, at least 50' feet high and 30' wide.  With a roar and a pounding on the ground a giant ape appears briefly before running into a similiar portal and disappears from view.


_{OOC: Total OOC post, just to mess with Brald}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Sun 22 Jan 2006.

OOC: LoL

As the party advances down the trail a gian...oh, wait, already did that part...

As the party advances down the trail, Varul leading the group into the unknown depths for almost 10 minuites before you come across a small altar, the top of which is covered in grisley offerings...hands, at least a dozen of them, rotted or now completely skeletal...

"We know they have not made an offering for a long time." Varul says. "That could be good or bad."

Calgarvin looks with distaste at the remains on the altar. "I hope it's good." He has a look around the altar for anything out of the ordinary, but not close enough to be brushing against the gore.

"it's just the hands.  I wonder where the rest of the persons are?"

"Probably ate." Vraul comments.

The grimy display of hands soon passes behind you, the trail from this point on widens, showing signs of more recent use.

OOC: lets get a spot check from everyone...no reason for this...read nothing into it.  Beat a 16 though.

Watching the trial, and the surrounding jungle, Brald made is way behind the party, alert for danger, especially from the rear.

[Private to DM Foxpaws: 11:39, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 19 using 1d20+5. read nothing into this DC 16 Spot. ]

With a swift movement and simple hand gesture Brald calls for the group to withdrawal from where they are currently standing, moving quickly and quietly into the woodlands you all watch as a small band (4) of orc's move past, quietly watching the area as the move about some unseen path.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Thu 26 Jan 2006.

Vraul didn't see a thing. But trusting is shipmate, he moves to hide.
Spot: 3

Calgarvin quickly moves into the brush and remains very still as the orcs move along the unseen path.

After the orcs pass, Brald closes in on his companions.  "Maybe we should follow them."

"Perhaps," Calgarvin replies without conviction. "But I wonder how many of the brethren they will lead us to."

"Only one way to find out," Vraul says. "Sneaky little buggers weren't they?!"

"Right then!"  Brald confirms, and turns to follow the orcs.

Trident ready...Vraul follows Brald.

Not overly worried about their duties the orcs continue for about an hour, making a circuit of the center of the island before coming back to where you first found them...somewhere in the center must be their encampment.  Wandering the center of the island gives a good idea of the size of the place, near the other side of your circular route you come upon some low hills with caves in them, these the orcs avoid with only a cursory glance as the continue their leasurely march.

Vraul looks at the caves with a rasied eyebrow?

Calgarvin moves closer and whispers to the group, "Renny, could this be the place? These orcs are obviously doing a sweep of their surrounds. It might be worth a look inside."

"It could also be the orc lair, which would be why they don't worry much about it."

"Why would they circle outside of that then?  I'm betting they have an encampment in the center of this circuit.  But I have no idea where things are, so these caves are as good as anywhere...and if they do have a camp in side that patrol circle I'm more than happy to stay outside of it!" the old sailor replies.

 "And we know they will be back...they walk in circle."Vraul says.

"Well, standing here won't get us any answers.  Whatever we are looking for is probably in the caves - though it may be in the village or whatever in the center of the island."  Brald summarized.  "Check the caves?"  He asked, already moving toward them.

Vraul starts heading to the caves. "Anyone see tracks?"

"I don't have any skill at tracking. Why don't we just head inside and see what's in there? We'll need light, though. And I have none." But he does start rummaging around in his pack and pulls out a vial that he quickly gulps down.
 [Private to DM Foxpaws: Going to quaff a potion of Mage Armour.]
When finished, he puts the empty vial back in his pack and turns to his companions. "Ready," he says simply.

"Don't see any."  Brald mutters, with only a casual look around the area.

"Lets go." And he does.

Anybody got any light? Calgarvin won't go into a pitch black cave without some light. Renny probly won't either.

Advancing toward one of the many small caves the group finds not much of interest, it appears that this was once used by a large creature of some sort as there are gnawed bones littering the floor, mostly of small animals.  The interior of the cave is a bit warmer, odd for anything underground as it should be cooler but soon near the back of the cave you notice steaming vents and a pool of warm water, a natural hot tub.


OOC: I know they have a name, but I can't recall it right now...they are natural vents for heat from deep in the earth comeing up into the water making for steaming pools of water, sorry, I just don't remember what they are called in nature :( (-25xp from the dm for bad memory)....+25 to one of you who can put it into a in character post what they are called :)

Calgarvin is visibly suprised at the find. "Strange place to find a hot spring. I wonder if all the caves in this complex hold one of these. In any case, if all of the caves are this shallow, we may not need any light. Let's look at the others."

FP - Hot Springs, I knew it was something simple!  Good show Calgarvin!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:33, Sat 28 Jan 2006.

"Nice place to take a soak."  Brald agreed, and moved off to the next cave.

Spotting around the various caves the party soon finds a small cache of old boxes, searching through these finds long abandoned food stuffs and various stores...now long rotted.  No, it appears that if these caves are used for anything its as a last resort to hide from any major storms.

Calgarvin stretches and lets out a sigh as they finish searching the boxes. "There are still areas of this island that may hold the 'key'. I do hope it is not in the Orc camp. The thought of eliminating an entire tribe of anything for a trinket does not sit well with me."

"I seen ya call up that flying horse back at the other island...can't you call up something to go in and get it if its in the village? Or even better call up something to make us all disappear so we can go in and get it without being seen even." Renny asks, not at all happy to have to hide from another fight...and make no mistake, he will be hiding from it!

"No I can't, Renny. They are summoned only for a short time. Being invisible would be useful, but alas I am not a wizard. But there's something just not right about slaughtering a tribe of orcs just for booty. We're pirate hunters, not pirates, and killing a group of orcs who live on this island, out of everyone's way, just doesn't seem fair, nor wise."

"Dis would be good place to live. Dat hot spring you say...would feel good after long hunt or when cold. And steam vent always keep cave warm. Unlesss.. " Vraul ponders. "Unless dat der Furmarole ain't always like dat. And same with the wet Furmarole, da may explode into geysers. Den me no want to be here."

"Well, what we want is either buried around these caves somewhere, and will take a while finding, or it's at the orc camp.  So I guess we should go to the orc camp.  I suggest we go quietly."

Calgarvin appears quite anxious. "Very well. Let's see if we can have a look around without getting caught. What say you Sir?" and he looks to Varul for orders.

"Lets get started. The Capn will be wanting us back soon." Vraul says. "If it is in caves the orcs never saw it, they is skert of caves. So we can go either way. We are here lets search cave fast."

"Good idea."

Brald looks to Renny.  "Doesn't that diary have any clues at all, besides the location of the island?  Or what about the first key?  Maybe it gives some indication that may help narrow the search."

Vraul starts to search the cave as the old man hopefully looks for written clues on his map. "I know think its in here."
Seacrh: 3

When Calgarvin is sure the Orcs aren't due back around for a while, he will go in and have a squiz with Varul.

Search: 11

"I agree with Varul."

:(

"Nope, nothing here, lets go."

Search: 10

After checking over his map and letter again Renny informs you that no, there are no other markings for this island.  A search deep in one of the caves does hoever find that these are indeed used by someone from time to time, there are simple stores of food and a pool of fairly fresh water inside.  There are also some wall paintings showing what appears to be sea fairing orcs overrunning this village, captureing and eventually eatting the human inhabitants long ago.  The paintings, unfortunatly, give no clue as to how many could be living here now.

"We need to check des caves fer sure." Vraul says wondering if there are more.

"Yes. We will have to make sure we don't get caught inside one of them though. Onto the next one?"

"Hold up a minute."  On impulse, Brald shifts ash around and digs a foot or so into the soil under the fire pit before leaving refugee cave.

Vraul waits...

Broalds search of the firepit turns up nothing but small bones and other bits of garbage that weren't burned up in the fire.  Checking around the cave you soon find another that leads back out of the hill and cave structure.  The search of the caes soon brings the orc guards back around again.  Dashing into one of the caves could make for a good place to take the beasts on from...or it could make for a good grave site, if your not eaten first.

OOC: Normally I try to do XP at the beginning of the month, but since we just had that large fight and odds are will have another shortly I'm gonna hold off to give it after wards that way our new companion can get in on it to....if you rescue her that is.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Wed 01 Feb 2006.

Caves it is....:)

Standing in teh shadows of the cave the small party avoids detection on this pass of the orcs.  they slowly receed from view as the continue on their way.

OOC: damn, rolled a 4 on the spot check.

Brald moves on to the next cave, and gives it a much more through seach than the last one.

20:38, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Search.

Search: 7

Vraul follows Brald and looks as well. He will remember the timing of the orcs to show up and make sure they are out of sight then.

"Instead of searching with you, I'll keep an eye on the orcs and let you know when they're nearby."

Searching the cave as well as you are able Brald finds a small tunnel near the rear of the current cave with a pile of carefully placed stone hiding it from casual view.  The air comeing from this hidden cave is very warm, and a sheen of sweat soon covers your bodies.

"There's a small tunnel here, going into someplace very warm.  Shall we crawl through and see where it leads?"

"What? A  tunnel. Where?" Vraul ask walking over. "Will I fit thru it? If so may be where de hid stuff."

"Well it's our best lead yet. re you coming with us Renny. We might need you to identify this key."

"Lets go." Vraul says.

As the small party advances into the hidden tunnel they emerge into a large room, the heat is almost unbearable here.  There is a soft glow from further ahead, but as you advance toward it the heat goes up quite a bit to the point that its blistering you skin (going any further will do 1 point of damage for every 5 min your this deep in).

OOC: sorry for the delay guys, was trying to figure out whats ahead of you...flying by the seat of my pants.

Calgarvin looks to Varul as to whether or not the group will continue. "It certainly won't kill us. At least, not quickly, anyway."

How many exits from the room besides the one we came through?

"Lets go in..but remember...we may have to fight dem orcs." Vraul says.