It's mid morning in a thick forest outside Unity.  The light of the sun filters through the dense canopy and dances across the reasonably well maintained packed road.  In the middle of the road is a large, apparently abandoned, carriage.  The horses and rider are nowhere to be seen.

(OOC: This is for new characters to jump in.  You have 3 options:  1) Arrive by the road from Unity implying you're leaving the city.  2) Arrive from the other direction.  3) Was wandering around in the woods for some odd reason and came upon the scene that way.)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Fri 14 Nov 2008.

Reverie is walking just off road, preferring the shade of the trees over any open area like the road during the day. She was headed to Unity when she spots the carriage and easily gets curious. Reverie speaks in a soft and melodic voice.

"A carriage with no horse or rider?
What kind of clues can I acquire?"

Reverie steps closer to the carriage and curiously peeks inside of it, assuming nothing stops her. Her guard is down to some degree, not even thinking something like this could be a trap. To anyone looking, this cloaked girl is wearing strong red colors mixed with black and gold. Not exactly camouflage either in the forest or even at night. Her hood is down, allowing anyone to see she herself is rather dark with interesting yellow designs on her ears and forehead... and red eyes.

(Side note: Is this going to have a map, or is this an encounter at all?)

The map:
http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRTTaeQIJj6Zdw

Black represents the table top the map is resting on.  >.>
Tan represents the road and is easy terrain.
Orange represents the forest floor: Loose dirt and leaves.  Easy terrain.
Deep green squares (looks black on my screen) represent tree trunks and is hindering terrain (impassible.)
Green represents thick underbrush and is difficult terrain.
The carriage is a large object and is indicated on the road with 4 squares.

There will be an encounter.

A beautiful human woman walks towards the party.  Her skin (what you can see of it) is pretty tanned.  Her jet black hair reaches down to the middle of her back, tied by a simple red string.  By the way she's dressed, she's obviously a warlock.  She speaks softly, but clearly to the party.

"Greetings.  My name is Lana Shihoin.  The people in Unity told me of an adventuring party that had left town recently.  If you are they, I would assist you if you allow it."

She bows politely to the entire party.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Fri 14 Nov 2008.

After chasing after the scampering small squirrel  the Elf Ranger looked into the distance, from what he could see and hear with his ears and sensing a  presence with his great perception there were others near him. After days of wondering through the woods his sanctum he finally found other forms of life besides the creatures that scurried across the forest floors. He climbed into the nearest tree and looked out into the distance and saw Humes and yet maybe other life near a carriage, this was odd to see something just left there to sit and not moving but at the time that was less of his concerns. In the Elfs mind he had no idea if these people would be friends or foes. The elf's pet hawk was sitting on his shoulders nibbling at the Elfs' pointy ears.

"Knock it off Aries" the elf spoke to it in elven tongue

The hawk just chirped and gave another teasing nibble.  The elf smiled and the pet the hawk on top of his head he then turned his attention back onto what was happening with his heightened sense of things in the world he managed to come to the understanding that the young beautiful human girl was greeting the others. He watched with intensity from the tree tops as he watched he pulled out his wooden pipe made from his homeland with elven symbols that read  "For the love of the wild, and nature" and began to blow smoke rings watching ever so closely
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Sat 15 Nov 2008.

(OOC: Forgot to mention, the North road is the one that joins the highway to Unity.  The South road leads to... some... other... place.

Also, the only persons at the scene are PCs.  No NPCs... yet.)

Reverie ducks a little at the sound of someone approaching but when she sees Lana, Reverie calms herself a little. At hearing Lana mention Unity, Reverie's ears perk up some. While still speaking softly and melodically, Reverie's voice picks up in volume now that she knows someone else is present.

"I appreciate your benevolence
and gladly accept all assistance.
And although I'm not from Unity,
I'm going there most assuredly."

After all.. here she is, an Umbreon, blatantly not human or even something remotely common and this human from Unity comes up to her and offers a hand. Seems the rumors of Unity's equal-opportunity efforts are true. She presents the carriage that is all alone. Driverless and horseless.

A lone boy is walking the road coming from Unity, having wanted to take a stroll. He was permitted since he can take care of himself and his Warlord teacher said stuff to the effect of "a boy's gotta learn to fend for himself" and other manly-man stuff Eli doesn't really get much. All he knows is he loves nature and is here to admire the autumn leaves.

But he hears voices up ahead and goes to investigate. Two females and a lone carriage. For all he knows it's theirs, but... why no horses?

A lone gnome has been wandering the woods out of boredom and needing a break from the scenery in Unity, Shale is on his way back to Unity when he notices the carriage and those around it.

Thinking to himself, the gnome wonders what is a carriage doing out here with no beasts of burden to pull it? And being curious, the Gnome wanders a bit closer making sure to keep his shadow walk ability active as he moves around circling his way towards the carriage for all he knows, those at the carriage could be its owners, or could be looters, or they could be horse eating nutballs, or maybe just adventurous individuals who could be even more unpredictable. But naturally his curiosity is getting the most of him so he works his way closer to the carriage to learn more about what is going on.

_{[OOC: Shale is taking ten on his stealth checks so a Perception check of needs to beat a stealth score of 18 as Shale is using both the terrain and shadow walk to maintain the concealment needed to remain stealthed. (He'll be circling around in the area he is in to insure shadow walk stays up if he feels he doesn't have enough cover/concealment from the terrain itself, if he does end up moving his stealth check drops to 13.)]}
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Sat 15 Nov 2008.

Walking on the road back to unity after collecting up a few supplies for a ritual, Michael stops upon seeing the Carriage that is missing any horses, but seems to be drawing a bit of a crowd, although at this time Michael isn't sure if anyone in the crowd owns the carriage, if they are inspecting it, or looting it. Figuring that he won't learn as much from watching as he would from interacting, in addition to the lack of hostile or criminal actions at the moment, Michael figures he might as well make his presence known.

While holding his staff in his left hand, Michael places his right hand on the hilt of his sheathed longsword as he approaches. Michael then asks rather bluntly, “So what's going on here?” with the tone of his voice indicating more curiosity than anything else.

Lana, taken aback slightly by Reverie's poetic prowess, composes herself and starts examining Reverie.

"You're not human, that's obvious.  What are you, besides adorable?

She goes to pet Reverie.

"I'm not going to hurt you, little one.  I would like to see if your fur is as soft as it looks.  Are you hungry by chance?"

The grinned as more and more humes stumbled upon the carriage, this was getting exciting. He could not resist the temptations anymore, it had been way to long that he has been able to talk to other people other than himself. Since his long trip from his home land he had gotten bored of the conversations that he had with himself, and all the critters ever talked about was about eating and sleeping it was quite boring to him.

"Lets go see what all the fuss is about Aries" the elf said to his hawk companion

The bird chirped and fluttered down to the carriage where he perched himself waiting for his master to come from the tree lines. From what the elf could make out there was no negative energy spewing so he decided to make his decent to the forest floor.

"From the looks of it there is a party going on down here and no one  invited me, that’s quite sad" the elf yelled out to the crowd of people as he did he did a somersault off the branch he was standing on and landed on his feet with cat-like grace. As he got his bearings back into place he looked into the group and gave a grin.

"Greetings to all" He pulled out his pipe, lit it and took a few puffs before continuing, "I am Julious and that over there is my pet companion Aries" Julious pointed to the hawk who was sitting on carriage chirping about. "What do we have here a meeting of the minds or just some odd event, in any case I brought the pipe who brought the ale?"   He Chuckled and waiting for a response he puffed away.

The sound of a distant horse-drawn carriage can be heard slowly approaching from the North.  It will probably arrive within a few minutes.

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRTTaeQIJj6Zdw

[Private to Lana Shihoin: Indicated your location on the map with an L]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Mon 17 Nov 2008.

(OOC: I'm going to assume Lana's post actually came before Michael's. If you look at the time they were posted, they posted at the exact same time, therefor Lana's player didn't know of Michael's upcoming post. And I doubt she's the kind to just ignore someone who's asking a question.)

Reverie blushes at Lana's touch and leans her head into Lana's hand some. She is about to respond to Lana when she sees Michael show up. To his question, she answers:

"I was on a trek to Unity
When I saw this carriage before me.
It was like this, just as you see.
And if you're wondering, I'm Reverie."

Upon seeing Julious and hearing his question, Reverie smiles some and giggles.

"I'm sorry, sir, I have no ale,
and meeting minds could serve us well.
I'm sure you heard my name be said,
So come and let us break some bread."

She pulls out some of her food as if offering to share and be friendly. She looks from Michael to Lana to Julious and seems ready to spend time with them.

Eli is slightly intimidated at first, but after listening in, decides these grown-ups aren't hostile. He walks over to them. "Nice to see so many here to help solve such a mystery." the boy with rich clothing states. He doesn't have the snobbish accent one would expect from a child of luxury, but then his outfit is quite... arcane. "What's inside the carriage? Does it look like it was raided?"

After listening to what the others say, Michael comes to several conclusions all of which can be best summed up as 'that no one here knows how the carriage ended up like it is'. Michael then speaks up with, “I'm Michael,” before he turns to the Julious Treehugger and adds, “Alas, I do not have any ale either, but if I did, I doubt this would be the time to be dulling our wits as something possibly criminal has occurred here. And since we don't know if whoever left the carriage like this is still in the area, we probably should keep on our guard.”

Michael then turns to Lana and Reverie, and while Michael isn't quite sure what Reverie is yet, he does know that she doesn't seem to be hostile, which is a good thing. When offered the food, Michael responds with a gesture to Reverie to indicate that he isn't hungry at the moment before he then asks, “Thanks for the offer, but I'm not hungry right now.” as Michael considers if someone has already headed off to let those in Unity know of this situation. Michael then mumbles to himself, "Probably should learn a bit more about this situation before reporting it to the proper authorities in Unity, since otherwise there would be too many unknown variables, and that would bring lots of questions.”

Michael then glances at Eli and can tell quickly from looking at the boy that the child must come from wealth, as most children didn't wear fine clothing on a day to day basis. Additionally, Michael recognizes the arcane nature of the boy's attire and figures that he is isn't an apprentice wizard as apprentices typically are too busy studying or working to travel about so freely, so the boy must already be a fledgling wizard in his own right. Michael then rubs his chin with his right hand as his left continues to hold his staff. “I'd agree that this is definitely a mystery, but since it seems like most of us have all just stumbled across it at roughly the same time, I don't think anyone has had time yet to properly investigate the carriage yet.”

Grinning to himself, the gnome silently thinks that this could be the perfect solution to his boredom, as he continues to try to stealthily observe the situation as he tries to decide upon what he should do next. At least for the moment, his curiosity is keeping his fondness of jokes at bay, since Shale has realized that this situation isn't one where jokes would be appropriate. Which is something that causes the gnome to stop grinning, as a situation for which jokes are not appropriate while quite likely to be interesting, is also equally likely to not be amusing, but due to his curiosity, it isn't one he can just walk away from and mostly his reservations about revealing himself keep him from moving closer to personally inspect the carriage.

_{[OOC: Still hiding using stealth.]}

Julious looks to the creature named Reverie and gives her a small smile, "aww no ale you say? That’s too bad". Julious begins to stretch then looks around at the rest of group. He noticed the small boy named Eli and gave him a wink.

"This is some mystery I do say, what possibly be going on here its quite queer if you ask me." The elf laughed and took out his pipe again and began to smoke. His ears perked up he listened for a few moments and looked into the distance forest.

"By the way ladies and gentlemen my senses are telling me there are several on comers somewhere in the near area. Someone is close by he or she may be hiding in the shadows of the forest. Either I’m going out of my mind or this magic herb is getting to my head”

“Aries!” Julious yells out “Go search the area see what you can find out”

Julious pulls out his bow and notches an arrow as he does he listen closely to the surroundings. As he did it reminded him of when he was a small elf boy his father trained him up to he old enough in the elf society to be the age of an adult and go into an adulthood. There were countless tests that young Julious had to go through before he could prove to the elders that he was old enough and wise enough to go out on his own into the real world. The entire vigorous test shaped him up to what he was now. The never ending trials to become a beast master was so challenging for the young elf but it gave him a heighten sense of perceptions. He looked out and watched the forest cautionsly.

DM Ruling: It was pointed out that a perception check was not made against Shale.  The updated rules say that a stealth check is opposed to the passive perception of each individual in a group you're hiding from.  Even if your stealth check beats the passive perception of the ones you're hiding from, they can actively try to find you with a perception roll on their turns.  Until combat starts, it's assumed one is taking 10 for their stealth check.  Shale's would total 18, Julious' passive perception is 18, therefore Julious knows Shale is present and has a vague idea of what direction.  My name is Narrator and I approve this message.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Fri 21 Nov 2008.

Lana looks around at the abundance of people that have shown up in such a short amount of time.  She pet Reverie's fur a few times, noticing how remarkably soft it was.

"Little Reverie, Your fur is so soft, I wish my hair was that soft.  How do you get it like that?  Thank you for the offer, but I am not hungry either."

(OOC:  I am a huge fan of soft hair.  My hair is so soft.  Don't judge me or be jealous that whenever my ponytail comes undone, choirs of angels sing from on high, lol. :P)

Lana turns to Michael.

"My apologies for cutting you off, kind sir.  Allow me to introduce myself to all who are present.  My name is Lana Shihoin.  I'm a Warlock who made a pact with darker forces than most. (Dark Pact)  I have no idea of what this carriage is doing, besides sitting here.  It was here when I arrived.  I'm curious to see what is inside though."

Lana reaches to the pouch on her side, obviously searching for something.  Looking slightly disappointed, she turns her attention to Julious.

"Unfortunately for you, I have no ale either.  Although the smells coming out of your pipe are rather alluring.  What exactly is that you are smoking?  It smells oddly familiar."

Turning her attention to the wealthy boy, Lana gives him a curious stare.

"Your clothes show you have Arcane background.  Are you a warlock or a wizard perhaps?  If not, I would imagine your family would be rather wealthy."

She gasps, holding her hand over her mouth, a possible realization coming to her mind.

"Or maybe, are you lost, little boy?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:22, Fri 21 Nov 2008.

Reverie blushes from the compliments and turns her attention to Michael again when Lana talks to him. Upon hearing Lana mention "darker forces", Reverie turns from curious to happy again as she smiles. Darkness = good in her mind. When she notices Eli from his making himself known and Lana addressing him, she reacts similarly. Though she can't help but wonder what a rich kid is doing out here too... maybe Lana is on to something. Not wanting to be rude, she doesn't interrupt.

She continues to assess the situation and think up poetry on the topic as well as ponder how beautiful the people around her are.

Eli blinks a couples times, backing his head up a little when Julious winks at him. He cracks a smile and waves to the elf. Eli then headshakes to Lana, "I'm not lost, ma'am." he says respectfully while blushing lightly from her question, but still smiling. He waves a hand and causes a glowing, blue spectral hand to materialize. "So then, let's get this investigation started." He says as he then causes the hand to open the door of the carriage so he can see inside. He then readies magic missile in case something hostile should jump out. He's not stupid... despite all the commotion outside, that doesn't mean there aren't hostiles waiting inside.

(Minor Action: Mage Hand conjured at the door to open it without need to move the hand.)
(Readied Action: Magic Missile in the event of anyone outside of the carriage being attacked.)
(Let us know when or if we should roll initiatives. Unsure what would normally be the case here, but I'd imagine that due to nobody else acting on the door, that Eli can still ready an action even though he didn't have an initiative roll. Am I correct?)

The carriage is unoccupied.  Inside the carriage, Eli finds three benches - two along either side, and a wider one along the center.  The benches are built into the the structure of the wagon.  Bolted to the floor in front of the benches are two dozen sets of chains and shackles.  Anyone familiar with big-city law enforcement will recognize this as a typical prisoner transport wagon.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:37, Sat 22 Nov 2008.

Michael walks around after Eli opens the door and looks inside, and recognizes what this wagon must have been used for and says, “Well that explains the lack of horses, whoever must have been kept in here must have took off with them. But if they killed their guards to escape, where are the bodies of the guards?”

Then the realization of someone else approaching and that someone is sneaking around dawns on Michael as he adds, “We better start searching, and someone needs to go to Unity to let them know of this situation as this could well be beyond our capability to handle, since the ability to either overpower and kidnap guards or to destroy them so utterly to not leave a corpse and without leaving a trace on the wagon or the surrounding area isn't a simple task. I just hope whoever is hiding out there isn't one of the criminals that have escaped. but we can't rule out that chance. Also I hope that whoever is approaching won't mistake us for the criminals.”

At first Shale is annoyed when the elf with the hawk manages to notice he is in the area as the gnomish warlock thinks to himself, 'I need to practice more on my hiding skills.'

However, Shale's eyes go wide when he hears that the wagon was used to ferry prisoners, that could have been quite powerful, and that there is suspicion he is such a criminal... While there is part of Shale's mind that wants him to use that as a prank, the sane part of his mind, decides that would be a bad idea. However Shale realizes that it is not possible to continue hiding without incriminating himself so he speaks up as a gnome walks out into view, although for some reason he seems obscured slightly in shadows, “I'm no criminal, but if there are ones that are dangerous out there, how do I know it is safe to come out here into the open? After all, the shadows are pretty safe, as most criminals go after the targets out in the open before searching or harder targets to hit. So if any of those criminals are out here, odds are they would have gone after you guys, which would give me plenty of time to run away. But since you have pointed out that I'm in the area, hiding doesn't offer as much protection,” as Shale makes a mental note that the elf with the hawk is the on in the group that might give him the most trouble if it comes to him hiding and running away, since the others don't really look like they would be very good at finding hiding people, although the gnome does consider that they could be good at it, but just decided to keep their mouths shut regarding the matter to not tip their hands.

_{[OOC: Shale is using Shadow walk and will keep pacing back and forth to sustain it.]}
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Mon 24 Nov 2008.

By now the approaching carriage is visible.  It's smaller, fancier, and pulled by a single horse.  The rider is a plump, clean-shaven human wearing fine clothing and smoking a pipe.  Probably a prosperous merchant carrying goods from Unity.  He leans over in his seat to try and get a better look at the police carriage blocking the road and the travelers gathered around it.  He looks curious, if a bit annoyed at the roadblock.

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRTTaeQIJj6Zdw

(Horses take up 4 squares, but google docs doesn't show that well.  Did my best to make the horse look like a single large fig, not 4 horses.  Same with the carriages.  That's one horse, not four.)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Mon 24 Nov 2008.

Reverie perks one of her odd ears to hear Shale better. To answer Shale, Reverie says

"Trust is funny, silent one, it goes two ways.
How do we know you aren't a criminal as you claim?
Perhaps you could start by telling your name
And what all, by now, you've heard us say?"

Reverie looks over her shoulder to her right to see the approaching carriage.

"It appears we have company
And it seems he's from Unity."

Reverie is satisfied concerning the carriage being empty, but still finds this whole situation disturbing due to the fact those people who escaped could be out ready to hurt people or worse.

Eli huhs? when he hears Shale. Hearing Reverie respond to Shale, Eli nods and says, "Honestly, you can't blame us for being on the lookout, sir. And proof you are not a criminal would, ironically, require you to trust us. But what I can tell you is that I myself am the son of a Kei Lord visiting Unity, which is just a 10 minute walk north of here. I am Eli of the house of Sierra and I promise protection for anyone here. After all... Unity requires evidence before someone can be pronounced a criminal. And if there was a present danger, wouldn't they have sprung on me and the others present by now?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:50, Mon 24 Nov 2008.

(OOC: The bold yellow H is Eli's mage hand... what's the other H?)

Julious looks to the beautiful hume girl known as Lana "This is a stash of magical herb from my homeland the taste is quite good and the affects are ever so intriguing"

Julious stands there in the crowd for a few and his ears begin to perk as he hears the new arriving carriage. He looks out in the distance.

"It looks like we have more approaching visitors ladies and gentlemen, this is actually turning out to be a quite inquisitive  day... what can be in stored for us as we sit here pondering"

He turns back to reverie "Um by the way reverie you are a amazing little critter you are the first of your kind that I have seen"

Lana, her usual inquisitive self, looks to Julious speaking rather softly.

"Kind Julious, perhaps I may sample this herb for myself with you later?"

Hearing the carriage approaching, she turns her attention towards the carriage approaching, unsure of what to say or do next.

While Michael finds it odd that both Julious and Lana would rather discuss herbs than deal with the situation of a seemingly abandoned prisoner transport wagon, and an unknown individual of unknown background that has recently come out of hiding, Michael does not comment upon such priorities right now.

Instead, Michael comments about the individual who has yet to reveal his identity, “Eli's quite correct. And judging by your comment, stranger it is doubtful that you are native to Unity as very few people who grow up there have the 'hide from trouble and avoid responsibility by staying out of sight' attitude that you have displayed. So where are you from?”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Wed 10 Dec 2008.

Shale listens carefully to what everyone says, although Shale looks a bit skittish as, for a moment, he feels that everyone is focused on him. However once Shale realizes that Julious and Lana do not seem to be paying him any attention the gnome seems to calm down a bit. However, he continues to be as mobile as before, as the gnome continues to pace back and forth enough to sustain his Shadow Walk ability. It is difficult to determine if the cause of the gnome's movement is due to being energetic, or nervous, or maybe a combination of both.

Despite the concealing shadows the gnome's walking cloaks himself in, the gnome can be seen to nod as he says calmly, “Fair enough, my name is Shale.” Shale then turns to Michael and says, “While I, and my family, do infact live in Unity now, we hail from Luskan, where I was born. All I can say is that old habbits die hard. Especially when they are habbits that have kept your family alive and safe through dangerous times.”

The portly driver of the approaching carriage stops his horse, leans back in his seat enjoying his smoke and listens to the conversation while waiting for a chance to pipe in.

"Ho there," he calls out in a friendly voice, "Lost your horses?"

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRTTaeQIJj6Zdw

Reverie smiles at Julious and nods to him respectfully. Upon hearing the man in the carriage speak up, however, Reverie answers him:

"It's not our horses that are lost,
But someone else who'll pay the cost.
This carriage was abandoned here
With neither horse or person near...
Perhaps you could assist us, dear?"

Reverie says the last part with a hopeful expression as she laces her hands together.

Eli nods, agreeing with Reverie's statement and smiling some since her poetry is getting to him. "It's a prison carriage. I suspect the prisoners broke out and took the horses with them. Though judging from the lack of bodies, they must have taken the officers and drivers hostage. Which in itself is an impressive feat... most criminals escaping have little regard, if any, for the life of their captors."

Suspect? Regard? The way this kid talks sure matches his appearance. Definitely a prodigy arcane understudy who happens to come from a wealthy family. He dismisses the magic hand.

Julious smiles and passes his pipe to Lana

"Well friend this is some of the best from my home village, something us elves take deep pride in, its hard to find and only the worthy may get there hands on such a prize"

Julious then turns his attention to the newly arriving man in the carriage and looks him over.

"It is quite odd that this carriage is sitting here by its lonesome with no driver or horses...its quite queer indeed, So friend tell us more about yourself what brings you to this neck of the woods"

Julious turns to Eli and whispers  in his ear, "Do you think he is trustworthy?"

Knowing Eli seemed to have a good head on his shoulders for being so young he thought Eli may have some insight on the matter.

Lana samples Julious's herb pipe.  It was a wonderful taste as she makes note of everything around her.  Between everyone talking to someone else, Lana just made notes in her head about the situation.

"It seems that Gnome there, Shale is also a warlock.  His pact could be anyone's guess, but he sure is skittish.  Something about that guy, Michael puts me at a little unrest as well."

Turning her attention to Julious and Eli, she makes note of them as well.

"The kid here, Eli, something is special about him.  That mage hand.  He's definitely an arcane understudy.  At such an age, to be that talented...I'm actually a little jealous.  It wasn't that long ago, my first spell didn't blow up in my face.  Julious is cool, but I'm not sure what to think of him yet.  He's kind enough to allow me to sample his prize though.  Very kind of him."

Still perplexed by Reverie's appearance, she has yet another interior monologue. (seems to be a pattern developing here, eh?)

I like Reverie, she's so cute!  But, it seems I don't know much about her except for her love of poetry."

Lana starts looking around the back of the carriage, looking for any clues at all.

12:43, Today: Lana Shihoin, rolled 7 using 1d20. Perception Check.

(I probably found the ground =P)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:55, Mon 08 Dec 2008.

(OOC: Perception 7 beats the "easy" DC at lvl 1 according to the DMG update.)

Lana notices, and presumably points out, that noting in or on the carriage is broken, not the lock on the door, not the shackles, not anything.  She does not find any signs of a struggle at all.

Upon hearing Shale's 'introduction' and that the gnome says he originally came from Luskan, Michael understands a bit of why Shale's apprehension... as Michael remembers hearing that Luskan is quite a dangerous place compared to Unity. Michael then says, “Old habbits indeed, I've heard a bit about Luskan, but now isn't the time to dwell on how things are different here around Unity.”

As Reverie and Eli answer the driver's question, Michael doesn't speak up immediately as there is no reason for everyone to keep repeating the same thing to the driver. Although after a few seconds of considering what Eli has said, Michael then speaks up, “There is another possibility Eli. That someone other than the prisoners being transported instigated this. Whoever did this may have wanted the prisoners for their own reasons. However, that possibility raises similar questions to yours. Again, why would they take those escorting the prisoners? I can't see a reason unless it was to keep them as hostages. And I don't know who would want to do that. Although by not leaving any signs of a battle, it is clear that whoever did this definitely put some effort into covering their tracks and concealing their identity.”

_{[OOC: With Michael having a 9 in History, even a roll of a 1 beats the DC ten that would be needed to know common knowledge about the history of an area, so Michael would easily know the common knowledge about the history of Luskan.]}

As more attention is paid to the driver and the carriage than to himself. Shale seems to become less skittish and more curious about the situation. After hearing Michael and Eli talk about possibilities, Shale's curiosity finally gets the best of him, as he doesn't feel that he is in danger at the moment.

It is then that Shale approaches the carriage and starts looking underneath it as well as around it as the gnome mutters, “I'd love to learn how they managed to pull this off. Being able to help others vanish into thin air would be quite useful. Its one thing to be able to be able to transform into a misty and travel a short ways, but to be able to take others with you when traveling in such a fashion. Or simply simply teleporting them all... that is no parlor trick. But if they could do all that, why leave the carriage behind as such a big clue that something went wrong with the prisoner transport? It's almost as if they are daring someone to solve this mystery.”

[OOC: If Shale needs to make a perception check he'd be taking 10 which would result in a 9.]

"Name's Dolan Butterbur," the driver responds, looking much more nervous than before, "I'm a textile merchant on my way to Southport.  You're saying there's escaped prisoners nearby?  That's not good for business.  Not good at all.  But I suppose it can't be helped.  I'll go alert the authorities."

He leans forward to get a better look at the unusual collection of people before continuing.

"A bandit ridden road is no place for children and women," he says as he shakes his head gravely, "No not at all.  If you youngsters would like I could give you a ride back to Unity where it's safer.  I'll put out my pipe if it offends."

Reverie looks over at Shale and curiously watches him. She can't help but smile, thinking the gnome cute both due to his size and the fact he's so nervous. One of her ears wiggles at the sound of the coachman offering to take the women and children back (Reverie isn't sure herself whether she should be considered a woman or a child). She looks briefly back to the abandoned wagon and then to the coachman again.

"Well there's not much left we can do here
And the circumstances are rather queer.
Thanks for offering that ride to me...
I'd love to go to Unity."

Eli gives the abandoned wagon one more look before nodding and saying, "We're no good to anyone out here. Maybe Unity already knows about this and we can help somehow. Either way, it's our duty to report."

Eli leans closer to Julious and whispers, "We can trust this guy. Unity's not far away and he's far from suspicious. Besides... you seem like a capable man. If you come with me and the dark lady, I'm sure you can protect us if it's needed."

Eli heads for the wagon as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Sat 13 Dec 2008.

Julious takes his pipe back when Lana is finished tasting.  He smiles and nods and moves with Eli to the carriage.

(( OOC: Posted by DM ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:09, Sat 31 Jan 2009.

"What a wonderful flavor," Lana compliments as she returns the pipe to Julious, "Thank you."

She joins Eli and the others in boarding the merchant's wagon.

(( OOC: Posted by DM ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:44, Thu 05 Feb 2009.

Frowning at the situation, but knowing he has no real alternative, Michael says, “Well since there is nothing more we can do here, we should head along with Mr. Butterbur.” as he joins the others in boarding the merchant's wagon.

Realizing that everyone else is boarding the wagon Shale figures that his options are to board the wagon now, or be left alone in an area that is possibly dangerous. Naturally, the gnome's sense of self preservation kicks in and Shale quickly says as he moves to board the wagon, “Wait for me, given what we've found I don't think it would be safe to head off on my own... Safety in numbers and all,” as the gnome  boards the wagon.

Shale figures that whoever did what they did to the wagon, could easily overpower him if he was found on his own, something that Shale would rather avoid.

The group arrives at Unity's gate without any incident beyond boring small talk.  The gate guards approach the cart inquisitively.

"Didn't you just leave for Southport just a few minutes ago?"

"That I did, officers, but I came upon an overturned prison cart at the first bend in the road.  These youngsters were there first and got a better look at it than I did."

One guard signals the other who sprints back to the gate to alert his superiors like someone's life might be at stake.

"Very good of you to report this right away," the remaining soldier says, "Please, all of you, tell me every detail you remember."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Sat 21 Feb 2009.

Reverie gives her description of what happened:

"On my way to your humble abode
I saw a kart on the side of the road
No sign of abuse, I couldn't deduce,
So I came here for it to be towed."

"Please ask what you wish
So that details aren't missed"

Eli watches Reverie give her poetic version of what happened and then says, "She summarized it close enough, but to clarify, there was an abandoned prison wagon. And she's right about no sign of abuse... there was no clear sign of a struggle. No blood. Just empty chains. The only peculiar thing about all this is the fact so many people from different paths showed up at the same time, but even so I find little reason to suspect anyone present."

"What they said," Julious collaborates, "There wasn't much there in the way of clues."

He hops off the cart and drinks in the sights, sounds, and smells of Unity's entrance.  Carved into the stone on one side of the gate is a relief of a human woman.  On the other side is carved an elf man.  Above the gate their hands are clasped.  People are passing in and out of the city in a staggered flow like cars at a toll gate.  Everyone is stopped by two guards before entering or leaving.

(( OOC: Posted by DM ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Sat 28 Feb 2009.

Lana nods in agreement with the others and also disembarks.

(( OOC: Posted by DM ))

Michael gets off the wagon while listening to what everyone else says and decides to add, “I don't have much to add to what has already been said. Although while we did all reach the scene at roughly the same time, we came from different directions. After all, an abandoned wagon in the middle of the road will draw attention.”

The gnome hops off the wagon and shrugs, “The only evidence something is amiss is the abandoned wagon itself. That no other evidence can be found, is something that should not be ignored in of itself. It is the cornerstone of this conundrum we stumbled across. I doubt people often come across such curiosities frequently.” While Shale has calmed down a bit in comparison to how skittish he was before, it is obvious that he is still just as curious about this mystery as when he first approached the abandoned wagon.

The second guard returns with the gate commander and a few police officers.  Once the gate guard who stayed behind relays the details to the newly arrived officials, one of the police officers speaks up.

"Good work everyone," he says, "That prison cart was sent along with a few deputies to apprehend a dangerous group of thieves.  Your timely information may lead to the rescue of the missing deputies.  For your service to the crown, I've been authorized to give each of you a one gold piece reward voucher you can exchange for money at the sheriff's office."

The officer hands out an official looking document to each of the heroes.

"You are also authorized to join in the rescue and or the capture of the culprits right now if you choose, though the bounties on the heads of the culprits is unknown as of yet."

He glances down at Eli.

"...Though I doubt if your lordship's parents would approve of you going on a manhunt..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Wed 25 Mar 2009.

Reverie is surprised, but then rolls up her document to put with the rest of her stuff.

"I thank the crown for this generous reward.
And the offer to pursue the criminal horde.
I'll be happy to join, my law-loving friend,
Though who am I joining with in the end?"

After all, she's curious just how many are pursuing.

"And more importantly, I might ask to add,
Is how we find them with no evidence to be had?"

Eli is given the usual statement of doubt that comes with his incredibly young age. He listens to Reverie and then looks back to the guard who addressed him. "I should be just fine if I'm with a group. My parents are lords in Unity and nothing would make them more proud than knowing their son helped bring dangerous men to justice so they can no longer harm others. I am a capable wizard and can be of great assistance."

As if to demonstrate this, he uses prestidigitation to cause the image of water dancing on the palm of his hand in the form of a woman. Then makes her vanish.

While Reverie is making a point Eli would have addressed, he has the important task of persuading his elders to allow him to come along.

"No thanks," Julious answers the officer, "I'll just cash in my voucher and enjoy the afternoon."

(( OOC: Posing out ))

"That sounds like a good idea," Lana agrees, "I'll be joining you, Julious."

(( OOC: Posing out ))

Michael crosses his arms over his chest as he considers who has opted in and who opted out so far as he responds, “I'll assist in this matter, in whatever way I can.”

Michael also figures it will be a good learning experience, as well as a good opportunity, and he feels it would be foolish to pass this opportunity up.

Shale glances at the guards with a mixed look of curiosity while several others give their response to the guard's offer as the gnome thinks to himself, 'Okay there is likely to be some danger involved... but this is permission to solve a mystery and to no doubt cause mischief for whoever set this mystery in motion...that is just too tempting to pass up. Mystical mystery mischief mayhem ... ooo someone should really try to say that aloud five times fast.'

After the gnome's thoughts start to trail off he grins and says, “This sounds like too much of an opportunity to pass up, so I'm in,” as Shale is careful to not mention that it is an opportunity to have some fun, since then he'd come off as more childish than the child present.

"My apologies," the textile merchant answers, "But I will be unable to join the manhunt, I have to get these garments to Southport by week's end and I cannot afford even half a day's delay...  I'll just have to cash in my voucher when I return to learn of your exploits."

"It's encouraging to see so many willing to serve the crown!" the officer answers those who volunteered with a smile before addressing Eli again, "Your lordship is advised to be very cautious and to do exactly what the field commander says."

Several mounted police officers escorted by bloodhounds along with another prison wagon arrive on the scene.

"And I believe that should answer your question, young poet."

Once the search party's leader is informed of the situation, he instructs the adventurers to ride in the prison wagon.

Reverie is so overwhelmed with joy, she lifts her shoulders and claps her hands.

"Joy of joys!
A police convoy!
And we get to go with,
their company to enjoy."

She hops aboard as directed, not allowing her excitement to make her do anything hasty.

Eli nods to the one addressing him. "Yes sir. I will." and waits his turn before climbing aboard also. Once aboard, Eli looks at Michael and Shale and says, "Are you both students of the arcane like myself?"

(Forgive my memory if this topic was already covered, but from what I can recall and what I read, it seems Eli has yet to have this conversation with Mike and Shale)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Wed 08 Apr 2009.

Michael nods at Eli's question and replies, “I am a student of the arcane, although I do not know if the arcane knowledge I seek and specialize in is the same as yours.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Fri 17 Apr 2009.

Shale looks at Eli and chuckles at the question, “I wouldn't know if I should be called a student. I mostly consider what I know to be a serious hobby and lifestyle. One that I find incredibly fun to pursue.”

Once the adventurers are aboard the prison wagon, the lead officer has the hounds sniff a piece of clothing that belonged to the driver.  The dogs bark excitedly and lead the way down the road.  The officers remain silent and alert for ambushes as they follow the dogs.

((OOC: going to write up stats for the cops when I have more time, but to give you an idea, the lead officer will be warlordish, a beastmaster ranger officer controls the dogs, and the cart's driver is a fighter type.  Realistically, there'd be at least half a dozen officers on a search and rescue, but I don't want to make things too hard for me and too easy for you...  or maybe I'll go ahead and add 3 more cops and make the challenge that much harder.  *makes a note to flip a coin later* ))

Eli finds both answers equally fascinating. Michael calls himself a student while Shale calls it a hobby. Eli can't help but agree with both of them. "I'm a wizard with less focus on offensive and more on controlling. Yourselves?"

He suspects Michael is more of a book hound than Shale and thus, figures he will soon follow up with a conversation about books and who's writings they like. Though for Shale, he wonders what Shale considers fun.

Reverie interjects in her soft, melodic voice (Maybe she should have been a bard? Well she isn't singing in any case):

"While I'm no more a student
To arcane than to life,
I'd be lying if I said
I knew nothing arcane-wise.

It comes to me in dreams
That come from Sehanine
And I learn by example
With a pact she forged with me.

But not to be forgotten
Are the lights that shine at night.
For the pact was not with her alone,
But also with the stars so bright."

Reverie smiles at Eli, Michael and Shale.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Fri 17 Apr 2009.

Michael glances at Shale and shakes his head at the idea of someone viewing the arcane as a hobby. When Eli explains what type of wizard he is, Michael replies, “Most would consider a wizard who focuses on inflicting harm to be rather strange. After all any brute can destroy an enemy, but to control an enemies actions by denying them alternatives is more my style. I am rather fond of conjurations and summoning magics.”

The gnome listens to what Eli, Reverie and Michael have to say before speaking his own mind. “It seems we all have differing views but use similar means. While Reverie has a pact with a being of the stars, my pact is with beings of the Feywild, home of my ancestors.” Shale chuckles as he continues, "Woe be the foe who draws my ire, as I take great pleasure in making fools of those who do wish me harm."

Shale then mutters, "And as you have already seen, I also enjoy using the power that flows through my veins in all aspects of my life when applicable. While shadow walking is fun, someday I hope to be able to bend the Feywild to my will enough to teleport around with far greater ease than what most Eladrin are capable."

Silently waiting while the lead officer 'releases the hounds', is a large soldier that has been assigned to the mission. The soldier does not speak up while it observes the four arcanely gifted civilians speak amongst themselves. Although whether it is just being polite or if it doubts it has permission to speak is anyone's guess.

What makes this soldier unique in the group is that the soldier isn't a typical flesh and blood being like everyone else, but a living construct, a Warforged. With its armored skin looking like the hide of a wild beast with hide armor attached to its body and a heavy shield is not worn but instead attached to its left arm this soldier is clearly a melee combatant. This is further reinforced by the long sword sheathed at the soldier's side.

While silent the soldier is not still, as it glances around to observe the group's surroundings. If anything the soldier looks slightly nervous, as if half expecting the group to be attacked at any moment and thus must be ready to leap into action in an instant.

As the group nears the forest, the road bends between two steep rocky hills.  Remnants of what looks like the remains of ancient destroyed defensive stone structures are seen to the north and south of the road.  The hound begins to snarl and bark angrily at the road ahead though there are no visible or audible signs of anything but trees in the area.  The dog's officer warns the others with a hand signal.

"Freedom," the command addresses the warforged in a hushed tone after stopping the cart, "That signal means there's an ambush ahead.  Warn the bounty hunters to disembark.  Then fetch my horse."

(Hand signals would have been covered in basic training.  The commander's reminder could be considered an insult of the warforged's ability to remember, his inexperience, or could just be a comic-book quirk where the obvious is stated out loud for the sake of the reader.  The commander's horse's reigns are attached to the back of the cart.)

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRS9hKJpYCweXw

(( "Several" mounted police have been nerfed to mean 3.  The commander, the beastmaster, and Freedom.  The fourth horse pulls the cart.  Please place your "figs" somewhere near the back of the cart.)

Freedom's eyes dim slightly for an instant as the warforged nods once to the commander out of respect before turning to instruct the bounty hunters to silently disembark from the cart as there is an ambush ahead.

Freedom then quickly detaches the reigns to the commander's horse from the cart while placing a hand on the horse to both silently comfort and to signal the horse to follow. Then Freedom brings the horse to the commander and hands over the reigns before taking a step back to get out of the way before giving the hand signal stating that he is ready for his next order.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Sat 30 May 2009.

Reverie ohs, bringing her hand close to her mouth as Freedom addresses her and the others. Silent as can be, Reverie gracefully steps out of the cart, almost seeming to flow out of it like water. She readies her wand, giving it a wiggle, causing it's tip to dimly glow. Then smiles and follows Freedom over to the commander, waiting for commands. She double-checks that her newfound allies are ready and OK.

Eli tries not to smile TOO much at what Michael said. After all... not only does he agree with Michael's statement, he's very happy to finally meet someone who finds violence to be less than desirable even in combat. But before he can add to the conversation, things are cut short and he disembarks as instructed, staying behind for the most part. After all, he was "advised" to be very cautious and to do exactly as the commander said. Eli agreed and his word is his bond. Looking around, Eli can see why they were stopped. That and he heard the dog bark. Always trust a dog's nose over your own eyes. Eli asides to Michael in a quiet tone, "I'll watch our backs..." this said, he turns his back to the others and faces the opposite direction, putting full attention there in case someone should try to ambush them.

Michael tightens his grip upon his staff as he is informed about the ambush up ahead. A slow grin forms upon Michael's face as Eli volunteers to take up a rear guard position as Michael thinks to himself, 'Eli is already seeing the big picture and calculating for the unknown instead of focusing only on the known. Quite impressive for his age.'

Michael nods as he says softly in a low tone, “Then I'll focus on foes that try and attack us from head on, but be ready to shift your attention to another direction if needed,” as Michael gets out of the cart and circles around it.

Shale frowns upon hearing that an ambush has been spotted up ahead and mutters, “It would be foolish to think we'd not face some opposition on this mission. Time to have some fun.”

Shale then hops out of the cart and moves near Michael, making sure he has moved far enough to trigger Shadow Walk as Shale knows that is enough to let him use Reactive Stealth to hopefully safely get into a good position from which to strike in order to turn this ambush against those who originally set it up.

Small creatures hiding behind the rocks spring into view and begin to move toward you. With a shriek, the small humanoids attack. Scaled and rust-colored, they have reptilian heads and tails.


(Initiative is: Heroes > Villains.)

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRS9hKJpYCweXw

Kobold Slinger
HP 24; Bloodied 12
AC 13; Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12

Kobold Minions
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 11, Reflex 13, Will 11; –2 penalty to all defenses while not adjacent to another kobold minion

Kobold Dragonshields
HP 36; Bloodied 18
AC 18; Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 13
Resist 5 (fire)

"ATTACK!" the leader of the unity search party commands as he mounts his horse.

((OOC: I'll have the WotC software write up some random allies for you when I'm done with the F.R. posts.))

Reverie calls out to the Kobolds:

"Perhaps you simply desire blood?
And our faces pressed in the mud?
But can't we all just get along?
Or does my diplomacy not belong?"

She asks, holding up a bag of rations.

She can only hope they speak common. She sure as Sehanine doesn't know Draconic.


(Skill check: Nature 14)
(Skill check: Diplomacy wound up failing too. But then, Rev didn't even pose trying that much, heh)
(Initiative: 17)

(Failed Nature check, but wrote this in case I succeeded:
"What is it you desire, you who revere dragons? (DC 15)
Does your master wish to devour the stallion?"

she presents one of the horses present.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Tue 14 July 2009.

Eli keeps his attention on the back side, knowing it only takes one second for an enemy to take advantage and jump out of nowhere with a sneak attack.

He hears the command to attack, looks over his shoulder and flings his hand in the direction of the goblins he sees. A flame sprouts up and burns them, instantly knocking out the minion.

He continues to keep his eye out for an ambush on his end, hoping he didn't just ruin Reverie's possible diplomacy.

(Skill check: Nature. Rolled a 19, making for a total of 25. He knows goblins well.)
(Initiative: natural 20. He goes first. Period. Unless a goblin rolls a natural 20 and has a higher modifier.)

(Standard: Scorching Burst)
(vs Slinger: 15+5=20 hit. Dmg: 3+5=8)
(vs Minion: 17+5=22 hit. Minion KO-ed.)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Tue 14 July 2009.

Seeing the battle has begun, Reverie wastes no more time. She moves into a position to get a clearer view of any other goblins that may be around and then recites another of her poems.

"If pain is what you most desire,
Then let me light your soul on fire.
Please consider humble surrender
Lest your soul be burned... forever."

This said in her oh-so pleasant, soft tone of voice as usual. A look of hope and anxiety comes upon Reverie's face. Whether she hopes the goblin surrenders or burns forever is anyone's guess.

Despite it being broad daylight, a star appears in the sky and shoots a beam of light on the Goblin Slinger. The light BURNS like an otherworldly fire. And since the slinger JUST felt some arcane fire, he can tell this... is different. Eerie whispers warn the goblin more pain is in store for him if he moves closer to Reverie.

(Move: Duh)
(Minor: Curse)
(Standard: Dire Radiance)
(9+4=13 vs fort = win.)
(3+4(+2 from curse damage)=9 for damage on the goblin slinger)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Tue 14 July 2009.

Randal nocks an arrow and fires it at the Kobold directly to the east, and fires the arrow directly into the Kobold's eye, killing it instantly.  Then with blurring speed he knocks a second arrow and fires it at Kobold to the northeast, but the arrow deflects harmlessly off the stone structure it's hiding behind.

Randal's dog barks in typical bloodhound fashion.

((OOC: Randal = the beastmaster ranger.  Mortin = the warlord leader of the search party.))

Randal twin strike 1 vs. Minion

1d20 +4 >= 15
20 + 4 = 24 ... success

Randal twin strike part 2 vs. Minion
1d20 +4 >= 15
11 + 4 = 15 ... success had cover, missed.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Wed 15 July 2009.

Mortin spent most of his time and attention to mounting his horse, so he failed to notice that his next action, closing the distance to the dead Kobold to the northeast, would be a tactical blunder that opens himself up to be flanked by the kobolds to the south.  He realizes his mistake and admits it with his next command.

"Freedom!" he shouts, his voice sounding authoritative rather than frightened, "Cover my rear!  Randal!  Defend the others!"

((OOC: By "cover my rear" he's referring to the area below him on the map as he's facing the top of the map.  Mounting his horse took a standard action, so all he had left was a move action to move northeast.))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Wed 15 July 2009.

Freedom has his horse move around the wooded area near him, taking up a position just south of Mortin while only saying, “Yes sir!”

Facing south, Freedom has a clear line of sight on the two Dragonshield Kobolds and points his longsword at the Dragonshield Kobold 1 as spectral thorns sprout from your weapon and grasp at the Dragonshield Kobold,  but the kobold presses against the defensive turret it is standing next to and avoids the spectral thorns as they return to Freedom's sword.

_{[OOC:
Move Action: Move to R-S 9-10
Standard Action: Thorn Strike vs Dragonshield Kobold 1
[269] 09-07-15 23:31:08 CEST - Freedom using Thorn Strike against Dragonshield Kobold 1.
1d20 +7 >= 18  -> 7 + 7 = 14 ... failure]}
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Wed 15 July 2009.

Shale grins slightly as he moves up and forward to the Turret closest to him and looking north he sees that the closest monster that he can see is the Kobold Slinger. Shale glares at the Kobold Slinger with his eyes briefly gleam with brilliant colors. Your foe reels under your mental assault, and you vanish from his sight.



_{[OOC:
Shale can't see the Kobold Dragonshield's due to them being on the opposite side of the defensive turret. Thus I can't place my Warlock's curse on them.
Move Action move to Q12, triggers Shadow Walk so Shale has concealment and +2 to all defenses.
Minor Action: Warlock's Curse placed on Kobold Slinger.
Standard Action: Cast Eyebite on Kobold Slinger.
[270] 09-07-15 23:47:24 CEST - Shale casting Eyebite on the Kobold Slinger (vs. Will)
1d20 +5 >= 12  -> 19 + 5 = 24 ... success
[271] 09-07-15 23:49:04 CEST - Shale's Eyebite damage + Warlock's Curse on Kobold Slinger. Also Shale is invisible to the Kobold Slinger till the start of Shale's next turn.
2d6 +4  ->  2 + 2 + 4 = 8
Kobold Slinger takes 8 damage and now has 12hp left and is blooded.]}

Michael grins as he sees an opportunity to close off a route of attack moving slightly and then saying, “Let's see how desperate they are to try and surround us, and if they are willing to pay the price,” as he summons a crackling column of lightning appearing to his east, lashing out at any enemy who moves near it.

_{[OOC:
Move Action: Move to O14
Standard Action: Cast Storm Pillar placed at  T14, any enemy that moves adjacent to the storm pillar takes 1d6+4 lightning damage. The pillar occupies 1 square and lasts until the end of Michael's next turn. Each enemy that moves into a square adjacent to the pillar takes 1d6 + 4 lightning damage. (Moving through multiple squares = take damage multiple times since it doesn't restrict the damage to only occurring once for an enemy.)
Minor Action: Unused.]}

Two kobold minions charge at Mortin from behind the northeast structure, stabbing him with their spears.  A third minion hurls a javelin at him but misses.  Their eyes flicker with an unearthly glow, and they remain silent.

Minion javelin attack vs. Mortin's AC
1d20 +4 >= 17
5 + 4 = 9 ... failure

Minion charge attack vs. Mortin's AC
1d20 +5 >= 17
17 + 5 = 22 ... success

Minion charge attack vs. Mortin's AC
1d20 +5 >= 17
20 + 5 = 25 ... success

8 total damage to Mortin
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Thu 16 July 2009.

With the same eerie silence the minions displayed, the slinger shifts away from Mortin and his longsword before it slings a small pot at him that bursts into flame when it hits.  It then darts into the nearby wooded area.

((OOC: The first shift was a minor action thanks to the kobold racial ability. ))

Slinger firepot vs. Mortin AC
1d20 +6 >= 17
17 + 6 = 23 ... success

Firepot damage vs. Mortin
1d6 +3
6 + 3 = 9 damage to Mortin and 2 ongoing fire

Without a word, the dragonshields move to the east then charge Freedom in unison as methodically as a machine.

((OOC: Freedom is marked by dragonshield 2, the southernmost one.))

Dragonshield short sword charge vs. Freedom
1d20 +9 >= 19
16 + 9 = 25 ... success

Dragonshield short sword charge vs. Freedom
1d20 +9 >= 19
14 + 9 = 23 ... success

dragonshields combined damage
2d6 +6
1 + 6 + 6 = 13 total damage to Freedom

Reverie would be fine with the Slinger running away if it weren't for the fact it might report to its masters or simply trying to reposition for another ranged attack. So Reverie continues her own attack.

"Trying to run away from me?
You won't escape so easily."

As she weaves from her original position and between Randal and Freedom, Reverie's form becomes darker and slightly translucent, her red eyes seeming to be a little more emphasized from it. Then, in a dark tone and a foreign language that sounds... scary.. Reverie curses the minion who is near the commander.

With a power any warlock would recognize, Reverie flicks her wrist and a ball of darkness that seems to have black lightning dance about on it flies from Reverie's wand and towards the Slinger.

As she does this, Reverie calls out to Shale.

"You remember this power well
My new friend and ally, Shale.
Let's make sure he won't escape
Or our efforts may be erased."

(OOC: Thinking about using Dreadful Word next if the guy isn't KOed by then. And the more I read on Star Pact, the more I'm creeped out by it. Is it just me, or is Star Pact the single creepiest thing in DnD, rivaling even gibbering orbs? <Even then, I suspect the gibbering orbs and star pact are eerily connected somehow>)

(Move: Duh.)
(Minor: Curse Minion. The one closer to Rev, obviously. Language: Deep Speech.)
(Standard: Eldritch Blast vs Slinger)
(9+4=13. Just barely missed his reflex of 14.)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Thu 16 July 2009.

Eli picks up on the creepiness the kobolds are emitting. But before he even utters a word, he waves his hand again to cause a small explosion of arcane fire behind the minions. "These kobolds aren't fighting of their own will!" he yells out. "Be careful not to kill them if you can help it! This isn't their fault!"

Reverie may have seemed sweet and even adorable earlier... but Eli's starting to honestly get a little creeped out by her. That's those childlike instincts that tell you when you are near powers you aren't supposed to mess with. You know... those instincts grownups learn to ignore?

(Standard: Scorching Burst vs Minions)
(10+5=15 hit. 5+5=10 not hit. Even with taking out the first minion, a -2 to Reflex would still mean 11. :p)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Thu 16 July 2009.

Shale cackles slightly as he realizes an opportunity to have some fun and moves adjacent to Freedom and Reverie as a pale blue flame appears above Shale's brow as the gnome utters a condemnation, “You two have drawn my anger, now make amends and fight for me!” As Shale invokes the power of the feywild to make the two Dragonshield Kobolds temporarily mistake each other as enemies. Shale cackles with glee as he forces the two kobolds to strike at each other, and laughs when one of the two hits the other, but when the other misses, that kobold ends off even worse. Shale laughs even harder when he the chaos he has caused triggers a response from Freedom. Shale can be heard chuckling, “I love my job,” as the gnome quickly returns his attention to the fact he is now close to the middile of the battlefield, although he can't help but keep grinning at the mischief he just caused.

_{[OOC:. Mittens and I realized a goof and I've fixed it, this power is a blast not a burst, was working after midnight so only the two dragonshield are targeted which means that the attack rolls are used in order, so the two attack rolls against the minions get used againt the two dragonshield...
Move Action: Move to Q9, which sustains Shadow Walk, granting +2 power bonus to all defenses.
Minor Action: Place Warlock's Curse on Dragonshield Kobold 1.
Standard Action: Decree of Khirad, targets Both Dragonshield Kobolds and the two Kobold Minions adjacent to Mortin.
Target: Each enemy in blast (close blast 3)
Dragonshield Kobold 1 is slid to U7, Dragonshield Kobold 2 is slid to U8
[296] To hit dragonshield 2 due to fixing error) Result: success (Crit)
[295] To hit Dragonshield 1 due to fixing error) Result: success (Crit)
Decree of Khirad Damage (Psychic) is maxed due to only two targets are both critted = 6+4 = 10
[301] Curse damage to Dragonshield Kobold 1 = 1d6 -> 3 = 3
[304] Dragonshield Kobold 1 Basic Melee attack vs Dragonshield Kobold 2 Result: success
Dragonshield Kobold 2 is now marked by Dragonshield Kobold 1. (overwrites Freedom's Mark on Dragonshield Kobold 2.
This attack triggers Freedom's Warden's Grasp (Immediate Reaction; at will) * Primal, Weapon * Close Burst 5 on Dragonshield Kobold 1. Freedom slides the target 1 square. The target is slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.
[305]  Dragonshield Kobold 1's damage to Dragonshield Kobold 2 is 7
[316] Dragonshield 2 missed it's basic melee atack on Dragonshield Kobold 1.  10 psychic damage (due to crit on attack roll maxing damage to this mob.)
Results: (This is hilarious!!!)
Dragonshield Kobold 1 takes 3 Damage from Shale's Warlock's Curse, and is Slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.
Dragonshield Kobold 2 takes 10 psychic damage and 7 damage from Dragonshield Kobold 1 and is marked by Dragonshield Kobold 1. (17 damage total.)]}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Fri 17 July 2009.

Michael can't help but gawk at the stunt Shale just pulled and mutters, “Remind me to not piss off the gnome...” as Michael does not fancy the idea of being made to attack an ally like that. Michael quickly realizes how best to capitalize on the current situation as he moves up and quickly conjures forth a lingering swarm of ice crystals that chill the two Dragonshield Kobolds to their bones. Although he thinks about it, Michael refrains from making the obvious 'chill out joke'.

_{[OOC:
Minor Action: Unused
Move Action: Move to Q8
Standard Action: Chilling Cloud, centered at T8 (Where Dragonshield Kobold 2 currently is.
Target: Each enemy in burst. (Both Dragonshield Kobolds) Effect: Until the end of Michael's next turn, any enemy in the power's area takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls. Attack: +5 vs Fort. Hit: 4 damage. (Int bonus)
[307] 09-07-17 00:47:59 CEST - Michael's Chilling Cloud vs Dragonshield Kobold 2
1d20 +5 >= 14 -> 14 + 5 = 19 ... success
[306] 09-07-17 00:47:02 CEST - Michael's Chilling Cloud vs Dragonshield Kobold 1
1d20 +5 >= 14 -> 9 + 5 = 14 ... success
Both Dragonshield Kobolds take 4 cold damage.
Dragonshield Kobold 1 has now taken 7 damage. (29hp left)
Dragonshield Kobold 2 has now taken 21 damage. (15hp left and bloodied)
Any kobold in the chilling cloud]}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Fri 17 July 2009.

Freedom's eyes dim slightly after both Dragonshield kobold's have stuck him. But that is nothing to the expression on the warforged's face when Shale makes 'his' decree. The body language clearly appears to indicate confusion despite the limited faction expressions a warforged's face can make.

Growling Freedom points his sword at the Dragonshield kobold that marked him and once again tries to use spectral thorns that sprout from Freedom's weapon to grasp at the Dragonshield Kobold, but the kobold manages to avoid the thorns as they retract into Freedom's weapon. Grumbling, Freedom renews his mark on the Dragonshield Kobold (1) still adjacent to him, while being thankful that the other Dragonshield Kobold (2) isn't adjacent to him so that he does not remove the Mark that Shale was able to get Dragonshield Kobold 1 to place on it.

_{[OOC: I'm actually glad that Freedom missed, since if he hit, he'd risk overwriting Dragonshield Kobold 1's mark on Dragonshield Kobold 2. (Man what Shale did was funny.)
Standard Action: Thorn Strike at Dragonshield kobold 2.
[308] 09-07-17 00:58:34 CEST - Freedom using Thorn Strike against Dragonshield Kobold 2.
1d20 +7 >= 18 -> 6 + 7 = 13 ... failure
Move Action: Unused.
Free Action: Refresh mark on Dragonshield Kobold 1.
Dragonshield Kobold 1 is marked again by Freedom (effects stack with the -2 from Chilling cloud.)
Dragonshield Kobold 2 is still marked by Dragonshield Kobold 1 (so Dragonshield Kobold 2 has a -4 penalty to attack any of us while it is standing in the chilling cloud area other than Dragonshield Kobold 1. LOL)
BTW, if Dragonshield Kobold 1 tries to attack Shale or Mortin without moving, it triggers Warden's Fury, if it moves before attacking, even a shift, it will trigger Warden's grasp.]}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Fri 17 July 2009.

Randal glances from the dragonshields to Shale and back, rather surprised.  He shakes it off and fires a pair of arrows at the nearest minion, but both shots fail to do any noticeable harm.  He whistles to his hound who hurries to the north.

"Thought you could set me on fire and get away with it?!" Mortin rages at the slinger, oblivious to the hilarity that Shale caused right next to him.

Mortin snaps the reigns of his horse, commanding it to charge at the slinger.  The horse obeys and tramples both minions under it's hooves, but not before one of them manages to injure it with it's spear.  The horse whinneys in pain, but obediently continues the charge, stopping just short of the slinger when Mortin pulls on the reigns.  He takes out his canteen and tries to douse the flames with it, but is unsuccessful.  The charge left Mortin open for an attack from the Dragonshield, but it decides to stay on guard rather than provoke Freedom's wrath.

(( OOC: Standard trample attack.  minor: canteen emptied. :p ))

2 ongoing fire damage to Mortin.


Mortin's horse trample vs west Minion reflex
1d20 +4 >= 13
10 + 4 = 14 ... success

Mortin's horse trample vs east Minion reflex
1d20 +4 >= 13
16 + 4 = 20 ... success

Minion2 AoO vs. Mortin's horse
1d20 +4 >= 17
17 + 4 = 21 ... success 4 damage to horse

Minion AoO vs. Mortin's horse
1d20 +4 >= 17
2 + 4 = 6 ... failure

Mortin saving throw vs. ongoing fire.
1d20
7 = 7

This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sat 18 July 2009.

The westernmost Kobold Minion takes advantage of the situation and flanks Mortin and spears him in the back, but the weapon is deflected by the Warlord's chain armor.  The Minion then shifts to the west.

Minion spear vs. Mortin AC (flanking bonus)

1d20 +6 >= 17
4 + 6 = 10 ... failure

The slinger shifts away from Mortin and prepares to a glue pot at his horse but he fumbles the pot and it breaks open harmlessly in front of him.  The slinger's frown looks rather sad.  Nevertheless it darts for cover again.

Slinger glue pot vs. Mortin's horse.
1d20 +6 >= 17
1 + 6 = 7 ... failure

The for a split second, the first Dragonshield's eyes returned to normal and it whimpered pathetically just before succumbing to Shale's control.  When Shale's spell released control, it yelped before the eerie glow returned to it's eyes.  It stays put and attacks Freedom with it's short sword but it just bounces off the Warforged's armor harmlessly.

The second Dragonshield glances from Freedom to it's ally to Michael.  It seems a little confused about what it's supposed to do.  It moves to the north out of Michael's icy cloud then hurls at him, thrusting with his sword at the Wizard, inflicting a painful wound.

D2 short sword vs. Michael's AC (charge bonus)
1d20 +8 >= 17
13 + 8 (-2 from mark)= 19 ... success

Sword damage vs Michael
1d6 +3
2 + 3 = 5 damage to Michael is marked.

Reverie is impressed with the power Shale just wielded and smiles.

"Today is not the kobold's day
If Shale can play that way."

Upon seeing the Dragonshields so close to herself, though, she loses her smile and glances over at the one that's RIGHT next to her with a slight cringe and shrugged shoulder. She explains to the Dragonshield she is cringing from:

"Your situation has just got worse
As I lay on you a warlock's curse."

The Dragonshield notices and figures it's a great opportunity to swing at Reverie and hits her.

Reverie then pulls a mind job on the Dragonshield in response. She whispers something that, well, her allies should probably be grateful they were unable to hear.

Upon hearing what Reverie whispers, the Dragonshield screams in pure terror, rattling the battlefield with the blood-curdling horror in his voice and... were those tears coming from his eyes? Reverie puts her finger on her mouth and says, "Ssshhhh..." and the Dragonshield stares at her horrified.

Upon closer inspection, the light has faded from his eyes and he just seems to be permanently horrified. Apparently, his muscles tense enough that he is still standing even though he's unconscious.

(Reverie has +2 to attack from Eli downing the minion Rev cursed.)
(Minor1: Curse)
(Dragonshield Opportunity Attack: 6+7=13 vs AC = hit)
(Damage: 3+3=6 damage. Reverie is marked.)
(Standard: Dreadful Word: 8+5=13 vs Will. As if Karmic payback, this 13 hit him too.)
(Dreadful word Damage: 2d8... rolled 2 8s! 16+4+3(Curse dmg)=23 damage.)
(Dragonshield is KOed.)
(Move: Duh.)
(Fate of the Void activated! Dragonshield at 0HP means another +2 attack for my next turn. :) )
(Reverie HP: 24)

(OOC: For convenience, I'll be coloring the enemies I curse as being purple. When such an enemy reaches 0 HP, can the GM please color the downed enemy light purple for 1 round so I know to collect on my curse benefit. Between the figs moving and figs dying, I have no way of keeping track of who dies and who doesn't for the curse benefits. >.> And if Shale would kindly pick a color of his own choosing for his curses, that'd be convenient.)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Sun 19 July 2009.

Eli watches the ensuing chaos. Mind control? And what did Reverie whisper that freaked out the kobold so much? Did she tell him dragons evolved from humans or something? Either way, he decides to start getting closer to the commander as soon as he can. It's clear nobody is ambushing them at this point. While he figures he can't get close enough yet, he figures he may as well fire off a spell or two. Another burst of arcane flames appears between the Dragonshield and the Minion and just afterwords, A mysterious looking translucent blue hand appears right in between the two Dragonshields to slap both of them, not causing damage, but obviously providing some humor and distraction.

The flames seem to bounce off the Dragonshield without him knowing or caring. Upon being slapped, the Dragonshield, who still looks permanently horrified, falls over like a statue.

(Move: Q-12)
(Standard: Scorching Burst.)
(Vs Minion: 13+6=19 hit!)
(Minor: Mage Hand)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Sat 18 July 2009.

Freedom mutters, “We can't let them run free if they aren't even acting on their own accord..” as Freedom renews his mark on the Dragonshield Kobold before swinging his sword and finally connecting with an attack as the warforged sends the primal energy of earth flowing into the Dragonshield Kobold, landing a solid blow and slowing its movement.

_{[OOC: Free Action: Refresh Mark on remaining Dragonshield Kobold.
Standard Action: Weight of Earth vs. Dragonshield Kobold.
[338] Freedom's Weight of Earth vs Dragonshield Kobold... success.
[339] Weight of Earth Damage to Dragonshield Kobold, 7pts of damage.
Dragonshield Kobold is now marked by Freedom, and it is Slowed until the end Freedom's next turn.
Remaining Dragonshield Kobold has taken 14pts of damage.]}

Michael grumbles at being struck and repositions himself so that the Dragonshield Kobold literally can't get to him without going around or through Freedom as Michael says, “One done one to go, they clearly dislike the cold,” as Michael once again conjures forth a lingering swarm of ice crystals that chills the remaining Dragonshield Kobold to its bones while making it difficult for the Kobold to attack anyone without remaining inside the cloud, given the slowed state Freedom Placed it in.

_{[OOC: Minor Action: Unused
Move Action: Move to R11
Standard Action: Chilling Cloud, centered at S9
[340] Michael's Chilling Cloud vs Dragonshield Kobold's Fort... success.
Dragonshield Kobold has now taken 18 damage. (18hp left and bloodied)
Effect: Until the end of Michael's next turn, any enemy in the power's area takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls.]}

Remaining silent, Shale moves north next to Mortin while avoiding approaching too close to the remaining Dragonshield Kobold in order to sustain his Shadow Walk power. Shale doesn't bother with placing a Warlock's Curse since the two remaining foes are already cursed by him, instead Shale flings a bolt of dark, crackling eldritch energy at the Dragonshield Kobold causing a nasty wound as it impacts the Dragonshield Kobold.

_{[OOC:
Move Action: Move to S4, sustains Shadow Walk for +2 to all defenses.
Standard Action: Eldritch Bolt vs Dragonshield Kobold.
Minor Action: Unused.
[341] Shale's Eldritch Bolt vs Dragonshield Kobold's Reflex...Success.
[342] Shale's Eldrtich Bolt + Warlock's Curse damage to Dragonshield Kobold, 12 damage.
Dragonshield Kobold has now taken 30 damage (6hp left and blooded, slowed, and marked by Freedom.)]}

Randal gasps at the blood-curdling scream the dragonshield lets out when Reverie whispers it to death!  The hackles on him and his hound are both now sticking straight up.  He gulps down the lump in his throat, snaps the reigns, and whistles to his hound.  The two of them race east then close in on the dragonshield and flank it.  Randal reaches for his sword as he commands his dog to "sic 'em," but before he can even take a swing himself, the dog already has the weakened dragonshield on the ground and defeated.

"Good boy!" Randal commends before thinking to himself, ~You put the poor thing out of it's misery before the demoness witch could steal it's soul!~


Randal's hound Synchronized Strike vs. dragonshield AC (C.A.)
1d20 +7 >= 18
19 + 7 = 26 ... success

hound damage vs dragonshield
1d8 +2
8 + 2 = 10

"You're going down!" Mortin declares to the Slinger as he advances on the foe that set him on fire.  His longsword catches the Slinger in the arm, inflicting a deep wound, but Mortin swung with such force he nearly slips off his horse!  The slinger sees an opportunity to retaliate, and thrusts his daggar at the warlord, but Mortin was more than expecting the counter... he was counting on it!

"Gnome!" he shouts, "Finish it!"

The flames afflicting Mortin flicker and die out.

((Brash Assault Effect: The target can make a melee basic attack against you as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack. If the target makes this attack, an ally of your choice (Shale) within 5 squares of the target can make a basic attack against the target as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack.))

Mortin Brash Assault vs. Kobold Slinger AC
1d20 +9 >= 13
14 + 9 = 23 ... success

Brash Assault damage vs. Kobold Slinger
1d8+5
5 +5 = 10 damage to slinger

Kobold Slinger Brash Assault AoO vs. Mortin AC /w C.A.
1d20 +7 >= 17
6 + 7 = 13 ... failure

Mortin ongoing fire save thrwo
1d20 = 14
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Mon 20 July 2009.

Shale instantly transforms into silver mist that streams a short distance and reforms on top of the ruined defensive turret closest to Mortin when Randal and his hound defeat the Dragonshield Kobold, settomg Shale up for  allowing you to flee or maneuver to set up a deadly attack.

When Mortin yells out for Shale to finish the Slinger, Shale replies, “My name is Shale...” as the gnome warlock flings a bolt of dark, crackling eldritch energy at the Kobold Slinger resulting in a nasty wound that drops the Kobold to the ground.

As the Kobold drops to the ground, Shale instantly transforms into silver mist again and streams over to Mortin and reforms adjacent to Mortin as Shale continues, “... Please remember it.”

_{[OOC:
Free Action: Misty Step to V5
Free Action: Basic Attack: Eldritch Bolt vs Kobold Slinger
[348] Shale's Free Basic Attack vs Slinger (Eldritch Bolt) ... success
[349] Eldritch Bolt does 11 Damage to the Kobold Slinger. Dropping it to -9HP
Free Action: Misty Step to Y5
]}

Mortin does a double-take at the sudden appearance of the gnome by his side.  ~Wasn't he just 30' or so behind me?!~ he asks himself, confused, ~And didn't that voice and shot come from on top of the stone turret just a split second ago?!

He stares in bewilderment at the gnome.

"That it is!" he says, "With amazing powers like yours, bards will be singing the tale of Shale for a long time to come!"

He looks around and sees that the other foes have been vanquished.

"Good work, everyone," he commends, then reads the relaxed look on the hound's face, "Looks like the coast is clear.  Regroup at the cart and tend to any wounds."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Mon 20 July 2009.

Reverie returns to the cart as ordered and begins looking her wound over with a pouty look on her face.

"Oh dear, oh dear
I know not how to heal, I fear."

While she does seem to be bleeding red blood, it seems to glisten more than normal and around her wound is some faintly green tinted sparkling.

"Can someone here please help me out?
How well I'd do I highly doubt.
Though forgive me and don't be bitter,
But there is poison where you see glitter."

Eli first waits to see if anyone else will help Reverie since his ability with bandages and such wasn't much better than Rev's. But if needed, he could speak a word and heal her. Then again, the captain seemed to need it more... but then, the captain also seemed to be bandaging himself just fine.

"I'm not much of a healer." he admits, "But once a day, I can heal someone with a word. So if everyone is well enough, I'll save that for when or if we really need it..."

While not understanding how Shale did what the gnome did, Freedom is quite aware that Shale teleported, fired off a bolt of energy, and then teleported again.

When Commander Mortin gives the order to regroup at the cart, Freedom silently complies and after returning to the cart, the warforged dismounts to tend to the wounds suffered in battle. “I'll live, just need a moment to patch myself up,” when Reverie mentions that she might be poisoned, Freedom asks, “I'm not an expert on other races, but I would be more worried about myself if I was leaking red fluids,” as Freedom points out that the 'blood' of a warforged looks more like a black oily sap like substance, although with Freedom's effort the 'bleeding' is quickly stopped as the warforged patches the wounds that the kobolds had inflicted.

_{[OOC: Spending 2 healing surges during the short rest, recovers 16 hp, which brings Freedom back up to 35 HP and having 7 surges remaining.]}

Michael grins at Shale's rapid teleporting as Micheal grasps the tactical advantages being able to teleport can provide.

After Mortin instructs everyone to return to the cart to recover, Michael tends to his wounds and asks, “I'm sure who ever had these Kobolds prepare an ambush will eventually notice what has occured here, so we shouldn't stay here too long before moving on.”

When Reverie inquires about her wound, and Freedom makes the comment about Freedom's own blood, Michael is left wondering if Reverie's blood is normally like that as he speaks up, “If the Kobolds were using poisoned weapons several of us would now be feeling the effects, including myself.”


_{[OOC: Spend a healing surge to recover 8 HP, restoring Michael to 33 HP total and having 7 Healing surges left.]}

Shale just grins and upon being instructed to, the gnome asks Mortin,
“Will you need any assistance in tending to your horse?” before the gnome returns to the cart.

Shale wasn't injured in the battle so he glances around to see anyone really needs help, but upon hearing Reverie's statement that the gnome looks a bit worried since if there is poison going around, Shale doesn't want to fall victim to it.

Mortin is the worst off of all the adventurers, but he tries to make it look like it's no big deal.

"Thanks," he answers Shale before tending to his own wounds, "But I'm sure he'll be fine.  I'll need yours and everyone else's sharp eyes on the look-out for our missing person.  With any luck, these were the ones who kidnapped the driver and left him nearby."

Mortin glances at Rev's wound... then stares.  He's never seen anything so bizarre.

"Just patch yourself the same way you see the rest of us doing it...  You'll be fine."

((OOC: Mortin was 2hp from passing out.  Spending 4 surges to regain full HP.  By way of reminder, the guy we're looking for is "an old human man who lost a leg in the war."))
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Tue 28 July 2009.

Randal has his hound reacquire the driver's scent who in short order finds the poor cripple tied and gagged in the underbrush to the east.  The dog wags his tail and barks excitedly.

"Found him!" he shouts to the others as if to translate the dog's words before using his sword to cut the man's bonds.

"Thank you so much!" the old man says as soon as the gag is removed, "But there's no time to lose!  We need to get to South Port Road!  My crew could be in serious danger!"

Reverie watches the others and carefully bandages herself as best she can. Then after hearing Freedom and Michael, is both grateful and disappointed they didn't understand what she meant. Soon as she's done, she hears the old man speak of South Port Road and gets herself ready to go with the captain.

Eli isn't sure if anyone heard him since nobody responded to him, but for now the urgency of the now-free man asking for aid in making sure his crew is safe certainly takes precedence. He listens for an order from the captain, also ready to follow.

"It was assumed that the ones who captured you would have captured the others and gone the same way," Mortin explains as he helps the man onto the cart, "It's good you were well enough to report so we can find them.  You seem well enough to drive so that will be your duty, sir.  We'll be be returning to the City first both to report, and because there's no other path to Southport Road from here."

The veteran is a little conflicted.  On the one hand, an officer calling him "sir" because he's a civilian now is a bit awkward, but on the other he appreciates being given a task at all in spite of being a helpless victim just a moment ago.  It does a lot to help him feel he's regained his dignity.

Mortin has the team load up the cart with the bodies of the Kobolds.  Time may be of the essence in regards to rescuing the mercenary team, but he feels returning these creatures to the City is worth the little extra time, though he gives no reasons for his orders.  He then leads the group back to Unity's south gate.

(( Closing this thread as it's now merging with the Chapter 1 thread. ))