The rain is still falling but it seems that the hut is at least currently on high enough ground, Kree would be concerned that if it rained this way all night they may very well be in the water by morning, even with his keen elven eyes Kree sees nothing but darkness, it would be foolhardy to try to cross the swamp now.

  popping back in hs take soff his claok and shakes it out,..it is  bad. the rain is hard, and the  swamp is black. we can only hope, that the rain slacks, or  we will be  pretty wet my  sunrise.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #178):

Kree, my thanks for checking.  Lets remember to be careful in the morn, maybe have a watch up tonight in case we start to get flooded, at least that would make us better prepared.

Khorden grunts at the thought of them being wet tomorrow, but he sure didn't want to go slogging through a drowning swamp.  "I guess we're here fer a bit."

The Dwarf pulls out his sword, inspecting it for signs of rust or need of other care before he starts putting a bit better an edge on the blade.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #180):

Clair pulls out her dice and offers up a few games of dice to pass the time away.

The rest of the night passes without incident and even with a guard you aren't exactly sure when the rain stopped but by morning it has the water only about 2 feet away from the door.

  Looking  at the water outside the Hut, the elf  shakes his head,we are getting  wet to day, no way around it...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #183):

Sighs, well, let's pack up and roll out of here the dryest way possible.  I think we might just head back to town unless we can make a check for the gypsies on our way back.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #183):

Clair directs for the strongest of the group to make the raft with those capable of helping out help also.  she has rope to lend and will say prayers to lady luck for a sturdy raft to be made, or at least one to ferry a few across at a time :)

Senuviel breaks his silence once more. He looks pensive while he analyzes the trees around.

The she-hafling is right. Let's get to work Khorden and build this raft, otherwise it's gonna be really tough to get out of this mess.

Having no skills in raft building, Khorden none the less has some skill at crafting items from things other than wood and it rather proficient with knots and such.  With the aid of the others, especially Kree and Senuviel, and gathering up the rope from those who volunteer it, Khorden directs the others to fall some trees and he sees to trimming the leaves and such.

He takes added pains to make the little craft sturdy, after all it had to be fair enough to keep his bulk afloat.  Khorden was certainly not going to be swimming anywhere.

Looking at the gathered wood, Khorden shows a particular pickiness in sorting them out, spending an inordinate amount of time having them trimmed smoothly, ensuring their straight lines, having new limbs fetched when those inspected prove to not meet his exacting standards.

Lashing the limbs together, Khorden places cross timbers lashed at regular intervals along it's length to give more structural stability.  The lashings are probably more than double what's needed, but a Dwarf craftsman in doubt over-constructs.  He ties several loops in and among the limbs, anchor points to lash down equipment, or should things go poorly, hand holds for the passengers.

Finally done with the raft itself, he puts the others to work to fashioning a paddle to be used to steer the craft, what one more skilled in such things would call a rudder, and makes sure it's securely fashion to the rear of the raft.  He has Bruga and Clair focus on long, narrow trees and limbs that could be trimmed and used as poles to push along or help direct around any boulders or trees or alligators that the group would want to avoid.

Picking for himself a spot in the very middle of the raft, Khorden puts a few extra hand holds there.  He didn't want to admit such to the others, but traveling by boat was not something he was looking forward to.

Finally, Khorden examines the finished work.  It's large enough to carry all and their equipment with ease and it would stand up to a fair battering if he was any judge, which he had to admit to himself that he's not.  Still, it looks to be as good a raft as one could expect from an untrained Dwarf.

13:31, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 22 using 1d20+3. Strength Check to build raft.

 Kree would  stand  there and  Grab, fetch  logs  and  wood and Vines if  able. Waiting  for his  dwarven  friend  to  tell him what he needed him to do
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Wed 27 July 2011.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #188):

Smiling at the wonderful raft, especially since she has no skill in it but wisdom dictates it was a wise move to get Khoorden involved so he would not get wet.

OK, lets get ourselves upon it, well balanced with our load and oursleves.  With Khorden in the middle using the rudder and have our two strongest in the back Kree and senuviel poling or paddling with Clair and Bruga up front helping pole or paddle.  We shall balance out the load best we can with everybody and thing.   claor makes sure to have Snare set in the middle in front of Khorden some nestled in the gear so he feels safer.

Once loaded, we shall head for the closest shore - Great job guys building her but I think we all prefer dry land

the movement across the swamp is very easy with the raft you guys wish you'd thought of a raft in the first place. You all think you should try to hide it in case you come back this way. You pass along the shore of where the gypsy camp it, it looks perfectly dry and is still in its same motions as it was the last you saw it... only the dagger you got from the stomach of the gator is glowing rather brightly here along the edge of the water...

(ooc whoever is holding it, that dagger is getting rather warm and glowing THROUGH the sheath)

Bruga cuts a couple of extra poles to lay on the raft. Then he thinks about it and cuts some shorter branches that have smaller branches attached. If necessary, we can put cloth over the smaller branches, tie it, and use the result as oars...if we can't reach the bottom.  He does his part in moving the raft along

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #191):

Looking at the dagger, assume Clair did not carry it, edged weapon and all, er we will have to figure this one out lets get past here quickly for I fear maybe that dagger and those gypsies are connected in more then just magic.

Yes we should hide this raft for another time maybe

Senuviel keeps his eyes and ears sharp and attentive, he carries his bow in his left hand.

Certainly this dagger has more in it than simple enchantments. It worths some deep analysis as the gypsy encampment too. If they're trapped souls we have to find a way of releasing them. Have said that, Senuviel returns to his sentry job.

  Helping  pole the raft, the elf  keeps  a look about, his eyes  drawn to the dagger,we shall see what it is , once  we get back to town..Things are not  alright here. We may have a chance to restore what is the way of things. With Tymora  and Beshaba's aid..."

Once they're to safety, Khorden unknots his fingers from the rope loops and disembarks.  Once ashore, he grabs the front end of the raft and tugs it further up on shore, tying it to a handy tree before piling limbs down atop it.

He ignores the talk of the gypsy's for the time being, having said his piece before.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #195):

Clair helps Snare off then Khorden with the raft and when done looks about - Well, let's get back to town ASAP I can go check on my high preist and clergy about those Gypsies while Goseric can do the same at his church.  The rest might want to aid Khander with getting help from our mage we are helping get his spell components form for an  identification (identify) on that dagger and see what he may know too.  We may need more coin to pay for the identify but possibly we can work out a further deal with the mage.

  Kree  Nods, Looking to Senuviel..yuoui want Point  or Rear Guard ,my friend?

I get the point watch, my friend. Says Senuviel to Kreee. The elf then moves ahead of the group, scouting.

Aye , then..I have our  backs...  he drifts  a few steaps  back  to watch as they move.

The raft hidden away as safely as it could be, the party makes a rather uneventful journey back to Lotan. So now the party is back home it is their choice whether they seek the help of the wizard or the various head clerics of their orders.

Back in town, Khorden enjoys being away from swamps and flash floods.  "So, what say we fine a hot meal and a tall mug o' ale?  I've et enough gator for a while."