The swamp is exactly that a swamp, frogs, newts and possibly even undead reside here,  trees rise from the muck and line the shores.

Clair is easily distracted while watching Bruga try to catch frogs ,chuckles as she cathes more mud then frog -

20:26, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 10 using 1d10. newts.

Bruga looks at Clair's empty hands and then at his own. He looks at her and laughs Oh, well, better luck newts time!

Clair chuckles and swipes back in her still muddy hands and snatches two Newts who seem to have been as surprised as Clair Got two Bruga lol

22:44, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 1 using 1d10. goes for more Newts.

so far:
2 Newts via Clair
2 Frogs via Goseric

a lot of mud via Bruga LOL
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Mon 04 Apr 2011.

In Bruga's attempts he trips over a long in the distance just barely on the edge of his sight he swears he can see movement the figures look like humanoid shadows with some noticably missing pieces in their shadows. As best he can tell the group is not headed towards them but rather away.

As Bruga again demonstrates....he blinks his eyes and starts to rub them until he remembers that mud in one's eyes is no aid to vision. He picks himself up, approaches his friends, and says I'm almost sure I saw a group of skeletons with parts missing over there...don't know how many. They were going away from us.

Khorden frowns at the sight of the swamp, not liking it's look.  Dwarves are built for many fine things, but tiptoeing through a swamp isn't one of them.  His heavy stride and heavy mass assures that his feet get stuck often and before they get very far, his face is florid and his curses are many.  It's clear that he's not going to be of much use at catching swamp varmints.

Today: GM, on behalf of Senuviel Alantir, rolled 6 using 1d10.

Senuviel manages a fine harvest of 3 frogs putting the group up to 5.

As Bruga attempts to stand, he slips and PLOPS into the mud. The force of his bottom ejects two newts into the air right where his hands are, but his reflexive closing unfortunately propels them higher. Fortunately, their trajectory causes them to land between his legs, and he is able to grab them before they get away. Using his elbows, he's able to stand. He walks over with what dignity he can muster and deposits the newts in the bag.

  Kree is still keeping watch  with bow  ready

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #10):

Clair just seems to stand there in amazement watching Bruga and his entertaining catching skills, laughs then looks about realinzing what Bruga said - shadows really and just half heatedly goes after a stick floating thinking it is a Newt.

22:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 10 using 1d10. goes for more Newts.

within an hour the party manages to catch all the required frogs and newts, along with about 6 fish for lunch they have nots een any sign of what Bruga had seen since he spotted the "forms" earlier. They were headed away from the party tho.

Bruga discovers that being mud-covered has an advantage: Fewer or no insect bites. [assuming the swamp boast insects]

  Kree's eyes never  stop scanning the  swamp, he feels  a bit uneased in here..as if  something is waiting for them,...we needs bottle up those  beasties  we've caught, then chesk the list, as to what we might  find in here..the sooner  we  are nearer land  fit to fight on..the better i shall feel.

Gosric nodded in vigorous agreement with Kree.  "The sooner we get away from this place, the better.  Catching frogs was fun; catching undead, not so much.  If we have to fight, lets do it somewhere where we have the advantage."

  With  a nod of his head, Kree says,..Agreed...once the beasties  are secured...move back  the  way we came..I will stay  and be the rear guard...I will follow after yo get  20 or so yards a way.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #16):

Smiling a muddy smile, OK we got the frogs and newts.  Let's get on to the bat cave then and dry land. 

The bugs have indeed left you guys alone, the frogs and newts disappear into the bag without issue each finding its own space within.

About halfway through the day the party finds something in the swamp they never expected to find... a gypsy camp. Well at least that is what it looks like, the wagons are in tatters, and the gypsies themselves are skeletons... still dressed in their tattered clothes they roam and go through the motions they must have been going through for years even putting wood on the fire. They totally ignore the party as if they do not exsist, some of the skeletons are dancing, playing music (well it passed for music once.) None of you have ever heard of undead acting this way before.

Khorden looks at the skeletons for a long moment.  "I've not heard of undead acting so."  The thought occurs to Khorden that they might not be skeletons at all, that some vile magicks are at work, making them see what's not and hiding that which is.

One way to find out Bruga says. He walks a little forward and cries out Hello, the camp!

  Kree has stopped and  will not move aby farther  for the moment, ...we  must take  care, lest they are trapped  forever, in the place they are now....we , ourselves  might get trapped, and live  forever, the  way, that they do now...

 As he speaks he looks  around to see if there might be some boundry , of  sorts, that keeps the  bonemen stuck in thier  present state

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #22):

Clair tries to pull Bruga back, shh I think there is something amiss, I feel as though like you say, they have or the area they are in is enchanted like a curse or they themselves fell into it.  maybe pissed someone off.

I think we should steer clear before we are noticed.

 The elf nods  slowly,..there is a fine  line between bravery  and foolsihness, Good  lady. It is very plain to see, something is  a miss...perhaps a greater undead has trapped the gypsies, and  any who follow them into the  swamp...to feed of thier  lives....

  He nocks  a blunted arrow, just in case...how near to the place  the little one saw them before, are we?

"These restless souls are still undead, whether they menace us or not.  We must give them their final rest.  We can't simply leave them to their horrendous fate.  Lathander will not forgive, and I will not forgive myself if we don't at least try to find a way to help them."

Not a single undead reacts to Bruga's greeting or presence, and he could not be positive that these were the same ones he saw before wondering in the swamp. This camp is only about an hour from where he saw them though.

Kree will notice that just feet in front of Bruga is the border of a salt circle should Bruga even take a step forward he would cross that boundry.

  The  Elf  Nods to the others,...look..by the little one's  feet...something  made sure these things  cannot roam free. If  we were to gop forth, we would have to do so, with the idea that  we destroy them all...should we fail, we would loss great evil on the land..and create  more Undead, because of it...perhaps, If  we tossed some torches  and used  fire  arrows we  could Burn most of them away, since they are  trapped?

"I'm not so sure...."  The Dwarf continues to stare at the camp, trying to figure out just what he's seeing and why that funny feeling is niggling at his guts.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #28):

Salt, now that is a neat trick, Bruga come back here please.  I also do not like the idea of messing with them.  They seem to be contained and well, maybe they pressed there luck once to far and got this in turn.

There are to many of them to deal with and I am afraid some may escape.

Lets press on, maybe we can find something but also, let's be cautious to not cross any salt lines.

Bruga, abashed, turns and walks back to the group. Well, that turned out...if there are other attractions, we could fence them in and sell tickets.

Gosric grimaces at Bruga's heartless statement.  "Surely, there is something more we can do than just watch them.  We also have no idea what might happen if we leave these poor souls to their fate.  Whatever evil controls them may not be so easily contained by these salt lines.  I don't want to charge past these slat lines either, but I insist that we keep our eyes open for an explanation.  Someone must have dropped this salt border; who were they and what were they thinking?"

  Kree's eyes keep moving, almost as if they had  a mind of thier own. looking to see if he can see how the contaiment  field  runs,..these  creatures  were here  long before  we came...someone had to have contained them..either on purpose, or  becasue they did not have the power to destroy them. The only fear i have...is this..whay if these creatures  are recent?...is there something, or  someone who lures living beings  into the swamp?...perhaps it may have  been the Gypsies own shaman who contained them...perhaps...if  we  walk the line, we might  find  some idea what has   happened, and the  Salt lines cannot  have been laid down without much effort and clearing  of trees...the question  is this?  do we  follow the lines?  see  how  it  extends?..or  do we go on our  way  and see if  we might  find a wayward Undead to claim bones  from, we  could then, tell some of the more powerful clearics  and MAgelings in the towns , to deal with these, before they begin to roam...

  He points to the  Music  makers  as he finishes and adds,one thing? it is quite possible, they do not  know  they are undead...to them? they might  appear as they did in life...elsewise, they would be looking  for warmblooded  folks...for  food...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #32):

Kree, that is true they could still think they are not dead, ulch, though my faith is great in my lady luck, I think my powers may not yet be strong enough in experience if things go "south" and we have to deal with them or whomever locked em up here.

hhmm


Now if they are locked in here by something, it was strong magic.   Salt laid in a path, might be a circle and I think ... yes... maybe it was the salt in a circle keeps undead out or was it in.  I just do not like this ...  Let's follow the salt line and see how it runs then go form there.     pets snare then puts a hand on her holy symbol but does not draw it out.

Bruga explains. Joke, though I doubt they'd care if people came to look. Funny about the salt...wouldn't it dissolve in the rain? By the way, their flesh may be transparent or we may be seeing an illusion for all we know. Anyway, I agree with Clair.

The undead continue to ignore the party, the party traces around the border of the salt circle finding it extends in an exact 100 yards around the camp.


The sun has begun to set and the skeletons tend the fire and cook some rabbits over their fire.

  Kree  watches, a  tilt  of  his head  as he says,...how did they bring down the rabbits?...does not seem  quite right , that they could  set snares, or  use  a bow...

"I think we ought to leave well enough alone and go 'round, 'less there's something here we need."

Gosric slumps his shoulders in resignation; he wasn't going to rush in there alone.  He was no hero.  Maybe when we get back to town, I'll get some priests back here to free these poor souls.

"Alright then, we'll go."  He watches the skeletons go about their business with a troubled look for a few minutes before turning away.

A mystery...we can report it to our employer. ... Which way do we go?

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #39):

Yes, we can report it to our higher clergy when we get back.  I fear this is some ill befell those within.


Do not cross the salt line, and I believe it will not just disappear it is part of a spell or "other", Let's I guess go right and see what we get to see.

  Kree  looks  around,we must be creful then, so that we  donoto a simlar trap , as we husn tthe swamps...it  might be better, to skirt the edges, and see if  we draw any undead out...

After observing the circle and the area for a time, Senuviel approaches it, his feet inches from the salt circle, he starts is incantations, reciting the magic words as if speaking to himself. He closes his eyes, concentrates, in order to see the magic fabrics at work here, if there's any.

Senuviel casts Detect Magic

The party pauses as Senuviel casts his spell...

The warrior/wizard finally wakes up from his trance. He takes a moment to recover himself and then speaks: I sense powerful enchantment and alteration here guys. No necromancy, no illusions. So I dare say those poor souls inside might not be dead. Or not. The elf let loose a grim smile.

  Lloking at the Gypsies  once more , Kree frowns as he says,..i feel more kinship with these people, then those who live in the warrens of the cities.....for now?  let us  huint down our bonemen, then we can see what we might do  for...or to...them.

Gosric nods in agreement with Kree.  He almost shouts a word of approval at the gypsies, but catches himself short.

In reply to Gosric the Full (msg #46):

Cliar looks about the group, Mighty magic then, alrighty we find dem bones and then figure out what to do about the gypsies.  Pets Snare and starts off to the right.

Moves right along...Perhaps I should go ahead?

  Kree looks at Bruga, not  for the first time, wondering why he seems to like to get out away from the others,  Aye  , Little one..you take  point this time....

  Turning to Senuviel,..I will Rage to our flank , away from the Salt lines...you take up the rear again?  If Nay?  I will switch with you...

Senuviel readies his bow and arrows, as he nods at Kree's statement. That's ok with me, Ranger. Two archers one in the flank the other in the rear is a good strategy. Besides, we elves can move quite silently in the woods. A chance to surprise the opponents is always bliss.

..Right then...off we go.... Kree was a little mroe then worried having the  Little one in front After what happened  in the Cave, he knew those he could count on.

 slipping into the  trees  around the flank, he keeps the rest of the part, just within sight, as he slips through the  area, looking  for  bonemen nd danger.....

Khorden stays with the main group, the rock to which the others could anchor themselves should it come to a fight.  His sword hilt looks almost small in his over-sized hands and the scowl on his face is, at least, an improvement over the blank inward introspection that had haunted his eyes of late.

He continues to glance at the gypsy skeletons, "Something about them just don't seem right." he mutters, not considering that the idea of a bunch of skeletons going about camp activities in the style of gypsy's would not seem right under any circumstances.

So Bruga, loaded sling in hand, goes on ahead—trying to look like he knows what he is doing...stopping to listen, sniffing the air, looking all around. He follows what may be a path if there's something that looks like such.

For the rest of the day the party has no luck finding skeltons they finally find a large enough island to set the hut on for the night just as dark falls in the distance they can see the fire and hear the eerie music from the gypsy camp.

 As they set up, Kree waits outside, watching the  fire in the distance. Wondering how they were trapped into the mockery of life...and what would happen, should the salt like be broken.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #55):

Looks to Kree as he looks at the salt line - magic has many forms and power, crossing it could break the spell, ensnare us, make them see us as saviors or make them attack us as we look to be evil in some way.  stretches then scratches Snare, We should set the wolverine watch again and see what morning brings. 

Aye...but i know this, once tht lie is broken, the magic that if made will break..we do not know if that magic , is what made them..it may only contain them...

Well, better luck tomorrow...though we may find we were quite lucky today.

Perhaps, But i hope Tymora  and beshaba see clear...to make things..clear to us..we are poor tools indeed. thus  far...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #59):

True as we are not the best possibly to handle the situation, but I will pray that Tymora guides me with good choices but either way, tomorrow we will see what game we are brought forth to play. 

    as he stands  there with her, his eyes moving as if they had  a mind of thier own,,,be nice to catch a rabbit,,and drop it over the line, to see what happens to it...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #61):

chuckling, maybe we could do that but night brings out the best of the dead and daylight drives them underground.  The rabbit would be good for the morning I think.  grins at Kree, pets Snare, maybe we try that in the morning.

 Taking one  last look at the fire in the  distance , he motions to the  Tent,..After you, good  lady....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #63):

Thanks, rabbit in the morning then.  and heads inside with Snare and Kree.  Finds her spot with Bruga.  Tomorrow we shall see what game we play with salt, sounds and singers.

Khorden hears the crosstalk of Kree and Clair with a deepening scowl.  "Best be leavin' well 'nough alone if ye ask me."

The Dwarf has had terrible trouble taking his mind off the gypsies, still thinking there's something he ought to be seeing, but isn't.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #65):

Ok, we can come back to the Gypsies another day or even let our higher ups in our church know.

Bones and bat dung plus those other pieces we still need to get so times a wasting.

Something...is the night the best time for encountering skeletons? If so, maybe a time before dawn?

"Yeah, let's get these ingredients and go.  The faster we do, the sooner we'll inform the authorities who can come do something for these poor folks."  If the party wasn't going to send the gypsies to their rest, Gosric was itching to find someone who would.

In reply to Gosric the Full (msg #68):

Yea, we will wake up extra early and see what we can find, chuckles though I think Skeletons do not fear daylight.

Goseric, yup, since we not be able to help them right off, I was planning on getting some help from higher up :)

Gosric lies down in the magicians hut and covers his eyes, hoping he'll be able to sleep with the memory of those poor gypsies in his mind.

I'm wondering if we should go back, deliver what we have, report the bone-gypsies,and return...or just go about ot task.

  WEith  a shrug the  elf says,we can take  back what we have found, report the gypsies, then come hunting for the rest...if those Gypsies  are not  true undead..thier  bones  will not  aid us, but we can still aid them, should we choose...

"We haven't finished what we were hired to do.  Let's get the rest, then we can head back and turn in what we has found."

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #73):

Scratches her head, we have one vote for keep looking/getting the stuff and one to go report the gypsies and then go back for more stuff?     Loks for others to chime in

As you wish, so shall I do Bruga says to the young female 1/2ling standing all of 38" high with Sandy brown hair, blue eyes, bright complexion, with a happy smiling face

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #75):

gigles at Bruga then smiles and pets Snare then looks up to the rest of the group - i think we should continue looking for dem bones and might we cross a porcupine too since

we have the Live Toads (10) 1g and
we have the Live Newts (10) 1g but
we need the Bat Guano (4 pounds) 1g and
dem Bones of the Undead (10) 10g and
Hair from a dwarven baby (1) 10g and
Hair from a halfling childs foot (1) 10g plus get
Porcupine Quills (10) 1g and finally in town
Small glass rods (50) 2s

but we will make sure we do not cross the salt line (yet) Maybe, we can get the two sets of hair on our way back to town when we report about those gypsies if all goes well today

  Kree nods  as he looks to Senuviel to see  where he wishes to be.  Khordan? he  asks ,  as he tries to supress a smile,..how old are you?  Perhaps you could be classified as a Dwavern Babe?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Tue 07 June 2011.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #77):

Clair chuckles, I know I am a wee bit too old to be the halfling child

Khorden gives Kree a scowl.  "Well, there's odd an' then there's odd an' fer a Dwarf I'm a wee bit odd, being raised among you men, elves an' halflings.  But while it's not been all that long since i left the hearth, I don't think 30 years o' age can be said t' be a babe."

OOC:  I assume that odd was really supposed to be old, but I liked responding to odd.

OOC:  yep..i'm  a jerk..misspelled it..::sigh::

Are we ready to proceed, and in which direction? And what's your preference: I walk ahead or trail behind?

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #81):

Back around toward the forest again, maybe we can stumble on a procupine then I thought home to report this to our higher ups ;)  Oh Bruga, you can hang with me and Snare for now grins

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #81):

Back around toward the forest again, maybe we can stumble on a procupine then I thought home to report this to our higher ups ;)  Oh Bruga, you can hang with me and Snare for now grins

  At that, Kree nods to Senuviel and points to the back, then  begins to  trot ahead  to take the point............

Senuviel packs his things and follows the group. The warrior/mage looks rather pensive this morning.

A delighted Bruga, loaded sling ready, places himself alongside Clair with Snare on the other side.

Gosric dons his armor and grabs his mace, eager to finish so the party can be back on its way home.

Easily shouldering his gear, Khorden looks about at the others and waits for the days march to commence, a scowl still on his face but looking somehow less grumpy than is common for him.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #88):

Clair heads off with the group, times a wasting.

Within the hours that follow the party manages to find nothing else they were looking for as the sun hits its zenith they find another island spot that they can have lunch. With snare and some luck you do manage to wrangle some fish just enough to feed the party.

  The  elf will try and  find a try to get a better look from higher in the air, he  will sit up there and Munch the fish  as  his  eyes  scan the  area,..we have some time, perhaps 4 or  5 hours of looking about, before  we think on where  we  wish to set up for the night....

Kree manages to find a tree and climbing to the top he sees more tree tops and the vast swamp and very little else. He can see the Gypsy camp fire still, but no other obvious signs of life or unlife besides a random animal.


On the ground however from the swamp emerges a rather large alligator...he crawls upa nd snaps at snare who manages to dodge the beast, letting out a howl, all the party but Kree may act for round 1.


(Roll inititiative, Kree your roll didn't let you see him emerge underneath, your first action won't come until round 2. As it will take you a round to climb down or get yourself to a vantage you can fire on the gator from)

17:24, Today: Kree Quickshadow rolled 7 using 1d10. inta.(( +3 = 10))

added  DX stuff
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Sat 11 June 2011.

17:54, Today: Bruga Honeyfinder rolled 8 using 1d10. Initiative. Subtract 4  =  4

Bruga tugs on Clair's are to get her away and, perhaps, place himself between the alligator and her.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #94):

Clair reacts about the same time as Bruga (same init roll) - she casts Bless while Bruga's arm pulling and movements place her in a sideways defensive position while casting thus helping to keep Bruga to her side as both are standing sideways not giving the gator much to go for (she has a 0 AC so good defense but not the best offense).

23:08, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 4 using 1d10-2. Initiative.

Bruga does what he can to make sure Clair is out of the way. Then he drops his sling, draws his daggers, and begins to jockey for position: Will he be crazy enough to try to straddle the creature's back and try to stab its eyes?

Senuviel, distracted in his own thoughts gets himself a bit startled but the sudden howl of the dog. The elf however is fast on drawing his sword and preparing his shield as he moves to position himself between the creature and his friends.

10:24, Today: Senuviel Alantir rolled 8 using 1d10. Initiative.

Khorden, sword leaping into a meaty hand, vharges the croc.  "I'll deal with the damn beastie."


20:08, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 5 using 1d10. Initiative.

Sword held high, Khorden moves in and swings the blade down at the croc, but the blade only manages to skitter along the scales, no penetration.

09:28, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 9 using 1d20+3. Attack.   Hits AC 8

Bruga continues to jockey for a position to attack from while simultaneously trying to avoid feting in the way.

Bruga pulls Clair aside knocking her to the ground in his efforts, Senuviel and Gosric seem intent to protect their friends, and Khorden perhaps wanting to make up for his time against the salamander (or lack thereof) charges the beast but his weapon deflects off the beasts back this time... The beast snaps at Snare who manages to dodge.


Round 2 Actions?

Bruga notes that the beast seems to concentrate on the dog. He sheathes his daggers and, one hopes, picks up his sling and arms it.

 Trying to sight  on the creature's mid-body he fires, re-nocks  and fires  again..

21:42, Today: Kree Quickshadow rolled 7 using 1d8. 2nd dam.
21:42, Today: Kree Quickshadow rolled 4 using 1d8. 1st dam.
21:40, Today: Kree Quickshadow rolled 12 using 1d20. 2nd  bow  attack.
21:40, Today: Kree Quickshadow rolled 8 using 1d20. 1st bow  attack.

Khorden, frustrated that his slash hadn't penetrated the beasts hide.  He pulls up, takes the hilt in both hands and thrusting staight down, blade sinking deep.

Pulling the blade free, blood staining the blade, Khorden attacks again, renting the beasts scaly armor yet again.

20:48, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Round 2 - Attack 1.   Natural 20
Round 2 - Attack 2 nets max damage  - 21 points (double max + mods)
20:49, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Round 2 - Attack 2.    Hits AC 1
20:50, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 6 using 1d8+5. Round 2 - Damage 2.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #104):

I am guessing this round Clair can get up and will pull out her mace n shield and attack.

Argh, rolled to hit an AC of 8 man glad she has a 0 AC.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Sun 19 June 2011.

Despite Kree's vantage point the tree is not a steady place to be the wind rocks the tree as both of his Arrows end up 1. in the swamp, and 2 almost hits Bruga. Neither Clair, Bruga, Senuviel, or Goric have better luck hitting the beast it is the drawf driven by his want not to fail again that lands a massive blow against the gator gashing it quite deeply, the beast is has now turn on him and opening its gaping maw and nabbing the dwarf.

The party will see that Khorden disappears into the beasts mouth.... it does not seem to swallow but it does have him.

Khorden does his best to break free of the gator's jaws, but fails....

11:20, Today: Khorden Stonegrip rolled 0 using 1d20-5. Strength check.

Bruga drops his sling, draws his daggers, and endeavors to jump on the beast in order to attempt to stab it in the eyes.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #108):

Clair again attempt to crunch the gator with her Mace, we have to get Khorden out

Clair fails to do much other then swing her mace in frustration.   Gack missed agian!

Point to the gator and tells Snare to attack it.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Sat 25 June 2011.

Snare is cowering and has no interest in attacking the beast.

 Kree  will drop/climb down as  fast as  he is able, and run towards them to help, as he  draws his blade.

Senuviel charges the beast to help Khorden get free.

18:31, Today: Senuviel Alantir rolled 7 using 1d10. Initiative.
18:32, Today: Senuviel Alantir rolled 8 using 1d20. To Hit with Long Sword.

Senuviel find some difficulties hitting the beast. The irregular and muddy soil plus Khroden stuck in the beat´s jaws make Senuviel attack awkwardly.

Kree will be ready for an attack next round as he slides down the tree, not one of the party members manage a hit on the beast.

(one initiative per battle not per round :) Kree may attack in round 4)

  the  elf  charges  with his blad out....
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:14, Wed 29 June 2011.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #114):

Ah not sure if you are waiting for our aftions this round but OK, Clair takes another whack at this gator ....

18:43, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 5 using 1d4+1. Hammer damage.
18:42, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 14 using 1d20. Attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Thu 30 June 2011.

(was waiting on Kree's rolls but went ahead and rolled for him)

Kree drops from the tree blade out and pointed down he manages to land right in the middle of the gators back (doing 11 points of damage) the gators mouth flies open and a rather slime covered Khorden is 'puked' out the gator thrashes a bit but finally settles dead.

(As an ooc note here gators are good eating this guy if prepared would likely feed the party for a couple days)

  The  Elf  Leans  on the Blade twisting it  until the beast finally stops  thrashing. His teeth gritted in hate  and effort, then leans over the blade when it is  done, his sides  heaving from the effort,...Check Khorden and  was  any wounds  quickly with clean water....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #117):

Clair rushes over to check on Khorden looking to see what she can to for him.

OOC - CLW if needed - not sure his status so will await his status before further actions.

Bruga gets clear after helping or not helping slay the beast. He perhaps cleans his daggers, sheathes them, retrieves his sling, and places a stone in it.

Khorden is a bit worse for wear and perhaps a little shaken from the ordeal (whether he shows it or not.) Clair casts her cure light wounds and it does indeed at least close the teeth holes that were in Khorden, now of course she has slime covered hands....

  The  elf  looks the  creature  over, placing his hand  on the hilt of his blade, he asks,While i have this  stuck in him, what say we  cut awaysome chunks of meat, we  can eat some now, and the rest we cook we  can store for eating later?

  As  He  Cuts  away the sides  of the creature, he makes certain to  cut  through the stomach, to see if anything was lodged in there, from previous "meals".

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #121):

after realizing just how slimy Khorden is Eeww, Khorden, you are slimy.   Ah, I am glad you are alive,  how do you feel being pulled form the jaws of death er popped more like it smiles do you need more healing or are you good for now.

Looks to Kree, good idea, cut em up and see what is inside then we can cook and smoke/preserve as much of the meat as we can.  Now would be a good time to have the cabin/hut to cook in.

Calls Snare over to her to give him some comfort, that's my boy.

Khorden grunts as he climbs to his feet.  The slime is on his hands, in his clothes, matted in his beard.  "Gargh."  He says and spits.  He barely registers Clair's help, but manages a, "Thank ye."

He moves closer to the water and uses a mix of dirt and water, working to rid himself of the slime.

Bruga looks around for wood and something dry and easily burnable for tinder.

Finding tinder and firewood that is usuable seems an easy task and opening the gators belly reveals a sheathed dagger. It looks like it is of an excellent quality. There is the remnants of a scroll case in here as well but nothing is in what was the inside and the case is not able to be used.

   He takes the  dagger over to the  water, looking  around  for other  creatures  before he crouches  and  Cleans the blade, and the sheath. As he looks  over the blade and sees the  writing, he stands  and  sheaths it.

  Walking over to Clair, he says,...this  dagger is  of  elven make, considering the things that were in  the belly, i would say a mageling  was the last dinner for this thing.,Might you see, if it has any magic  in it?  and if  so, we will decide who will keep it...the writong  say...."Truth"

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #126):

Ah Bruga, I will pray tonight to Tymora for a way to detect magic from her (Detect Magic) and see if my lady luck can aid us to see if this blade called Truth is magical.  Understand I probably will not know how strong it is but there is always a chance (i.e. +1 or better and other strong presence of powers just not what they are exactly).  That would be one of my 3 spells granted each day.  Now i think we should set up camp somewhere safe and roast our gator and plan further in the protection of our hut/cabin.

OOC - Oh by the way what time of day is it?

As you wish, if you think that the best use...and you almost always right.

Khorden continues his efforts at the waterside, trying to scrap, scrub and scour the slime from his equipment and flesh.  The beard is the worst of it, "Never be getting the mattin' out of it." he bemoans.

After scrutinizing the area, Senuviel emerges from the shadows as he touches Clair on the shoulder. You needn't do that cleric, I have that spell on me. He then turns to Bruga. Come halfling, let me have a look at this blade.

Bruga, after perhaps gathering fire materials, obediently goes Senuviel to "look at this blade."

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #131):

Smiles up at Senuviel sure thing looks to Bruga, we shall see what Senuviel finds. Politly laughs at Khorden as he unsuccessfully tries to clean up his beard Khorden, sorry my friend, I do not have anything from my goddess to aid you with your matte beard but tonight if you need more curing I can accomplish that.

Gives Snare a good rub down while she awaits Khordens clean up conclude.

Shall we just take the rest of the day near here, looks about someplace more out of the "lime" light and cook our gator and prepare for tomorrow?

OOC time of day?

 he  stands near Clair  as  his eyes  watch around them,..That Dagger i found, has the word 'truth' written in gold inlay, and the rottened scroll case speaks of  a dead mageling, elvish or nay,if i have surmised that right? This may be a hunting ground  for mages  to get certain  items they need for spells...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #133):

Eww, right you are.  We may want to move on then.

It is about mid afternoon when the gator attacked.

Maybe we should take the scroll case to our employer. He may recognize it.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #136):

We can, good idea.  Lets move on some Kree, can the meat you cut out wait to be cooked or do we need to cook it now?  Sorry, not much of a cook.

 Looking at he slabs  of meat he nods, I would not  wait overly long. The ehat will make it smell, and the  baody is already going to call , all sorts  of carrion feeders...we best move, and cook it as soon as possible.

Clair's detect magic (i didnt see a mention of Senuviel casting one only saying he could have) will reveal the dagger is indeed magical it's glow is of alteration and enchantment magic and seems very familiar to Clair although she can not place it.

In reply to GM (msg #139):

OOC - Got it, thanks.

Looking at the dagger as she casts her spell humms and ows and ahs smiles hands it to Bruga, well I do not have an exact pin point to what it is all about other then to say alteration and enchantment magic is what has been placed on this dagger, I um just can not a grasp exactly what it is about more then that  Stares a little more at it hmph, I will think further on it but it should serve you well...I hope week smile.

Turn to Kree, OK we shall move off of the waters edge to a dryer place and set up camp to cook this meat.  Might as well take the time since I am not sure we will get all of our spell components before time is up.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Thu 07 July 2011.

  Kree  watches  Clair with the Dagger, when she hands it to Bruga he speaks up,..before handing that Blade out, we needs find out   what magic it has. and what it  will do, then deciede who can best weild it. As  I said  once before, anything we find, should be given to those who may use it   to the best advantage of the party. AND...if all things are equal, I am thinking  Khorden should get the blade...by the gods, he almost beat me to finding it! He grins at the Dwarf,..Of  course, you tried to walk down its  throat, I  went through its back..."

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #141):

Blushing, sorry, I was just giving back to Bruga. you guys decide who uses this dagger since I have no need for it. Smiles, true Kree, that is a wise way to handle all things.  shall we cook our gator now?

Bruga courteously accepts the dagger and courteously gives it to Khroden. Then he goes along with the group activities.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #143):

Clair makes ready to travel a bit to a "safer" spot to set up camp and cook that gator.  Shall we move a bit off from the swamp/waters edge?

Khorden steps back from the water.  He's actually done quite a fair job of cleaning off the slime, the water and dirt scouring it away and then more water to rinse away the resulting mud.  His clothes and armor are wet, but with only slight traces of the slime.  The bears...  the slime was a bit more tenacious there, but Khorden's gotten rid of enough of it that he can't smell it with every breath and figures he can eat without fouling his food.

With the alligator dead and now been cut into some form of steaks Gosric takes the carcass and tosses it back into the water as not to attract further predators. The party does move back away from the water (as much as they can on an island) and begin to cook and eat a late lunch just as they have about half the food cooked it starts to rain heavily.

In reply to GM (msg #146):

Argh, rain, no fun.lets finish up and move on to higher ground.  Maybe we should just head back now?

  Pulling his hood up, against the rain , the  elf agrees, Lets  us, a very least, Move  to a comfortable  place to set up, even if  it means outside the swamp, we still have items to gather...

Bruga finds/cuts a branch and helps/suggests that the steaks be hung on them (branch stuch through middle of steaks) to carry to higher ground. "If you think we should move now. Better to trudge than have to practice swimming...just in case.

This message was deleted by the player at 18:42, Mon 18 July 2011.

Khorden, already not in the fairest of moods, gets even more foul tempered as it starts raining and his bass grumbling carries.  "Curse this damn swamp."

He moves to gather up his belongings and a share of the steaks.  If it was one thing he wasn't looking to learn, it was swimming.  Dwarves and swimming just didn't mix.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Mon 11 July 2011.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #151):

Still with a smile on her face despite the rain, OK guys, let's get on out of this area an back to that camp site we used before, at least it is on higher ground.  We can plan for tomorrow then to.

I agree with the mistress. We should move on.

Moving right along....

The party moves on finding the higher campground and setting out the hutt, inside it is at least dry although pretty much every one of you are soaking wet at this point. Clair would be able to take a bedroom and the boys could use the common areas to hang their clothes if they were so driven.

In reply to GM (msg #155):

Actually Clair just changes out of site and sleeps in the main area with the group and Snare. We can dry out some of the cloths with the fire as we cook the gator meat.

One of the few things that Khorden finds more disagreeable then being slimed is being slimed and wet and his grumbling continues unabated.  "Damn me but the gullet o' yon beast was less trying than this cursed land."  It's obviously not true, but serves to illustrate the Dwarf's viewpoint pretty well.

Hmm. I don't have a change of clothes, and we should observe the proprieties.... Clair, how about we blindfold you? Then we can strip and get the clothes dry better and need not compete for your admiring glances.

  Kree  smiles a bit, I have  been in worse  straits, and  once  it starts to dry, we will carry the  smells  from  the land  on us. It should help portect us  from  preditors....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #159):

humph, if you all need modesty, so be it.  I will go and pray in the other bedroom until all our dry again.   Enjoy your "guy time" chuckles and moves off.

Hours pass with the fire running everyones clothes dry however it is still pouring rain outside with no sign of letting up.

In reply to GM (msg #161):

Did we cook and prepare the gator meat? ?If not Clair will help get that done.

oh yes, all the gator meat you had managed to take is cooked and prepared, since perservatives are short supplied it will likely only last 2-3 days.

In reply to GM (msg #163):

Ah, 2-3 days is of gator is better then hard tack and the travel food.

Still raining, yuck, so what is our plan?  Shall we go back to town for help with the gypsies or go and break the salt line ourselves, shivers. Then pets Snare for comfort.

  I would not mind breaking the line, however, we do not know what theeffect would be. if  we cannot destropy all the Undead...then..well...we will have Unleashed  it upon the area."

  He looks  up from the  ground , by the door  where he sits,another thing, we  must think on. That those gypises  are not undead at all. When was the last time  anyone has heard of Undead cooking  food? Perhaps  they are only appearing  as undead, trapped  by some  magleing , who has hate for them, from the outside  they look  as though they might be undead...perhaps..we look like undead to them? Only breaking that line will tell the tale.."

And is the salt now dissolved? Anyway, we aren't going places siting here...and, with all respect, our parlor games are beginning to pall.

if that salt was going to melt, it would never have been there for us to find.

Exactly, so...what is it? And is it possible those people have invisible flesh along with, say, the contents of their stomachs?

Khorden wasn't having a good time with the continued rain, but being dry and well fed on gator steaks has made him far less grumpy.  "There wasn't something right 'bout them gypsy bones, there's something more'n were seeing.  I says we leave good 'nough alone."

we will not  know  until we  take a section out, however, we  must be willing to  take whatever  Tymora  or Beshaba throws out  way, should we do that.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #170):

Well, looks about at the group the line of salt is part of a spell and will not be dissolved or dispelled by any natural means. looks down some I am not strong enough in my powers yet granted to me by Lady Luck to do anything about the salt line.

Shrugs They may or may or may not be undead, could be illusions, or real trapped inside that line.

she sits up Something powerful had to ensnare/capture or create that large of an area.

Looks into the fire thinking out load They have not tried to get out so either they do not know any better or they are stuck in a time altered state.

Then pets Snare Not sure if animals can or can not cross the line?  Maybe we can sit and watch if they can to better understand it.

fidgits after petting Snare We may or may not be powerful enough to aid, fight or do anything about it.

She shivers We could end up unleashing something bad or freeing them.

pauses, I still vote to go back to my master Priests and discuss this further with them maybe Gosric would want to do the same? 

Sighs, we still have to get some of the mages spell components.

Senuviel speaks while his eyes are fixed on the fire. Claire is right. We should go back and report that to the clerics. We can return here together with them and get the rest of the ingredients for the mage while the clerics and even the mage work this puzzle out. The elf then turns to Kree, Khorden and Bruga. What do you think, gentleman?

Bruga nods, looking straight ahead. As Clair and you think.

The magic users would think that the salt would be threatened by this rain. It is a magical barrier so it is protected, crossing the line for any of you would definately ring as a bad idea lest you end up like the gypsies. As night falls the rain continues just as hard and heavy as it has been.

In reply to GM (msg #174):

With a worried look, someone aught to check on the weather outside, I would hate to have to swim for it?  Kree?  Would you mind?

leans back and addresses the group while awaiting Kree's report. Tomorrow we shall go back to town and see what our higher ups can deem of what we have found, But we shall check the salt line when we leave as a last status.

Pets Snare while awaiting Krees return.

 He  Pulls the hood of hos  claok over his  head, and slides his balde  from its  sheath, he steps out side to see what the  rain has wrought.

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."