For a time, the rolling plains called the Rhovanion stretch on and the days pass in a blur.  Then ahead there is a small, isolated mountain range barely worthy of the name.  When asked for a name, neither of the dwarves can answer.  Saris rarely speaks and speaks softly when she does.  Xar doesn't speak at all, when he is with the group at all.

Kornari is silent, maybe even contemplative for the first couple of days of travel.  By day three, though, he is more chatty.  There is still an arrogance to his words and speaks often of his future empire, but now a joviality exists to it as if it is some grand running joke.

A day out from the small mountains, the group crests a small hill to see Xar waiting below.  Saris hurries to where he squats.  No words pass between them that the men can see, but Saris indicates there is trouble ahead.

"Ahead there is a camp, men of some sort.  Xar counts twelve armed and armored and not novices to combat."

Toben puts a hand up to his forehead and squints toward the camp. "Was Xar able to make out anything to identify them? Marks of heraldry, or the like?"

Or we just go around, downwind from them if possible.

In reply to Klale Tsolo (msg # 4):

"As with all men, I have no doubt this lot has to evacuate their bladders from time to time. I could go hide near their accustomed pee spots and see if I can overhear anything if we care to take the time. Though unless we have reason to think otherwise, it does seem that simply avoiding them may allow us to get about our work most quickly."

Toben nods. "It seems a scout would do some good here. If they seem hostile, then we move along. If not, perhaps they may have seen something or could provide clues."

Klale shrugs. If that's what you want to do. If you get caught, you'll have to talk fast. They'll assume you're hostile...anyway, I would.

Phineas slips on his grey cloak and makes his way closer to the camp to see if he can pick up any additional details about the group's intentions or affiliations. Since interacting with the group doesn't seem vital for their mission, he errs on the side of caution wherever possible, doing his best to avoid the risk of capture and being watchful for any kind of alarms or guard animals.

Toben watches Phineas wander off and waits for his return.

While doing nothing, sleep...which is what Klale does unless called on to keep watch.

After a long wait, a bedraggled, wild-eyed Phineas stumbles back into the camp. He sits heavily on the ground, breathing hard and taking several minutes to recover himself.

"Cannibals," he gasps out shortly, clearly having a hard time getting his thoughts together. "They're cannibals, and self-mutilators. There are 12 of them, and they are…wrong. They cut themselves, attach their armor to their bodies, and eat people. We should give them a wide berth. I never want to see the like again."

Let's go...downwind. You need a bit or rest or water, Phineas?

Toben just shakes his head. "Touched by evil, clearly. I'm all for avoiding them."

The dwarves agree and soon the party is moving perpendicular to their original path, traveling long into the night to avoid the twelve once-men.

Days pass and no sign of followers lightens the mood to a more regular journeying mood.  The thought of what those men had become lingers, though.  Five days out with the near-encounter, Xar returns with news of a semi-permanent encampment surrounding a large crater in the ground.  He draws out a map in a cleared patch of dirt on the plain.  Indications on the map show there could be well over a thousand people around the crater.  He also pours water from a canteen into the drawing of the crater, indicating the real one ahead is filled partially with it, especially after months of rain.

Toben looks up at Xar. "Nice job, this is good information. This place might seem a bit more hospitable than the last group. It may be worth paying a visit."

Xar frowns and shakes his head.  He looks at Saris, who nods back after a moment.

"There are more of the same kind of individuals we avoided back on the plains.  These are not warriors, but they practice the same cannibalism and self mutilation.  There are a couple of warriors roving among them, bullies and peace-keepers rolled into one.  It is unclear why the camp is set up around the crater.  The crater is difficult to see through thick trees and heavy underbrush ringing it on all sides."

I say we keep going...wonder how far this wrongness has spread. I suspect it has something to do with the falling stars...being in trouble.

Ano thinks for a moment before speaking up "Xar, how old did the crater look.  Is it possible that this is the place where the star fell?"

"Interesting question, Ano. Ceven did mention that Nestael had the power of healing. What if these people are somehow feeding off her, unbeknownst to them."

Toben thinks for a moment. "Much of this is speculation, but what we do know is that there are forces trying to corrupt these stars. What if Nestael landed here, and a force similar to Dúath'gûr is trying to corrupt her as well. If that corruption were to seep into the local water supply or soil, there is no telling what that could do to the mind of men. Maybe that is what Ceven meant by 'ravaged without death'."

Klale snaps his fingers and then snaps a middle finger against his (thick) skull. Of course. Water! This star is associated with water.

Toben nods and looks over at Klale. "I think we are going to have to check this one out."

"The crater is beyond the tree-line.  Xar did not get a look at the actual crater."

"I think this may be more than just coincidence. Let's take a look, but try to keep our distance. Best to go as unnoticed as possible."

We go in, we'll probably have to kill some if not all...and resist becoming like them. Klale pauses. It may be that, as we kill some, others will start to feed on them.

Kornari, what's your take on this? You're not human, so what we may face may affect you differently.

Phineas looks like he's about to speak several times, but then stops. Finally, he says with evident reluctance, "I'll go look closer if needs be. But I don't relish the thought after what I saw last time."

Kornari actually takes a moment to think about his answer before offering some flippant comment.  It is a testament to how serious the circumstances are.  "To be frank, I doubt I would be affected much.  I already eat meat, I imagine the meat of men would be just as tasty as anything else and its not cannibalism for me.  Dragons are also intensely magical creatures which offers us a measure of protection against other magics as they have to pass through the layers of energy already present around and within us."

He stops and sniffs the air.  "However, I have not felt even a twinge of magic in the air since we passed that smaller group the other day.  I doubt we will face the kind of conflict you are concerned about."

Thank you Kornari. Klale continues with a mock-serious face Let us make a bargain, you agree not to dine on us and we agree not to snack on you.

Toben prepares himself for the encounter. "We may as well all go together. There are over a thousand people down there. No chance on sneaking up on all of them."

Phineas falls in line behind Toben, happy to let whatever atrocities lie ahead fall on the eyes of others first.

Ano readies himself for what they might see, but he feels he must get a good look at the crater for himself.

Klale dons his armor and readies sword and shield. He takes or shares the van.

Saris bites her bottom lip and hesitantly joins in behind.  Xar has already disappeared.

"Of course I would not eat you!  You are my servants and you have not displeased me thus far."  Though it's hard to tell, the drake's tone sounds like he might just be joking...almost.

The shanty town surrounding the forest-lined crater is appalling.  There are few children and those travel in packs with fearful faces avoiding the adults.  The adults are poorly clothed, sometimes barely clothed and propriety doesn't seem to be the primary cause of clothing here.  They are all dirty, beyond unkempt, and most look sickly, wounded, or dying.

There doesn't seem to be any real fear of attack here after all.  Once people start noticing you, a few brave souls approach asking questions that don't make much sense.

"Where have they taken her?"
"Have you seen the life-stew?"
"When will I get my turn to bathe in the blood of heaven?"
"The guards aren't letting anyone down to the blood pool."
"My daughter is dying, please let her have a bite of your arm."

He looks back to the group. "Not at all what I expected, but it sounds like we might be in the right place."

Toben recoils a little bit form the ones asking to bite his arm. "Sorry, I'm not feeling all that well. I'd hate to get your daughter  even more sick."

As the braver souls among the towns people ask their questions, Toben volleys back with some of his own.

"Which she are you referring to, and who are the they who have taken her?"
"What is the life-stew?"
"Tell me about the blood of heaven, and why are the guards blocking people from the pool?"

Klale asks Where are these guards? (Assuming he doesn't see them)

Phin remains quiet, keeping his eyes open wide to see if he can spot anything that would provide insight into what's going on. If any of the roving children come close, he will break off from the others and see if he can engage them.

When the responses show that the group doesn't immediately have the answers they want, rather than engaging, the pitiful petitioner moves off again.  None of them respond with answers to questions directed at them.  They are single-minded in the quest for their own answers.

There don't seem to be any around the fit the bill of a 'guard', only the shanty town denizens and the thick trees up ahead that allegedly ring a crater.

Toben shrugs. "Doesn't look like they're going to be much help. Let's see if we can find this crater."

As Toben starts to walk towards the crater, he kneels down and places his hand upon the earth. He concentrates for a moment, and stands back up.

"There is something wrong with this place. It's different than the corruption we faced with Ceven, but it's definitely not natural."

"Let's continue on.  The center of the crater should be easy to find and i suspect it will have some answers."

The trees form a thin line, though they grow close to one another on the ridge surrounding the crater.  These trees are young, green wood, but twisted and forced into thick growth as if they were centuries old.  The leaves are disease-ridden, but thick and green otherwise.

In between the trees every so often is a man with metal protruding from his skin.  Portions of their armor is anchored in their very bones it seems.  Wild looks scan the crowd, for those who would pass into the crater or for someone to eat is anyone's guess.  They eye the group for a long time, but as you get close enough to engage one of them, he steps aside and nods you past.

Down below in the impact crater there is a caldera filled with steaming water.  The water has a distinct dark red tinge to it, but not of molten rock...more like blood.  There are a few people kneeling at the edge and even a couple across the way that seem to be wading or floating peacefully in the red waters.  The ones kneeling moan in ecstasy whenever they come up for a breath before leaning back over to drink.

There are other things floating in the water, which is no more than a few feet deep anywhere.  Pale white rocks cover an otherwise smooth, sandy floor.  Yellow or black fronds drift lazily up from a few of the smaller rocks.

No one stops you and none of those at or in the water even acknowledge your presence.

KKlale looks around, without much hope, for somebody who may have some common sense and a willingness to converse.

Only the guards at the tree-line seem coherent enough to converse.

"Those guards look like the same sorts of…people that we encountered in the wilds." Phineas keeps his shoulders squared, but stays well back from them. He examines the lake, focusing on the things floating in the water, trying to make out what they could be.

For the moment, Toben steers clear of the contents of the crater. "I think I'd like to find out a little more about this place before getting too close to that crater."

He walks over to the guards at the tree line and attempts to start a conversation. He tries to play a little more clueless than investigative. "Whew, finally made it to the blood pool. What's all the excitement about?"

I think Klale says slowly that this star is associated with water and that it's been wounded, maybe with something that's still present it its body...if body is the right word. If that's so, then our job is to remove what's wounding it. Or maybe there's something contaminating it, and the contamination is causing something like blood.

"Eh, wot's that?  Oh, you must be new 'ere.  You 'ad none o' the adornments of the Chosen."  He sniffs and wipes a forearm across his nose.  A bit of metal buried in his arm partway slices a thin line through his cheek and nostril.  It immediately wells with thick, red blood, but the man doesn't seem to even notice.  "Every one's come to drink of the water in the crater.  Says its got healin' powers and wot not.  We're jes 'ere t' make sure there ain't no fight, no unnecessary killin' and all."

His words are of the common folk, informal and uneducated and he seems not to be too bright.  Not an idiot or anything, just not the first to get jokes when told.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:33, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

"We need to leave.  Now."  The drakes speaks loud enough for those nearer to the water to hear, but not for Toben or the guard.

Another takes a long look at the so called 'life stew' and turns away when Konami speaks and speaks in the same low tones. "He is right.  We are in danger, let's make out way out to the west and I'll explain more when we are clear."

Toben nods. "Yep, just got here. With some friends", he says as he jerks his head slightly back toward the group. "What can you tell me about that pool?"

The trickle of blood running down the guards cheeks finally catches Toben's eye. "Umm, you alright there? Looks like you cut yourself."

Klale immediately starts waling west. This way he says.

Phineas, with a look of evident relief, quickly follows Klale.

Before following the others Ano makes his way back over to Toben.  As he nears he slips something into one of his pockets and flexes his hand gingerly.  "We are heading out, the others are already on there way.  I'll explain when we catch up"."

The guard raises an eyebrow as the group leaves, but no one tries to stop the group and there are fewer questions on the way out.  Saris has been quiet the whole time and looks ashen.  Minutes pass in silence, but soon the hills conceal the shanty town and the forest surrounding the caldera.

There is a small stand of trees a few more minutes away, a place to rest in the shade and to hide from the casual observer.

As they pass beyond the perimeter of the crater, Toben slides his hand into his pocket to see what Ano deposited, but does not pull anything out to visually examine.

Once the group reaches the shade, he hefts off his pack. "Well, that guard was pretty useless, but I think he was certainly hiding something." He looks over the group. "What did you all find out?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

Ano rests for a few moments thinking over the things that hey had seen before speaking up.  He had far less answers then he would have liked to have at this point but they would have to make do.  "There was something deeply wrong with that place, it was just as you said Toben.  Those people where not of their own minds, it was like they had an unnatural lust for whatever that 'life stew' in the center of the crater.  They seek healing but seem to get sicker the more they partake."

He takes a deep breath and pulls a small metal vial from his pocket and passes it to Toben.  His fingers of his right hand seem red and raw as he passes it over.  "This is a sample from the pool back there.  The water in the crater was extremely hot, and yet some how those people drank and bathed in it without effect.  I would assume this sample will retain the same heat, so I would be cautious.  Perhaps it contains the same kind of corruption we saw in the stone that held Kornari."

"The most troubling thing of all, was that all those people there are slowly being drained on a spiritual level.  It was happening to us as well, but on a much smaller level, that is why I pushed us to leave quickly." Ano turns to look out to the west "I think our next step should should be to continue west for a while, that is where all of that spiritual energy was being drawn to."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:13, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

Thank you, Ano and Komari. Let's head west...and hope and pray that we're able to follow the spiritual energy drain like hounds on the spoor.

Toben holds the vial to the light, and examines it for a moment. "It is definitely warm to the touch." He removes the top, places it under his nose briefly, then quickly closes the vial back. "You say you can see where their energy is being drawn to? Very interesting..."

Toben puts the vial into his pouch of holding. "Perhaps I'll have more time to analyze this sample once we get a little farther from here. West is it?"

"West is back the way we came, back toward Emyn Muil...back toward those cannibals."  Saris's hands visibly shake as she sits on a raised rock in the shade.

Toben nods. "It's a shame to have to back track a bit, but at least we'll have a little more context if we have to interact with that other group."

Klale thinks aloud. These cannibals or whatever they are could be guards maybe. If so, well, we could kill them....I could show myself; and, if they pursue, take them faster to slower...or observe and maybe imitate their look...maybe fool whatever is doing the draining if it has awareness.... On impulse, he goes to one knee and gets himself a generous handful of dirt. He cups his hands and squeezes to find out if he can compress the dirt into hardness.

"I was thinking we could act as though we are on a pilgrimage and the village sent us to look for 'her'. From there, we could question them and perhaps find out if they know anything."

Toben looks to the group. "Shall we get moving?"

Yes.

"By all means."

"Let us go, and proceed with caution"

Mind made up on a plan of action, the group travels back over their previous path.  Xar stays with the group this time, backtracking to the spot where he and Phineas observed the group of guards to be.  From there, he leads the group tracking them.  It isn't difficult as they aren't trying to hide.

Saris explains that they are moving slow because that cook pot they carry with them is heavy and hard to move.  Each night they set it up over a fire.  Wherever they camp there are signs of blood, but no battle.  They turn north, skirting Mirkwood on the Eastern edge, most likely for ease of travel more than any fear of old, worn out legends about the denizens that supposedly live in the trees.

Eight nights after leaving the caldera, the group sees a camp fire reflecting off of low hanging clouds.  The camp itself is hidden in a small ravine surrounded by low hills.  Xar disappears when the group sets up their own camp, but returns soon with information.

"They are there with the cooking pot...and, someone in it.  It is unknown where they are finding their..." she blanches and has to pause before continuing.  "Where they are finding someone to fill the pot out in these empty lands.  There is also another camp beyond their's, no fire.  The men of the second camp look just as tough, but don't have the alterations anchored in bone that the first group do.  They are aware of each other and not hostile.  They may be here to meet one another.  There are seven men in the new group, twelve in the first."

"We are here to find information, not fight, but if things turn violent, only I would survive such an encounter between so many.  For your safety, I do not recommend engaging until the second group has moved on."

Over the first few days of the journey, Toben spends far more time than he had in the past conversing back and forth with Kornari. Camp time is spent scribbling in his journal and examining the various gems within his pouch. From time to time, he can be seen waving his hands and speaking unintelligible words... often followed by a frown or look of disappointment.

Before long, his incantations and gestures are met with more joyous reactions. Upon his last attempt, he walks over to Kornari to show off his progress. The rest of the journey he spends practicing his new incantation to make sure he's got the hang of it.

Once the group finally stops and hears of the grizzly scene, Toben winces with a look of disgust upon his face. "Every night the set up the pot and there is a person in it, yet their number never dwindles? Always twelve?" He rubs his chin, deep in thought. "What if the being in the pot is the star we seek? 'Ravaged without death', Ceven said. If she has a way to heal herself everyday, and they are... " Toben chokes on the words. " ... consuming her each night. That might explain some things."

How far apart are the two groups?

Xar looks Saris in the eye for a moment, then the healer turns to Klale.  "The camps are not within sight of each other, but a battle would be heard by the other camp."

So, we wait up to a day? We go on if we have a sense of where we should go?

"I would like to get a look at the group that is carrying the cook pot if at all possible, we might be able to learn something more if we observe from a distance"

Toben nods. "That cook pot has piqued my interest as well."

"You have a look at these savages and their meal, then.  I believe this is a fine spot for sunning...once the sun comes up tomorrow."  The drake scrapes clean a protruding, flat rock and plops down on it like a cat.  An oversized, scaly, bossy, arrogant cat.

"It's not their meal I care about, but the situation and clues revolving around it..." Toben speaks for only a moment, before realizing Kornari probably doesn't care.

"I suggest we surveil them tonight, learn what we can and see what tomorrow brings. We ought to set up camp, but without a fire. We don't want to alert them of our presense. Xar, Phin, you guys up for some reconnaissance?"

Phineas looks uncomfortable at the idea of return trip to the grisly scene, but visibly steels himself and says "Ok, I'll do it."

While waiting for nightfall, he amuses himself by fashioning a foot-shaped wooden plate for the bottom of his shoe, and then attaching it backwards so that it looks as though any prints he leaves are going in the opposite direction.

(Clever!)

Klale, when he's not needed, relaxes, perhaps sleeps.

When twilight arrives, Xar taps Phin on the shoulder and nods in the direction of the camps.

Toben watches with a bit of concern in his eyes. "Good luck gentlemen." He thumbs through his book of incantations while he waits for their swift return.

Xar returns much sooner than expected given the distance to the camp.  He has Phineas over his shoulder, retching, and vomit pouring in a slow river down his back.  The dwarf sets the young boy down gently then moves over to Saris.

Toben jumps up at the sight of Phineas. "What happened? Has he been poisoned?"

"Only my mind," Phin manages with an ashen grin before he collapses to the ground, breathing heavily and occasionally retching.

"They were in the middle of dinner when Xar and the boy arrived at their camp," Saris explains.  "He's gone back to see if he can make out any plans and to scout the other camp."

Indeed, Xar has faded into the night once more.

Saris comes over to Phineas and examines him.  She takes his pulse, looks into his eyes, and places her hands on his back and chest under his shirt.  "I'll need a small fire to make a potion for him.  If he keeps vomiting, he'll dehydrate and we'll have to take him to town."

Klale digs out a fire pit, enough so the fire perhaps will not be noticeable.

Saris helps get the fire going, keeping it mostly burning coals.  After about five minutes, she has a nasty looking concoction in a tin cup, which she hands to Phineas.  "'Ere, lad.  Drink this up.  It'll work better if its hot, so drink it down as soon as you can."

"Thanks, Saris. Your presence here is truly a blessing."

Toben walks over to Phineas and places a comforting hand on his back. "Get some rest, friend. Xar won't be too long, I'm sure."

He gazes out in the direction of the camps, hoping they'll uncover some much needed answers.

Hours pass (with Phineas sleeping fitfully) and Xar does not return.  Party members who sleep, do so restlessly, and no less than two remain awake at any given time.

GM:  How long will you wait?

Until Phineas can tell us what happened would be Klale's choice.

If Phineas could give us any insight, that would be great. However, if dawn arrives before Xar does, then I think Toben would be reluctant to continue waiting.

Dawn arrives with no sign of Xar.  Phineas will stir in the first light of day looking wan.

As the dawn's light begins to shine in his eyes, Phin's restless sleep gives way to restless wakefulness.

"Thank you, Saris, for your ministrations." He manages a half-hearted attempt at his usual panache, but devolves into shudders as he steels himself to get through an account of his misadventures. "We saw the same band around the campfire. They were cooking and eating…(shudder)…people. One was…"

He breaks off, then gathers himself to continue, his words suddenly coming in a rush.

"…still alive. Oh, gods, she was in the pot, and still alive, and they were eating her! She tried to scream, but couldn't, and couldn't die. She must have been like that for weeks, for months, being cooked, being eaten, but never even able to gain the escape of death…"


He trails off again, staring off at something that none of the rest of the party sees, but which, judging from his facial contortions, is fairly horrible.

So...if both parties are still around, we choose which one to kill first. I figure the other party will come...I hope not in an organized way...even whatever, maybe we can circle back around and attempt a rescue. Come to think of it, the malefactors may just elect to protect their food source. A question, though, how do we guard against being nauseated?

"Dragons do not do it this way, but I hear that lesser creatures, animals really, lure members of packs away and thin their numbers in manageable amounts before trying to take out an entire herd.  Just a thought."  Kornari stares at the ground as before, appearing not to be interested in the goings on.

Upon hearing the update frmo Phineas, Toben nods. "Sounds much like what we suspected. Clearly, we must free her from these barbarians, but like Kornari said earlier, the odds are not in our favor for a toe-to-toe confrontation with both groups. A strategy to divide them up seems best."

He looks around with a concerned look on his face and sighs. "Xar should have been back by now."

Saris offers a small bottle to Klala.  "If yer worryin' 'bout yer stomach, I still have enough o' the tincture I gave young Phin.  It should control whatever queasiness ye'll have at the sight o' this...cookpot."

Klale takes the bottle with thanks but doesn't drink it at the moment. Kornari, would it please you to distract and entertain the other campers? If the rest of us fail, it'll be up to you to save the world from evil.

Toben smiles at Saris. "Thank you, I'm sure it'll come in handy."

He walks over to Klale and chuckles a bit. "After all, what sort of world would it be if it were to fall into the hands of the likes of these?"

He smooths out a patch of dirt with his foot and squats down. With his finger he draws the surrounding area, shakes his head and then erases it again. He does this several times before looking back up at the group. "I have an idea or two that deals with some misdirection and camouflage, but I executing the plan may be outside my means. Either way, I think it best to separate this group up as much as possible before an out right confrontation."

He sigh briefly, then flips through his book. "I am open to suggestion if anyone have a plan."

"An entertaining game.  I like the small challenge it presents.  I shall provide your distraction.  Will you be addressing the cannibals first or the other group?"

Toben snaps his book shut, and nods. "Excellent. The cannibals appear to be the closest threat, so I would lean towards dealing with them first."

He puts his book of spells away, and continues. "I'll be honest with you, this is a little advanced for me and I am working mostly off theory, but I've got an idea to conceal ourselves while we lure some of them out. To us, it'll look like we're just peering out of a glass window. All they'll see, however, is a rocky outcropping. If it all works like I am hoping, we'll only have about 20 minutes, so we'll have to work somewhat quickly."

He kneels down and starts drawing in the dirt again. "If they are here...", he crudely draws a little cooking pot. "... and we are here", he draws a jagged little circle around some stick figures. "Then we'll want to setup a distraction just out of sight so that any stragglers can't see what's happening, but we'll be able to get the drop on them."

He stands up. "All we need to a small enough distraction to pull a few of those barbarians away from the pot. When they get close enough, I can start things off with a bang", he says with a mischievous grin.

"Sounds like a solid plan.  We should be able to make it work if we hit them hard enough.  This will be our first real fight without the protection of the earth, so we must be cautious."  Ano studies the drawn map for a while.

Toben nods. "Yes, the blessing is missed for sure. What sort of distraction do you think will be suitable to split that group  up?"

I can appear, standing opposite where the other camp is, and tap my shield and say COME.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

Toben scratches his chin. "Hmm... I like the subtlety", he says with a smile.

"I wonder if something a little less threatening would be more likely to pull a small number over to us without alarming the whole camp. Say, for example, Phineas popping into to view then hurling some insults at them then running back here. Perhaps even saying something like 'Hey, leave my mom alone' and throwing some rocks at them, might encourage just a couple to chase him down."

He turns to reassure Phineas, "Don't worry though, I can temporarily disable the camouflage long enough to pull you back in before they get here. Once they are distracted by their search for Phin, I drop the veil and we take them by surprise."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

"I worry that even that would lack subtlety.  If these men are even half-way intelligent, such a move would readily appear as a trap.  Instead, we need t' make it appear as if we don't even know they're there.  I would be concerned usin' th' lad considering his condition.  Maybe instead, Ano or Toben could stay in th' trees, but walk tangent to their camp close enough to be spotted, but not close enough t' appear as if they noticed th' camp?  This would only work durin' th' day as th' campfire would draw a passerby at night.  If we plan t' attack at night, Ano might better serve and he can just approach th' camp as if seekin' companionship at th' fire until th' men threaten or give chase.  It is unlikely that th' whole mess o' them will leave their prize alone to chase one man if they think he just wandered by or wandered in.  Toben and Ano both seem unimposing enough physically that they likely would only send two, three at th' most to hunt him down."  She looks at the two men and smiles a bit sheepishly.  "I mean no offense."

"I am more then willing to take on this roll.  I am quite positive that I can lead these men where you want them, and in the event something goes wrong I can out run them."

Toben looks down, gives himself a once over, and smirks a bit. "I suppose I have lost a little muscle mass since I traded in my hammer and anvil for a books and quills." He smiles at Saris. "But no offense taken. In fact, I appreciate your suggestions."

Looking over at Ano, he says "If I had to choose, I would go for the daylight approach. My night vision is terrible, and getting too close to their camp might make for a more difficult get away. Whenever you're ready Ano, I'll provide the camouflage here, and wait for your return. When you're near, I'll disable it for a moment so that you can hide with us until they get close enough."

Ano nods resolutely "I am ready to get under way let's get into position and hope they give chase".

Toben brandishes his staff. "Let me begin the preparations then."

With the butt of his staff, he draws a rough circle around the party. "This will be the perimeter of our camouflage. Mark it well Ano, for it won't look the same next time you return. Once it's done, we'll only have about twenty minutes."

Toben picks up a handful of earth, crushes it in his hands, and shakes it along the edge of the circle as he chants. "Arda, jashi hesi mamissi de nomenes svaust sweekmon udoka levnim"

When the dirt falls to the ground, like drops of water gathering in a pool, it begins to collect other bits of earth. From the outside looking in, it looks as though the earth begins stacking upon itself in unison around the line Toben etched. Slowly, earth and stone begin to rise up and form a rocky dome around the party.

From inside the perimeter, it almost looks as though nothing is happening. You can see a brief shimmer in the air starting from the ground up as the magic is woven. Slight wavy distortions in the air, as if peering through the imperfections of hand blown glass, are the only clues that the spell took hold and is now in place.

Toben staggers back a step or two before catching himself. "Now, we wait."

09:35, Yesterday: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  spellcraft check (-10).
Toben casts Concealing Outcrop.

Ano approaches the camp through the sparse trees at the edge of Mirkwood and from behind the low hills that roll in the area.

Ano slowly walks into the edge of the camp until he is sure that they have noticed him.  He walks slowly, trying to look as unimposing as he possibly can.  "Excuse me, but I seem be a bit lost, could you perhaps spare a moment." He looks at each of the men slowly and moves a little bit closer.

While Toben waits anxiously for Ano to return, he pulls out a few bolts from his quiver and looks over to Phineas. "I can enchant one of those stars for you, if you think you're feeling up to."

One of the warriors, a bit more decorated that the others, looks at one of his men and nods.  The second warrior draws a weapon, as do three others, and start towards Ano, a hungry look in their eyes.

Phineas, still looking wan from his misadventures, bows up a bit at the offer. "I would be delighted to do whatever I can to help end the horrors those creatures are perpetrating. Thank you."

Ano try to look a bit nervous as the men approach. He lets them get just near enough to him to make them think a chase is possible before turning and taking of towards the others.  He runs quickly away, but slow enough to allow the cannibals to keep up.

Ano, uncharacteristically, makes enough noise as he approaches to alert the group to that approach.  It sounds like several of the cannibals are on his tail.

GM:  The star gets enchanted before.  There are four warriors following Ano.

Ano continues to run until he is almost at the others hiding place before he fakes a trip and falls to the ground.  When he hits the ground he hopes that this will make his pursuers focus all their intent on their downed prey, so the others get the best chance they can.

Toben hands the enchanted star over to Phineas. "Ready yourselves, I think I hear something up ahead."

Butterflies welling up in his gut, Toben picks up a small stone and readies himself to cast a spell. "Ano is stranded out there, so when the shimmer of the barrier fades we need to be as swift as possible."

Seeing Ano stumble, the men dash forward attempting to get a quick kill.

GM:  All present except Phineas but including Ano will get a surprise attack this round.  After the surprise round, initiative will go to the players and their companions in order of their initiative bonuses: Ano (+3), Klale and Toben (+2), and Saris (+1).

Phineas must roll Will vs. DC 20 to get the surprise attack in the face of these cannibals.  If he succeeds, he will go first in both the surprise round and the main rounds (+7).

Kornari will not attack in the surprise round.

Phineas readies himself for the attack but, seeing the cannibals close up once more, his nerve fails him. It takes a clear effort of will for him to simply remain standing and facing these opponents. The surprise attack he had hoped to launch is clearly out of the question for him.

08:07, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 3 using 1d20.  will for surprise attack.

Toben's pulse accelerates a bit when he sees Ano take a fall. Unsure if it was intentional or not, he decides to err on the side of caution and bring down the barrier. With a moments thought, the glassy shimmer around the group fades. "That's our cue...", he says quietly and begins weaving a spell of destruction.

He plucks a small stone from the ground, mutters "Rocen svern vur tafiaf hesi wioti mrith vi janikup drevab", and tosses it at Ano's pursuers.

Note: The barrier was only temporarily brought down, but not fully dispelled.

08:17, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 20 using 1d20+9.  spellcraft check (-5) for Exploding Stone.
08:20, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 4d6.  Exploding stone damage.

The cannibals need to make a reflex save DC 17 or take 17 damage. Save for half.

Klale steps back and around so, perhaps, it appears he was hidden by a tree. He moves to attack. He reaches the nearest foe and gets his attention.


23:24, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 4 using 1d10+1.  Damage Base. +4 Strength = 8

23:20, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Swing. +4 Strength = 22
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Fri 23 Oct 2015.

As an explosion detonated behind him Ano saw his chance to recover from his prone position and attack quickly.  Pushing off the ground with his hands and tucking into a tight roll, he came up standing next to the pursuing cannibals.  Ano aims a strike at one of the attackers solar plexus hoping to incapacitate him.  He then turns quickly to two other cannibals and throws a punch at each of their faces.

Surprise round
Ano uses his move action to stand and makes one stunning fist attack
Taking 15= 22 to hit
00:31, Today: Ano rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  stunning fist damage.
DC 14 to avoid the stun

Regular round
Ano attacks two other targets with his flurry of blows
taking 15 for each attack = 20 to hit for both attacks
00:36, Today: Ano rolled 7 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 2.
00:36, Today: Ano rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 1.

Saris takes a step toward the warriors to attack, but staggers after a few steps and drops to her knees, heaving.

Two of the warriors catch Toben's blast full on (-17 HP), but two manage to pull up their bone covered arms and deflect a good portion of the damage (-8 HP).  One of the latter does not see Ano coming and is stunned by Ano's surprise attack (-12 HP) and drops his sword.  Klale takes on the other who survived Toben's salvo better than the others, evening things out (-8 HP).

Ano (13)     -->  -0 HP
Klale (12)   -->  -0 HP
Toben (12)   -->  -0 HP
Saris (10)   -->  -0 HP == sickened
Phineas (10) -->  -0 HP == intimidated
Kornari (??) -->  -0 HP

CW 1 --> -20 HP  == stunned
CW 2 --> -17 HP
CW 3 --> -17 HP
CW 4 --> -16 HP

GM:  Ano has already presented his regular round attack.  Klale and Toben are up next then Phineas, who can attack normally as he sees fit.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:37, Sat 31 Oct 2015.

Klale frinishes his slash and whips his arm down and around with virtual full force.

21:52, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 14 using 1d10+5.  Damage.

21:52, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 22 using 1d20+8.  To Hit.

Disheartened by the results of the explosion, Toben kneels down and places his hand upon the earth. He whispers, "Arda, fehlim udoka vi katima ekess aso persvek hesi slathalin"

Not quite sure what to expect, Toben opens his eyes, stands, and looks out across the field. Almost instantly, there is a rustling at the treeline. Eight slender legs and a large bulbous body emerge from the woods, its giant mandibles dripping with a viscous liquid. Without warning, it charges after the closest cannibal.

Toben casts Summon Monster II, and directs it to attack the warrior closest to the treeline.

Saris continues to dry heave, almost on hands and knees at this point.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Sun 25 Oct 2015.

Seeing that his allies are too close to the cannibals to use the enchanted star effectively, and that the others have a start on dealing with them, Phineas rushes to Saris' side to see if there is anything he can do to help her. He does keep an eye on the cannibals to make sure that he is not taken by surpsie should they head his way.

The first warrior is stunned and trying to shake off the daze.

A second warrior (CW2), hammered by Toben's attack, lashes out at Ano with a powerful overhand slash of his two-handed sword.  Ano is quick to move out of the way and the sword bites only dirt.

The third warrior (CW3) advances on Toben, and grins as he whirls his enormous spiked club.  Just before he brings it down on the scholar, the giant spider leaps from the trees and intercepts the blow (13 DMG).

The last faces Klale with a huge double-moon axe.  He feints left then chops towards the warrior's right leg.  The strike makes it past Klale's tower shield as Klale swings his own sword (14 DMG), but has little power behind it.  It leaves only a large bruise (5 DMG).

Ano (13)     -->  -0 HP
Klale (12)   -->  -5 HP
Toben (12)   -->  -0 HP
Spider (12)  -->  -13 HP
Saris (10)   -->  -0 HP == sickened
Phineas (10) -->  -0 HP == intimidated
Kornari (??) -->  -0 HP

CW 1 --> -19 HP
CW 2 --> -16 HP
CW 3 --> -16 HP
CW 4 --> -26 HP

GM:  Sorry, got my numbers off on the dice roller for the first two.  CW 1 = CW 2 and CW 2 = CW 3 on the die roller.  CW 4 is correct.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:37, Sat 31 Oct 2015.

Ano turns to the stunned warrior, and grabbing him by the shoulders, drives his knee into his stomach.  With a second quick motion he pulls his knee away from the first man and kicks it out backwards aiming for the chest of the warrior who had just attacked him.

Ano attacks CW1 and CW2 with flurry of blows
22 to hit for each of them
22:36, Today: Ano rolled 5 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 2 on CW2.
22:34, Today: Ano rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 1 on CW1.

Regaining his composure from the spiders heroic intervention, Toben takes a step back and reaches into his components pouch. Tiny pearlescent flakes flutter from his hand to the ground as raises it palm up. He whipsers, "Fehlim toma ekess wer tomosha vur nautkynra ekess nomenes mrith toma", and blows it from his hand.

A large cloud of glittering gold dust disperses into the air and fills the area just behind the cannibals, catching the one that was previously stunned and the one facing off with Toben.

Toben casts Glitterdust, placing it behind the CWs hoping to catch CW3 and CW1.
They need to make a Will save DC 16 to avoid being blinded for 4 rounds.

Using its superior agility, the spider positions itself between Toben and the warrior. Toben's spell was distracting enough to leave him open for an easy attack. The spider lunges in and lands a bite square in the face. A gut wrenching crunch can be heard as its powerful mandibles deal a devastating blow.

21:44, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  spider bite attack.
21:48, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 1 using 1d20.  spider bite location (head).
21:50, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 8 using 1d8+3. spider bite damage. x3 for location 24 damage
The warrior needs to be a fort save DC 13 to avoid being poisoned. Otherwise he takes 1d8 strength damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Wed 28 Oct 2015.

Klale, unable to dodge the blow, takes advantage of his opponent's low blade and strides...well but not so well as he'd like. ["Tough customer" is Klale's thought.]

16:45, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 8 using 1d10+5.  Damage.

16:45, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  To Hit.

Saris tries to climb to her feet and stumble away from the battle.  Instead, she trips and falls face first into the dirt.  She struggles to rise, but appears too weak.

Phineas pulls out a dagger and stands guard over Saris, ready to strike should any of the cannibals venture near.

Ano keeps two of the warriors focused on him and one of them (CW1) gets a face full of Toben's spell, blinding him.  The second (CW2) brings his two handed sword back up at an angle, catching the monk along one of his lower arms and tearing a huge gash (6 DMG).

The third warrior screams as the spider bites down on his face, something he did not see coming since the glitterdust blinding him a second before.  He bats the spider away with amazing strength (4 DMG) then drops to his knees holding his face.

Doubt creeps into the eyes of the 4th warrior as he grunts in pain at Klale's shot and hears his companions struggling more than they expected even against this party, even after being ambushed.  Too careful with his next attack, he is unable to even touch Klale, who dances just out of reach.

Ano (13)     -->  -6 HP
Klale (12)   -->  -5 HP
Toben (12)   -->  -0 HP
Spider (12)  -->  -17 HP
Saris (10)   -->  -0 HP == sickened
Phineas (10) -->  -0 HP == intimidated
Kornari (??) -->  -0 HP

CW 1 --> -26 HP      Blinded
CW 2 --> -20 HP
CW 3 --> -39 HP      Blinded
CW 4 --> -30 HP

GM:  Corrected the color scheme for the attackers' HP to reflect the percentages correctly based on the house rules.  I had gotten off a level.

Klale makes a thrust, and reaches the foe if he came within reach.

20:15, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 10 using 1d10+5.  Damage?

20:15, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  To Hit.

Ano pulls his arm back from the man keeping it close to his body.  He turns away from the blinded man and focuses more attention on the one who just attacked him.  With his uninjured arm he strikes at the warriors shoulder, and then aims a kick towards his knee.

Ano attacks with flury of blows on CW2, 20 to hit with each attack
11:51, Today: Ano rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 2 on CW2.
11:51, Today: Ano rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 1 on CW2.

Toben's eyes widen a little with concern as he notices something odd about their attackers. Some of the minor abrasions left by the initial blast are starting to vanish. "Uh, guys... these cannibals are regenerating!"

As the blinded warrior flails his arms in attempt to bat the attacking spider away, it strikes again. The bite grazes the shoulder lightly [4 dmg], leaving a trail of poison in the wound.

The warrior needs to be a fort save DC 13 to avoid being poisoned. Otherwise he takes 1d8 strength damage.
21:50, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  spider bite damage.
21:50, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 5 using 1d20.  spider bite location.
21:49, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  spider bite attack.


With the spider attacking high, Toben takes a step back and attacks low. He twirls his staff with a couple flourishes and two quasi-visible bolts slam into his legs. One strikes hard [11 dmg], spinning the warrior around a bit causing the second bolt to slightly graze him [2 dmg].

Toben casts Magic Missle
22:00, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  missile damage 2.
22:00, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  missile damage 1.
21:54, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 1d20.  missile location 2.
21:54, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 16 using 1d20.  missile location 1.
21:52, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 25 using 1d20+8.  magic missile attack 2.
21:52, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  magic missile attack 1.

Phineas continues to stand watch over Saris, but readies the enchanted throwing star, waiting to see if any of the cannibals get far enough away from his allies to be able to use the explosive weapon without casing injury to them.

The first warrior (CW1) swings wildly at nothing while trying to blink the dust out of his eyes.

Staggered only a little by Ano's assault, the second warrior (CW2) launches his own vicious attack against the monk.  It slices a deep gash down his arm (15 DMG).  Blood sprays everywhere.

When the missiles hit his legs, the third warrior (CW3) falls to the ground with the spider on top.  He manages to graze the spider with his flailing (1 DMG), but the strength appears to have gone out of him.

Klale's sword annoys his foe more than hurts him, it seems.  He brings a vicious two-handed cut around from the side.  Though the blow rings loud, it only catches armor and screeches off in a shower of sparks.

Ano (13)     -->  -21 HP
Klale (12)   -->  -5 HP
Toben (12)   -->  -0 HP
Spider (12)  -->  -18 HP
Saris (10)   -->  -0 HP == sickened
Phineas (10) -->  -0 HP == intimidated
Kornari (??) -->  -0 HP

CW 1 --> -25 HP      Blinded
CW 2 --> -40 HP
CW 3 --> -55 HP      Blinded
CW 4 --> -36 HP

Kornari darts out of nowhere and slams into the side of the warrior that just wounded Ano.  The warrior is staggering, but Kornari wastes no time.  Using thick claws he climbs the man's torso, raking huge wounds as he goes.  The last thing anyone sees in the man's eyes is abject fear as Kornari opens his mouth wide and breathes.  The smell of cooking flesh fills the air just before Kornari clamps down on the man's head, still exhaling, and bearing the corpse to the ground.

With the warrior now toppled over, the spider makes an attack against the soft tissue of his gut for [8 dmg].

The warrior needs to be a fort save DC 13 to avoid being poisoned. Otherwise he takes 1d8 strength damage.
20:21, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  spider bite damage.
20:20, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 12 using 1d20.  spider bite location.
20:19, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  spider bite attack.


Feeling a bit more bold with the warrior squirming on the ground, Toben steps up and takes an aimed strike at his chest in an attempt to deliver a fatal blow. The staff cracks against his sternum for [7 dmg].

20:26, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  mithril staff damage.
20:25, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 10 using 1d20.  mithril staff attack location.
20:24, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  mithril staff attack roll.
In case there is any damage resistance, the staff acts as silver and cold iron.

The foe's skittering blow, leaves him open; and Klake using his recoil from lthe blow to add to his slash.

14:28, Today: Hoendel rolled 11 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,4.  Damage.

14:27, Today: Hoendel rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  To Hit.

I used the dice roller in another game; hppened to have that tab open and clicked on it.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:32, Tue 03 Nov 2015.

It is only with great effort that Ano does not cry out as the warrior puts a deep cut in his arm.  Thankfully he is given a moment of reprieve as Kornari strikes the man down.  Holding his injured arm close to his body Ano turns to the blinded warrior and delivers to quick kicks to his rib cage.
Ano attacks CW1 with flurry of blows
20 to hit with both attacks
22:06, Today: Ano rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 2 on CW1.
22:05, Today: Ano rolled 5 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 1 on CW1.

Seeing that his allies are still close to the cannibals, Phineas throws an unenchanted star at the cannibal on which Ano is focusing his attacks. Unfortunately, he is still deeply shaken, and his throw goes far wide.

13:05, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  to hit with star.

His eyes watering, one of the warriors (CW1) staggers back away from Ano clearly trying to leave the battle.  He swings cautiously, more to keep the monk at bay than to cause damage (+2 AC).

With a mighty heave, the warrior on the ground (CW3) throws the spider from him and he rolls to his feet.  His eyes seem to be clearing as he avoids a couple of larger rocks stumbling away from the battle.

With his compatriots dead or fleeing, the warrior who appeared to be leader (CW4), glares at Klale and feints.  Leaving himself open to a shot from Klale [Attack of Opportunity], the warrior darts toward Saris.

Ano (13)     -->  -21 HP
Klale (12)   -->  -5 HP
Toben (12)   -->  -0 HP
Spider (12)  -->  -18 HP
Saris (10)   -->  -0 HP == sickened
Phineas (10) -->  -0 HP == intimidated
Kornari (??) -->  -0 HP

CW 1 --> -37 HP      Fighting Defensively (+2 AC)
CW 2 --> -?? HP      DEAD
CW 3 --> -69 HP      Fleeing
CW 4 --> -43 HP      AoO - Klale

The spider, no longer having its prey beneath it, stands up on its hind legs and shoots a sticky web from its abdomen. The web strikes the cannibal [CW3] square in the back, locking him in place. After launching its attack, the spider skitters off into the trees.

08:08, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  spider web attack.
Oddly enough the web is a targeted attack rather than a reflex save.
The web has 12 hps, and CW3 is entangled. He can try break out with a DC 17 strength check or escape with a DC 13 escape artist check.
Summon Monster II ends after the spiders last attack

Toben, seeing the cannibal bearing down on Saris and Phineas, he mutters "Ti zyak temep" He touches his staff to the ground, and with a look of concentration thrusts upward. The foliage in the area between Klale and Saris begins to writhe about, and several longer vines lash out at their only target, the charging warrior [CW4].

He looks over toward Saris and Phineas, "Look alive Phin!"

08:25, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 18 using 1d20+14.  spellcraft check for Entangle.
Toben casts Entangle modified by sculpt spell.
CW4 needs to make a reflex save DC 15.
If he succeeds then he must move at half speed through the area. If he fails, then he is entangled

This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Phineas, seeing the cannibal break off from his allies, quickly lobs the enchanted star at him, trying to knock him down, or at worst, keep him from Saris.

12:24, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 19 using 1d20 + 6.  to hit, explosive star.
12:25, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 1 using 1d4.  base damage, explosive star.
12:25, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 15 using 4d6.  explosive damage, explosive star.

EDIT: Added to hit bonuses that I'd missed originally. Thanks, Tobin. ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Klale almost drops his sword and, in revering to attack again, manages only to recover his readiness.

20:40, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  To Hit.

20:39, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  AOO.

Ano approaches the blind man slowly watching his blind attacks as he pulls the ivory fang from his belt.  He speaks slowly, trying to sound intimidating "Attacking a blind man with a weapon is something I would normally find disgusting.  You and your kind though, your not human, you have done things so terrible that you are less then the lowest of beasts.  You do not warrant the use my knowledge of the four doors."  The blood from his wound soaks his arm as he speaks, and he feels his emotional handle slipping and anger and rage rising up in him.  He makes a quick stabbing motion with the fang.

Ano takes 15 on his attack with the ivory fang on CW1
15+6 is 21 to hit
Not sure if there is a damage rating on the fang

Ano stabs with the fang and the man immediately stops moving and falls to the ground hard.  His limbs are locked in the last position they were in when Ano struck and do not move.  He looks like a statue, except sweat beads on his body wherever there is exposed skin.

The other fleeing man tears through the webs and disappears into the trees, the sounds of crashing brush fading rapidly.

It seems the leader is determined to reach his goal.  Klale misses an attack at the retreating back and then again as he attempts to follow.  Toben's entangling spell barely slows him.  It is not until Phineas' star thuds into his chest then explodes that the man is halted, blown off his feet back into the waiting vines.  He is bloody, short of breath, and near death as he hangs limp.  Yet even as the seconds tick by, his eyes flutter open and the flesh begins to close around the wounds.  He smiles, and struggles a bit against the vines, but he is still too weak to get free just yet.

Klale is too bemused by the closing wounds to strike successfully.

Toben raises his staff and points it directly at the warriors head. Within a fraction of a second, the end of the staff begins to glow brightly as if about to let loose some mighty blast.

"You've seen what we can do, and I think you know just how badly this will go for you if I let this charge go. Your healing trick can only go so far. Start talking, or it's lights out for you. Literally."

Toben casts Glowstone (modified by silent spell) on the end of his staff to give the impression that something massive is charging up, ready to fire.
Also, keeping the entangle going a bit longer to help keep him immobilized.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Sun 08 Nov 2015.

The man grins and spits to the side.  He struggles feebly and his eyes roll up in his head a bit, but he maintains consciousness.  "Ya got me.  I surrender."

With the cannibal admitting defeat, Toben lowers his staff and dismisses the light. He looks over to Phineas and Saris. "Phin, you still have some of that anti-nausea tonic Saris gave you? I think she's going to need to borrow that."

Toben walks over to Saris to see how she is doing.

Ano bends gently to examine the warrior he attacked with the fang, checking for pulse and other signs of consciousness.

Ano takes 10 on a heal check to see if he can determine what happend to him.  10+5= 15

Now that the cannibal's charge has been blunted, Phineas rushes over to the remaining enemy, pulling out a rope and trussing him thoroughly before his regeneration can complete. He is none too gentle as he pulls the ropes tight.

(Phin takes 10 on Use Rope for a 14.)

Once he's satisfied that this particular cannibal will not be leaping back into the fray or fleeing, he returns to Saris, gently offering the anti-nausea brew and seeing what else he can do for her.

The man flexes and struggles feebly while Phineas ties the ropes, but he is not yet capable of full resistance.  With the help of the others, he is soon tied and kneeling on the ground.  "Oy, hey!  I said I surrender!"

Toben dismisses the entangle.

While Toben tries to calm Saris, he glances over at the warrior from the corner of his eye. "Yeah, that's actually for your protection. We wouldn't want to do anything drastic should you decide to do anything funny."

"Ano, how is that guy over there looking? You think you can move him closer over here? I'd like to get everyone within the circle should we have more... guests"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Tue 10 Nov 2015.

Ano nods and starts to drag the stiff warrior towards the others with his good arm.

Saris has completely passed out.

Toben, a little flustered, shakes Saris. "Saris!?"


22:56, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  heal check.

It is difficult to tell what is wrong with Saris given her dwarven biology.  She has turned grey, like granite, and is snoring heavily with long, ragged breaths.  The shaking does not wake her.

Toben shakes his head. "I don't know what to do here." He looks up at the rest of the group, "I think we are going to have to get Nestael out of that pot to figure out what's wrong with Saris."

He stands up and walks to the edge of the circle. "Klale, can you drag the big guy over here. We can use the remaining cover to figure out a plan."

Once everyone is within the circle, Toben will reactivate the Concealing Outcrop.

Phineas, noticing belatedly that the paralyzed cannibal is still breathing, trusses him up as well. Just in case.

The warrior who remains awake isn't too pleased to be hauled around like a sack of potatoes.  His companion, still paralyzed, makes no complaints.  Everyone is gathered up in tight quarters under Toben's spell.  The shimmering is noted visibly by the leader's raised eyebrow.  "You lot found another of the fallen stars, eh?  Magic ain't been in the world since the end of the 3rd age.  'Ere you are wielding it like drinkin' water.  No way you would taken us down otherwise."

Ano sits as he listens to the warrior speak.  He begins to take care to clean, stitch and bandage the wounds on his arm.  "Any gifts we have were freely given, I imagine you came by yours in more brutal ways"

Toben, crouched down by Saris' side, looks up at the warrior as if peering over the top of a pair of spectacles. "Magic? The amount of force used is equal to the amount of force necessary. Nothing less, nothing more. If you believe that to be magic, then you are entitled to that belief.  As such, I'm sure you know that the effects of such things are finite, which means your enhancements won't last much longer either."

He looks out in the direction of the other cannibals for a moment. "So tell me, what do you know about these stars?"

Klale says Behead the dead one. I'm off after the escapee, for at least a little way. If the other baddies leave the pot, rescue whatever's in it. Care to go with me Kormari?

The drake looks up at Klale.  "Actually, that sounds rather less dull than the conversation that is about to ensue here.  You may proceed me."

"Stars?  Them's the twinkly lights up in the sky at night."  He smirks at his own wit.

Jog...jog...etc.

Toben raises an eyebrow, clearly unamused at the warriors attempt at humor. "You've already tipped your hand at knowing about the fallen stars, so now isn't really the time to be coy. Where is your group taking the woman in the pot?"

"Takin' the pot?  With us.  Everywhere we go."  He licks his lips.  At first it seems like he is taunting Toben with the gesture, but a moment of dwelling on it makes him look more like an addict relishing his next hit.

Klale, accompanied by Kormari and Xar, reappears. Xar got him Klale says. Took a slight wound. Think it should be looked at...who knows what these people carry?

Got some flesh boiled flesh chunks too. Suspect they're from who's in the pot. See you have two people here. I'd put them separate when the other wakes up. We ask them, see if they're answers jibe. If they do, maybe they both live. If they don't, we spare the one we believe...or kill both.

How's the lady. I have the potion she game me if that'll help.

Xar rushes over to Saris and kneels by her side.  He checks her vitals, then looks over at the two men.  Without warning, he slings the healer over his shoulder and ducks out of the illusion, disappearing into Mirkwood.

Kornari snorts once at the captured men then follows.

Phineas, evidently pushed past some kind of breaking point by seeing Saris now hurt and beyond his protection, goes cold. He pulls out a dagger, puts it to the throat of the remaining cannibal, and says very quietly, "Start talking. Now. I'm betting your head will not regenerate when it's no longer attached to your body."

07:32, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  intimidate cannibal.

Toben glares at the warrior, "And make it fast... we're moving out."

He looks out to the woods. "We don't want to lose them in there..."

The man just chuckles at the boy.  "You don't have the guts, kid.  You hid during the fight and can barely hold your food down now."  His face grows serious and his eyes narrow.  "Do it kid.  Become a man."

As the tension rises, Toben just looks over to Phineas. "He's just messing with you, don't let him get in your head Phin."

He casts an icy glare back at the leader, "We'll get the answers we need from him one way or another."

We're wasting time. This smartass...I say he tells us everything he things we would like to hear or we kill him. We're wasting time. I don't hold with torture...takes time and just messes us up. Talk or die...those should be the option.

Phineas, still cold, says "You have had your chances. You have taken, rather than giving. You have made the world a darker, more malign place at every turn. You have subverted the good to your own evil intent, and have stolen life from others so that you could hold on to it yourself. The time for that has come to an end. You, at least, will no longer feed on the flesh of others. You end here, you damnable parasite."

Phineas cuts the cannibal's throat, then quickly turns and walks away, sinking to the ground again once he is about 20 paces away.

Blood spurts from the wound but the cannibal gurgles out laughter.  The laughter grows stronger and the blood stops.  "You can't kill me-"  His words are cut off as Xar removes his head with a single swipe of his curved short sword.

The eyebrows rise in a brief moment of surprise before it realizes its dead, then freezes that way as the life leaves him.

Xar nods towards the other, paralyzed warrior and pats his sword in question.

"These abominations are fanatics, and are likely not to turn. I doubt we'll get anything useful out of them."

Toben nods at Xar, "Do what you need to... we don't have any time to waste with Saris' condition."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

Xar's action is swift and impersonal.  As soon as the deed is done, Saris cries out and coughs hoarsely.  Xar rushes over and helps her sit up.

"Wa-" she tries.  Another cough, mainly to clear her throat and bring much needed moisture.  "Water.  Please."

Klale kicks the heads away from the bodies. Phineas, your hands are defter than mine. Care to search these....he spits.

(He notes whether anybody is offering water.)

Toben plops his pack onto the ground and searches for a water skin. He hands it over. "Take what you need."

He waits for her to drink, and see if her condition improves.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Tue 17 Nov 2015.

Saris drinks a tiny sip from the water, the coughs again.  When the fit is over, she drinks a longer sip, then another.  After drinking half the skin down, she hands it back to Toben and stands.  Xar stands next to her, ready to steady her, but it is unnecessary.  "Thank you.  I-I feel fine.  Just a little weak."

Toben takes the skin back and smiles as the color in her skin returns. "You had me worried there for a moment."

He stuffs the skin back into his pack. "What happened back there? As soon as those guys got near you, it looked like you started suffocating. Then as soon as the last one died, your breath seemed to return." He scratches his chin. "I don't want to tally that up to coincidence, but I have no idea how to explain that."

"I dunnae know, Toben.  As soon as th' men came inta sight, my body felt weak, sickly.  Th' closer they approached, th' more I felt mah body shut down.  When th' one near attacked me, I was helpless.  Darkness tunneled mah vision and I went down.  Th' last I remember is dirt on my lips and tongue and I couldnae do annae thin' abou' it."

She sees Ano's wound for the first time and hops up to see to it.  The spring in her step and the deftness of her fingers as she check's Ano's work shows there is nothing wrong with her now.

Ano lets Saris take over, and inspect his wounds.  "Well what now.  There is no way we can take on such a large group if they have magic such as this."

Ano, did you notice anything, anything at all, about the group? And I'm wondering...what would happen if we were able to upset the pot?

"Nothing apart from the magic, regeneration, strength,  and general aura of fear.  Why do you ask?"

Well...there's a bunch of men...doubt all are the same...usually there's a leader or such....

Xar taps Saris on the shoulder.  She looks at him for a moment then turns to Klale.  "There is a leader.  He is the biggest, most augmented of the bunch.  His name is Faelorn."

As he recovers himself, Phin searches the bodies of the cannibals to see if there is anything of use or that might shed light on their situation.

"How many are left? If memory serves, we're looking at 8?"

Xar nods at Toben.

Toben sits down and falls deep into thought. When he finally speaks up, he looks everyone over and stands up. "This isn't going to be easy. Everyone is going to have to go all in for this to end favorably. I don't think they'll be fool enough to fall for the same trick twice."

"Xar, you said there is one clear leader. One bigger than the rest? I think he should be our main focus. Based on how that last fight went, I think if we can neutralize their leader quickly and decisively then the followers may lose confidence and either surrender outright or flee."

"I'm open to suggestion, but this is what I've got so far." He crudely draws a plan in the dirt. "The majority of us can come in from the side we're on here. Xar and Phin, you two are our heavy strikers and would probably be most effective coming in on their flank while we try to maintain their attention. We'll just need to allow time for the both of you to get into position."

Toben sighs heavily. "Thoughts?"

It might not hurt if Ano were appear, wave, and call out, "Faelorn, it worked! Send out three more." Or maybe some sort of hit and run raid.

Phineas looks over at Saris. "I'm afraid that Saris may be affected by the other cannibals' presence in the same way she was this time. I'd like to keep her out of harm's way, or at the very least, have a backup plan for her if she's unable to function around them. But I'll be happy to do whatever I can to remove these scourges from the earth."

Toben tilts his head to the side as he weighs the options. "No matter what we do, this is going to be very dangerous. I'm not sure if Ano asking for more 'volunteers' will have the intended effect. They may be blood thirsty lunatics, but I don't take them for fools."

"The hit and run tactic sounds like it may have potential if we could run them through a gauntlet of traps or snares."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Fri 27 Nov 2015.

"You are right Toben, they won't easily fall for the same trick, if they see me again they will know something happened to the ones chasing me. If we could deal with them two at a time we might have a chance.  Or we try to take the pot in the night.".

"We may not have until night fall. Their loyalty might not run that deep, but they may come looking for the others."

Klale scratches his head. Earth can smother fire...is that thought of any avail?

Does anybody know anything about setting up snares, traps, pitfalls, or anything else we could use to weaken them? I'm afraid I do not. If nobody else has any skill, then our remaining option seems to be Toben's plan to take out the leader and see if the others will lose heart when he falls.

Xar volunteers to watch over the cannibal camp for movement and patterns, eating, patrols, etc.  The next day, the meeting between the cannibals and the larger group takes place.  The meeting lasts all day, but Xar -- through Saris -- reports tension between the two groups.

They break before sunset and move to their separate camps.  The watch is more intense than before, but everyone eats at sundown.

Another day, another meeting, this time it almost comes to blows.  Xar reports there is some accusation about betrayal and Ano is described.  The cannibals, led by a man named Faelorn, believe Ano was from the other camp and that they are intentionally weakening their numbers to capture the star for themselves.  The other group, led by a man named Pauric, denies the charges and insists they want to join forces.

The groups part ways early and Xar returns after watching the cannibal camp for an hour.  They had not eaten yet by the time he left.  Sundown is in one hour.  If the cannibals hold to their pattern of the previous two days, they will eat at sundown.  Xar recommends moving now before the groups meet again and either resolve their differences or engage and the star is lost to Pauric's considerably larger group.  However, he cautions that engaging now might be dangerous because three days and two nights is not sufficient to establish a real pattern.

Toben listens to Xar's report intently and nods. "Is that so?" He rubs his chin and grins mischievously. "I think we can use this tension between them to our advantage. Perhaps a little mental warfare is in order."

"Ano, I have an idea... if you're up for it" His eyes dart around the area looking for something. "Where did we put the bodies from the last fight?"

"Ok, here is what I was thinking. Faelorn thinks you are working for Pauric, I say we give him more reason to believe that. It might even be enough to incite a brawl between them and we rescue Nestael in the confusion." He pauses for a moment, "Imagine this, Ano walks to the edge of their camp holding the last guys head. He shouts 'Long live Pauric!', and launches the head as hard as he can back into their camp. Ano turns and runs. If some follow, we pick them off like before. If they don't, that will surely cause a scene the next time the two groups meet."

"We might run into some trouble there. Pauric knows what I look like and will expose me as a fake.  But you have a good idea Toben.

Ano turns to Xar and asks "Were Pauric and his men wearing rings?  If Toben still has the rings we took from Pauric and his men,then wr can attack now while they eat and make it look like we are Pauric men.  We get in, take the pot and get out quick.  With any luck, any left alive will blame Pauric and they will take care of each other while we make off with the star."

"Oh, I meant we should cause that scene while Pauric and his men are no longer in parley with the cannibals. That way they can only assume their suspicions are true."

Think they're that dumb...maybe so. Thinking that maybe we attack when the cannibals are getting restless. Xar and/or Saris and or Kornari if he wishes, could scout Pauric's group and bring us word if they're getting together. If Paurus' group comes when they hear combat, I'd hope they could signal us somehow. We'd run and maybe the scouts could grab the pot.

Phineas thoughtfully considers the conversation. "I like Toben's plan. These are arrogant and angry men; appealing to those characteristics seems like a solid strategy."

Toben shakes his head. "I'm not playing off their intelligence per se, but their beliefs. They are already suspicious of Pauric, and believe Ano is working for them. I just want to nudge that belief along and let them destroy each other. In the middle of the chaos, we rush in, grab Nestael, and run like the wind. I'd leave the pot though, that'll just slow us down."

"Something else to consider, as well. If our ruse works too well and the entire camp turns to chase Ano down, we should be prepared to address an unattended pot."

"If we decide to go with this plan, I suggest that Xar, Phineas, and Saris move around to the other side of the camp. If the cannibals are fool enough to leave her unprotected in order to chase us down, we can take advantage and get Nestael out of there."

"Should we get separated for too long, I think our main priority should be to get the star to Ceven and the dwarves in the mountain."

Agreed, then, on my part.

"Sounds good to me, although I would prefer to not decapitate a dead body if we don't have to.  Maybe I could bring the whole thing. "

"I would never ask that of you, Ano. Xar already beheaded one. The last one Phin stabbed, remember?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Sat 05 Dec 2015.

"I'm in agreement. This sounds like our best shot at both dealing with those scoundrels and saving the star."

"Excellent." With a plan agreed upon, Toben picks up his pack and slings it over his shoulder.

He gives a confident nod toward Ano, Klale, and Kornari. "Alright, good luck you three. Remember, we're just giving those cannibals more reason to start a fight with Pauric. If more men attempt to pursue you than guard the star, we'll move in and try to rescue her. Otherwise we'll stay put and regroup with you all back here when it's safe to sneak back over. If things go poorly and we get separated, the goal should be to get the star back to the mountains with Ceven and the gonnhirrim."

Walking over to organize the second group, he continues "Saris and I aren't as stealthy as you two, so we'll probably need to take our time getting to the other side of the camp. We don't want to alert anyone stomping around the woods." He looks back over his shoulder, "Give us a good twenty minutes to get into position, then do your thing."

Once everyone is ready to execute the plan, Toben will make his way to the other side.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Mon 07 Dec 2015.

Xar looks at Toben and rolls his eyes then taps his chest.  Saris translates:  "Xar will grab the woman.  He doesn't doubt you could lift her, but we need your powers to guard his back."

Ano turns to Klale and Kornari and says "If more then three of them follow me, I will light up a sun rod, so if you see me carrying one then run."

Ano then waits until everyone has had ample time to get into position before stepping up to the very edge of the camp.  He holds the severed head up high, and calls out in his loudest voice "Long live Pauric" after which he lobs the head towards the center of the camp.

Ano waits just long enough to see their reactions, and will start running as soon as they give chase

Phineas smirks a little at Saris' translation, then steels himself for whatever is to come.

Toben picks up a small stone from the ground and waits to see to what happens. He will attempt to overhear what's going on in the camp.

Klale positions himself about 100 yards from the edge of the camp, hopefully behind a bid trunk.

The warriors are gathering around the cookpot for their evening meal.  The wood is ready for the fire.  Moaning can be heard from the pot, anticipation of the pain and suffering to come.

When Ano steps out and makes his proclamation, the leader looks up and narrows his eyes.  He stands up and draws his enormous axe.  "The others didn't come back.  Beware a trap."  He turns and nods at two of the men.  "Norf, Mardon, get supper ready.  We'll be back shortly."  The leader motions the other five forward after Ano, then follows a bit behind into the failing light and the trees.
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:06, Tue 08 Dec 2015.

Toben watches the six warriors disappear into the trees after Ano, before he realizes the rescue mission starts now. With their backs turned and focused on the tree line, he snaps into action.

"Alright, now's our chance. This will only last a few minutes. Xar, you're first. Phin, you'll be on stand by in case those two catch wind of us."

He places a hand on Xar's shoulder, "May you move as unseen and as silent as the wind. Yuna wer mitne, nakta nomeno sepa houpetor de toma" Toben blinks, and Xar disappears right before his eyes.

"Ok, Phin, you're next. Position yourself ready to strike. If Xar breaks his camouflage to attack, then you strike, and strike hard." Toben places his hand on Phineas' back, and he too disappears. "Don't worry, I'll be right behind you to collect the star, just in case."

Toben strides toward the clearing, mutters the same magic words again, and winks out of view.

Toben casts invis on himself, Xar, and Phineas.
He will walk slowly and keep his distance from the warriors and the pot unless a fight breaks out, in which case he'll attempt to retrieve the star.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Tue 08 Dec 2015.

Phineas, being careful to stay downwind and quiet, moves into the position he thinks would best allow an effective sneak attack on the remaining cannibals should the need arise. He drops his masterwork dagger into his hand, ready to do all the damage his slight frame can muster.

As Ano sees the Warriors aproaching he could not be happier with the results.  He turns to race back into the forest once the men have closed some of the distance.  As he sprints through the woods at a simple pace he strikes his sun rod on a tree and holds it in front of his torso, where it will be easy for Klale to see it.

Klale gets to the side, unobserved he hopes, so he'll be behind the pursuers.

The six warriors lumber after Ano, focused with single mindedness in their pursuit.  Along the way, Klale catches a few words.

"Pauric'll pay for killing our men."

"Shut up, you twit.  It wasn't Pauric.  That man represents a third party intent on breaking down the negotiations.  Makes me even more interested in..." the voice trails off as they move away from Klale's position.

Ano moves just fast enough to keep ahead of them without losing them.  Kornari's position, half a mile away, is coming up quick, though.

~~~~

It is difficult to tell what Xar is doing.  For a dwarf he moves silently and with little evidence even in the somewhat soft dirt of the hill-lands.  The first real indication of what he is up to is when one of the warriors goes down with a deep, deep gouge across his throat, spurting blood.  Xar appears behind the man and lowers him to the ground.

"Wha...?"  Slow on the uptake and completely surprised, the other warrior turns to see his fallen comrade.  His eyes go wide and he takes a deep breath to bellow.

Klale follows the pursuers, looking to see who falls behind.

While none of the men fall behind as Klale hopes, the leader does allow his men to precede him by a few feet.

In reply to Eru (msg # 234):

Phineas lunges for the other remaining cannibal, using his finesse and surprise to his advantage.

07:26, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  To hit.
07:27, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Base Damage.
07:28, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 5 using 2d6.  Sneak attack extra damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Wed 09 Dec 2015.

Toben, poised to act, sees the second warrior about to shout a warning. With the stone in his hand, he whispers "Vessa wer ivah, japachi wer ultro". He tosses the stone. As is leaves his hand it reappears out of no where and plops onto the ground by the warrior without a sound.

Toben advances toward the pot and peers inside.

Toben casts Silence on the stone. Any sound made within a 20 ft radius of it is rendered inaudible.

Ano picks up a bit of speed, trying to gain a bit of distance between him and his pursuers as he approaches Kornari.  As he moves he makes his sun rod more visible to those following him trying to make it easier to signal Kornari.

As he reaches the spot where Kornari is waiting, Ano pulls two smoke sticks out of his bag.  "There not far behind, we need to move quick.  Can you light these?" He holds out the Smoke sticks to the dragon.  "I don't know where Klale went, but we have to keep ahead of them"

The remaining warrior by the pot bellows silently in warning to no one.  His non-bellow turns into a silent cry of pain by Phineas' knife in his back.  He whirls about and sees the boy fade into view -- a boy who has struggled with keeping food down for the past couple of days and horrors no twelve-year-old should ever witness.  The sight causes the warrior to stagger back, mouthing something and holding up his hands to ward off whatever he thinks Phineas is.

Xar uses the opportunity to hamstring the guy and together with Phineas, they finish him off without a sound.


~~~~

Kornari immediately lights the two sticks, then promptly disappears into the billowing clouds.  "Lead them further on.  I will teach them fear."

The warriors come to an abrupt stop at the edge of the smoke, wary of venturing in.  Their leader barks an order that is muffled by the thick clouds.  One of the warriors steps into the smoke and promptly screams in pain and terror.  The other warriors look at their leader who nods for them to go around the smoke.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:11, Thu 10 Dec 2015.

Sorrow washes over Toben's face as he sees the poor woman's predicament. He looks to the ground where he tosses the silenced stone and mentally dismisses it once the last cannibal goes down.

Toben gently takes hold of the woman's outstretched hand and realizes he is still invisible. He dismisses the spell and removes his travel cloak. "You have nothing to fear from me, Nestael. Ceven sent us to rescue you." He hoists her out of the boiling pot while wrapping the cloak around her.

Sufficiently covered and in Toben's arms, he turns around and nods stoically to Phineas and Xar. "We should have Saris see what she can do for her while we try to cover our tracks here. Maybe even leave a false trail heading out to the south or something."

He turns and carries the woman back towards Saris.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Thu 10 Dec 2015.

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 241):

Phineas immediately starts dragging the pot to the south, leaving an obvious trail for as far as he can move it in a few minutes, then discards the pot and continues treading as heavily as he can, making an obvious path without making it look like he's making an obvious path. Once he's traversed a decent distance, he'll leaves a muddle of confused footprints, put on the reversed wooden forms of feet that he had fashioned earlier, and return to Toben, leaving another trail that appears to lead away from the group's actual location.

Ano speaks up from the thick of the smoke "Pauric wasn't wrong when he said this would be easy."  He dashes out of the smoke with the ivory fang in one hand and slashes at the first man he sees, and the immediately turns to run deeper into the forest.

Ano takes 15 to hit with a single attack and then continues running.
15+6=21 to hit

Klale continues to follow; so far it appears that none have looked back toward him. And Ano is leading them further and further away from the pot....

The woman's face, still in a rictus of pain, is unable to express anything else.  The heat from the pot stings, but only for a moment.  Toben wraps the woman up and carries her from the camp while Phineas provides the cover trails and Xar completely removes all trace of the two guards to further the confusion.

Ano's knife causes the warrior's muscles to lock up in the position he stands, a rather stable form that does not cause him to fall to the ground.

"Fall back!  Back to the camp!"  The leader yanks two of his men from the smoke and shoves them toward the camp.  "They're after the star!"

The leader turns only to stare straight into the face of Klale.

Initiative:

Klale - Surprise
Klale
Ano
Cannibal Leader
Kornari
Cannibal Warrior 1
Cannibal Warrior 2
Cannibal Warrior 3

Cannibal Warrior 4 - Paralyzed
Cannibal Warrior 5 - Mangled by Kornari DEAD

Toben crosses over from the clearing back into the trees and walks back to where Saris was waiting only to find her sprawled out on the ground. Without thinking, he lays the bundled up woman on the ground next to Saris and kneels down beside her to better assess her condition.

The woman from the pot, still writhing in pain, rolls over and her three fingered hand brushes up against Saris.

Unaware, Toben calls out to Xar in a low tone of voice. "Xar, it's happening again!"

With a Howdy! Klale delivers a rude greeting. His backstroke, however, doesn't dig as deep.


20:21, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 9 using 1d10+1.  Add 4 Add 8. 21 Damage
20:24, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 2 using 1d10+1.  Add 4 Add 8. 14 Damage

Took a 15+8 for attacks.

When he hears the men shouting their return to camp, Ano turns to see Klale standing before the men.  He rushes back towards to group of men, hoping to get to the group before they can gang up on Klale.  Ano charges the closest man to him and strikes out with the fang.

Ano takes 15 +6=21 on his attack to hit

Xar appears just in time to watch Saris cry out all of a sudden and go into convulsions.

The leader of the cannibals rotates away from Klale's shield side and swings his mighty axe.  The blow is so swift and powerful that Klale has no time to react.  His weapon clatters to the ground, still clutched in his hand.

The warrior Ano strikes with the dagger grimaces in pain at the wound and staggers back.  His face goes from surprise to pain to anger in a flash.  He swings at the monk, but his balance is off and he stumbles a bit giving Ano a chance at a quick strike.  The other two warriors turn to Ano as well, but between the smoke, the surprise, and the closeness of the trees, they are unable to land a blow.

Initiative:

Klale - Critically wounded; hand severed -15 HP
Ano
Cannibal Leader - Slightly wounded
Kornari
Cannibal Warrior 1 - Slightly wounded
Cannibal Warrior 2
Cannibal Warrior 3

Cannibal Warrior 4 - Paralyzed
Cannibal Warrior 5 - Mangled by Kornari DEAD
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:30, Sun 13 Dec 2015.

Toben takes a step back and observes both Saris and the woman from the pot, and then quickly looks at Xar. "Xar, you're familiar with Saris's things, do you know where she keeps her healing salves and tonics?"

Beginning to look a bit rattled, Toben tries to reason out what is happening. "Saris, she's a healer of sorts. Perhaps even in the spiritual sense. If that's true, then maybe there is some sort of empathic link between the two of them. She is convulsing in pain now, and earlier she collapsed and couldn't breathe... as if she was drowning."

Toben stops himself for a moment, for fear of rambling. "I think whatever the star is feeling is somehow being transferred to Saris. If we can calm the woman and comfort her a bit, I think we might be able to alleviate some of Saris's symptoms too."

Klale stumbles back and turns and starts to run holding his forearm tight.

The woman next to Saris shudders and her mouth opens in a silent scream.  Her one good eye sinks into her head and disappears.  Her skin grows ash white and begins to flake off.

As Klale turns to flee, the leader of the warriors swings again.  This time it is only a glancing blow off Klale's back, but its enough to cause the big fighter to stumble.  However, something causes the warrior behind him to stagger as well.  With a grimace, he keeps his feet and renews the chase.

The three attacking Ano look at each other, eyes wide for a moment, then they also reengage the monk.  Ano's quick strikes knock one back, stunned by the monk's strike (Stunning Fist).  The other two land solid punches, but the damage is not as severe as it could have been (4 DMG, 5 DMG).  Only partially healed from the previous battle two days before, Ano still feels a drag on his endurance from the new wounds.

Xar clears the space around Saris and removes her belongings, tossing them to Toben.  He makes sure there is nothing around her that can hurt her then just holds her gently, allowing her freedom to move in her convulsions.  The look on his face is very revealing of his feelings toward the healer.  He brushes a lock of hair from her eyes and gently caresses her forehead.  It seems to calm her a little, but not much.

Phineas, walking slowly in his wooden forms, catches a glimpse of Saris as he approaches. Seeing her in obvious distress, he dispenses with care and caution and starts sprinting towards her to see what aid he can offer.

Toben catches the supplies tossed to him and places them on the ground. He opens up the pack where she she the healing supplies and starts looking for anything that could be helpful.

His search is cut short when he hears Phineas crashing through the brush, running towards them. He turns and rushes over to intercept Phineas. Toben does his best to put himself between Phineas and the others in order to block his view. He places his arm around Phineas's shoulder and tries to turn him about-face.

"Easy buddy, I know you want to help, but I think things are out of our hands now. Xar is doing the most anyone can do for her right now. I think I know what's happening, and all we can do is let it run its course." Toben looks back over his shoulder at Xar as he walks Phineas back to the clearing. "Can you show me what you've done with the camp so far? We should make sure our tracks are sufficiently misleading."

Ano staggers a bit, knowing they were in a bad position.  He lashes out at one of the men who struck him, with punch meant to break the nose, and then turns to take of deeper into the woods.

Ano attacks one of the men with a single attack, taking 15+7=22 to hit

12:38, Today: Ano rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  attack on cannibal .


After the attack he runs.  If the provokes an attack of opportunity, I do have the mobility feat so my AC would be 20 when moving out of combat.

Klale keeps on moving away from where he guesses the pot and his other friends would be.

["Maybe the manner of my death will buy them a little time," he thinks.]

The warrior that Ano strikes staggers back with a fountain of blood from his nose.  The other two attempt to use that as an opportunity to bring the monk down.  However, neither can land a blow on the agile young man.  They don't seem quite as fast or as adept as the first group of warriors fought two days past.

Klale is not so fortunate.  The leader brings his axe down hard on the big man's shoulder and Klale is nearly brought to his knees.  The only thing that saves him is his armor.  It is a wonder that the axe didn't bite through given the enhanced strength of the attacker.

Not wasting an opportunity, the leader kicks out a leg from the staggered blacksmith who sprawls into the dirt and leaves of the forest before rolling to his back.  Standing over him, the leader of the cannibals raises his axe for the final blow.

~~~~

Saris begins shaking harder, so much that Xar scoots out from under her and steps away, keeping anyone else at a distance.  Next to her, the woman from the cooking pot begins to shrivel like some great white grape.  Her mouth opens in a silent scream...or maybe sigh.  Only a whisper of air escapes.

As Ourn enters from the rear of the fight, he see the leader of the cannibals about to execute a large man. Using surprise to his advantage, he clears past the group, shoving one to the side with his left hand, and slashing downward with all his might on the cannibal leader's right shoulder. The events leading up to this attack have Ourn spurred with more adrenaline than he's ever experienced.

" Found you! " is all he manages to blurt out in his fervor.

The blow pushes the leader too far forward as he brings the axe down and it hits just beyond Klale's head.  It also places him in an awkward position that leaves a huge opening for Klale to counter attack.

Standing at the edge of the clearing, Toben glances back over his shoulder at Xar and Saris. Knowing at some point he is going to have to report what happened here to Ceven, he captures as much as he can.

A sudden rush of concern washes over him as his mind wanders to the rest of the group. He whispers something to Ferb, and he quickly scampers off to the east.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:24, Tue 15 Dec 2015.

With a grimace of annoyance at the newcomer, the warrior grips his axe and lifts it to swat the smaller man.  At least he tries.  Something is wrong and he labors for a moment to lift the weapon before realization hits him.  He darts off into the trees, likely toward the camp.

The three remaining warriors attack Ano, but their movement is sluggish and they even appear to physically deflate, like Ann bladder running slowly out of whatever liquid it holds.  They seem frustrated and intent on the impossible to hit monk.

Meanwhile, back at camp, the woman from the pot has at last completely disintegrated.  There is little left but a thin covering of skin over fragile scrawny bones.

Saris begins to glow an orangish-pink.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Fri 18 Dec 2015.

With a convulsive effort, Klale draws his hammer and strikes. Then he staggers back, tottering, his life bleeding away.

18:10, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 5 using 1d8+3. Damage.

18:09, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 25 using 1d20+8.  To Hit.

The leader cries out in pain and actually falls to a knee.  He crawls forward on hands an knees, ignoring his assailants, desperate to get back to camp.

Ano lashes back at two of his attackers, kicking towards one of their knees, trying to make it bend the wrong way.  His second attack is a back handed strike towards his face.

Ano takes 15 on his two flurry of blows attack
20 to hit with each attack
22:06, Today: Ano rolled 6 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 2.
22:06, Today: Ano rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  flurry of blows attack 1

The two men go down with cries of pain.  They should not be that injured from the blows, but they are reacting as if the attacks hit something critical or the pain is being amplified somehow.

Whatever is happening has dawned on the third warrior as he watches his companions fall so easily.  He backs away, placing the other two between him and the monk, then turns to flee into the trees.  His direction is more northbound than toward the camp...straight toward Pauric's camp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:40, Wed 16 Dec 2015.

Ourn, unconcerned with the henchmen, makes his way towards their leader. He brandishes his longsword above his head, ready to strike. As he covers the ground between himself and his target, he angrily assaults the leader verbally as well.

" I know what you are, you vile, repulsive husk of a man. I've seen your wife, in the care of your father. I've seen what you do to the helpless. I've even seen what's to become of your unborn child, if its heart even still beats. You've lived as a savage animal, and now you'll die like one


Ourn takes a 15 on his single longsword attack
20 to hit with an attack bonus of 5
09:41, Today: Ourn rolled 7 using 1d8+5
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Wed 16 Dec 2015.

Toben stands by helplessly as he watches Saris struggle with whatever is happening to her. At that moment, mental images flash through his mind as Ferb reaches the others.

He rushes back to where he dropped Saris' pack. "They're on to us, and trouble is headed our way." He grabs a couple doses of her healing salve, stands up and looks at Xar. "Xar...", he cuts his sentence short knowing full well he will protect Saris with his dying breath. "If things go poorly for us, you need to get her to Ceven. He'll know what to do."

He unlatches the staff from his back and walks back over to Phineas. "Phin, ready yourself." He places a hand on the young boy's shoulder and he vanishes from sight.

Toben walks to the center of camp and waits.

Toben casts Invisibility on Phineas.

"Balls to that!" Phineas rejoins, reverting to a street patois under the stress. He shakes Tobin off and continues towards Saris. As he approaches, however, her glow causes him to pull up short, staying just outside the clearing that Xar has made around her. He watches wide-eyed, wondering just what is going on, and at a loss as to how to help.

Faelorn cries out as he is struck from behind.  He arches his back, but the new attacker spurs him back to his feet.  He manages to crash into the clearing where his men lay dead and his prize is gone.  Then he sees Xar standing over Saris.  "What have you done!?  You've ruined everything, you fool!"  His voice is growing weak and higher as his body deflates.  The grafted metal rods and protrusions seem ludicrous rather than intimidating now.

Next to Xar, the woman's body puffs into a cloud of dust and Saris arches her back in a rigid position.  Then she floats off the ground glowing brighter and brighter.

Upon seeing Faelorn enter the clearing, rage fills Toben's eyes and points his staff at the ridiculous man. "Faelorn, you wretched excuse for a human being, we have done what you lacked the strength and humanity to do. There is no place in this world for one such as yourself."

He raises his staff, shouts "Infueggim", and a jet of nearly invisible force strikes the weakened cannibal. Tiny waves of heat ripples all around Faelorn as the metal fused with his body begins to heat up and cook him from the inside out.

"Your actions have sealed your fate to the same one you cursed that poor woman to!"


09:27, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 22 using 1d20+14.  spellcraft check (DC 16).
Toben casts Heat Metal on Faelorn

This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Wed 16 Dec 2015.

Faelorn begins to whimper, then to scream as the metal all over his body turns red hot.  He crashes to his knees ripping vainly at the rods and spikes grafted to his bones.

Before the other two warriors can close in on him too much, Ano reaches down and pulls out two throwing stars from his belt pouch.  He quickly throws them, blurred hands flashing, towards the escaping man.

Ano makes a Flurry of Blows attack against the fleeing cannibal with two throwing stars.
12:15, Today: Ano rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Ranged Flurry of Blows attack 2.
12:14, Today: Ano rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Ranged Flurry of Blows attack 1.
Probably don't need a damage roll

Klale buckles, drops the hammer, goes to his knees, and is just able to turn so he collapses on his back unconscious and bleeding out.

Phineas stands, mouth agape, having little thought for anything but the spectacle in front of him. Nothing in his life on the streets seems to have prepared him for glowing, floating she-dwarves and self-immolating cannibals.

Ourn catches glimpse of Klale slumping to the ground, and glances back to see Faelorn stumble into the brush. He's torn, but only for a moment. He sheaths his longsword and sprints back towards the large man, while taking off the belt around his own waist that holds his scabbard. Ourn slips the scabbard from the belt and attempts to use his belt as a tourniquet to stymie the flow of blood leaking from Klale's arm.

He works silently, wiping as much blood from the skin of Klale's arm with the hem of his tunic as he can, hoping to get a solid grip on the leather. He fumbles around on the nearby ground searching for a stick to complete the makeshift tourniquet, as the row of holes on the belt don't extend down its full length, making use of the buckle impossible.

Toben's concentration is on the cannibal leader, all the wrath and justice the scholar has pent up in the past few months directed at his screeching target.


A gentle hand rests on Toben's shoulder.  Saris's voice with a strange, new richness to it, speaks with a gentleness echoing the touch, but heard clearly.  "Enough, Toben.  Release him."

The physical contact startles Toben out of his intense gaze upon Faelorn. He looks harshly over his shoulder to see who or what could possibly interrupting his concentration. His face immediately shifts from hatred and angry to surprise and relief. "Saris? You... you're ok?"

He glances back at the cannibal writhing in pain, and his posture slumps as he realizes that his emotions got the better of him. He releases the spell, and takes a few steps backward. "I don't know what came over me... I ... I haven't felt so much rage in all my life."

He looks back to Saris. "What? How... ?" A rare moment for Toben, as he is at a loss for words.

Saris smiles at Toben, then steps past him to the pitiful man kneeling in pain on the ground.  When she touches his shoulder, he begins to glow as Saris had been, the strange orangish pink.  The metal grafted to his body pops out and falls to the ground.  His wounds and burns close up and fade and though he is not the hulking thug he had been, the man is restored to full health.

He remains on his knees, sobbing into his hands.

Saris continues into the forest.

Having found a proper stick, Ourn twists and tightens the tourniquet on Klales arm.

Ano unsure of what has caused the change in the men, starts attacking them causiously.  He sticks to simple punches for each of them.

Ano takes 15 on his two Flurry of Blows attack

The two men collapse to the ground as soon as the punch hits them.  They lay there, eyes closed, bodies twitching.

Toben cautiously walks past the sobbing man, and follows Saris into the forest.

Klale's eyes flutter open just as Toben makes his way out of the trees followed by Xar and Phineas.  The strange newcomer removes the belt from around Klale's wrist below a bare, unscarred hand.

Saris nods at Klale and then moves on into the forest.  "Stay with Klale.  I will be right back."


Saris reappears with Ano and three other men whose eyes are downcast and flowing with tears.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Fri 18 Dec 2015.

Toben nods, walks over and kneels down at Klale's side. He looks Klale over... not a scratch. "I had a feeling he was in critical condition, and there is so much blood, but there isn't a mark on him." A small ferret emerges from the nearby brush, crawls up Toben's arm and burrows its way into his travel pack.

He looks up at the stranger, "What happened here?"

Klale takes a deep breath...Air...wonderful stuff. He looks at the stranger. The tourniquet...thank you. He blinks. It was so warm, cozy...I was ready to go...sick once, a child...my mother kept talking to me. There was a voice now...saying, "Klale, your work is not done yet.  Please don't go." Nice to be polite.

I moved toward the voice...the draw toward the voice and its particular type of existence, is nearly irresistible. (He smiled.) It had a pinkish-orange flavor.

The voice said, "Your friends need you, still, Klale.  The world needs you." Nice to be needed...nice to know that death maybe can be kind.

He sits up and springs to his feet, fully aware now. What happened? The warrior that ran toward the other camp. What of him? He picks up and sheathes his hammer. My sword—better retrieve it.

He flexes his hands and stretches. I feel great...success then, I guess...so far.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Fri 18 Dec 2015.

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 288):

" Your comrade, he took a rather nasty wound in combat. Lost a hand somehow. I attempted to aide him, but I cannot take the credit for his current shape. The..err, woman there.. I believe she healed him, though I do not know how".

Ourn stands up, and scratches the scruff on his chin.

Klale starts and exclaims The little dragon, Kornari, Where is he?

Toben stands once Klale regains his feet. "Their leader has been dealt with." He glances past the large warrior towards Saris as she returns with the others. "It would seem the others have as well."

He gives Klale a hearty slap on the back at the mention of dragon, in hopes to somehow distract from the use of the word. "Ha, good one... uhh, I haven't seen that little firecracker since we split up."

His feigned laughter trails off, and he extends his hand Ourn. "Thank you for helping my friend here. Strange times are upon us, and there are many things that defy rational explanation of late. I'm Toben, a scholar of sorts."

Exausted from the fight Ano takes a moment to sit while the others converse.  He had missed most of what had happened back at the camp and with Klale after he lost sight of him.  He takes some time to catch his breath and listen to the others recap.  "Kornari was not to far away from me, but I lost sight of him in the smoke"

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 292):

Ourn clasps hands with Toben.

" I am Ourn Garamune, an agent of Duke Therion. I've been investigating and trailing leads on the fallen stars, on my leige's orders. My travels lead me to seek the one called Faelorn, and to ultimately press him for information - or dispatch him. Judging from the events I've just witnessed, I'd say that we share a common goal, and that the lot of you may be more well versed on this falling star phenomena than I "

Ourn glances over again at the short and glowing woman, still not sure what to make of her.

Phineas, finally shaking off his initial stupefaction at the surprising turns of events, greets his compatriots.

"Klale, Ano, I'm delighted to see you both looking hale and well! We had some concerns when so many of those beastly creatures lit off after you; I should have known they'd be no match for your prowess. Well done!" He shakes each of their hands, his bravado clearly designed to cover some relief.

Turning to Ourn, he continues, "It appears we owe you something of a debt of gratitude for joining our cause at a timely moment. Thank you for your help. I'm Phineas Highwood, Prince of the Streets, late of the village of Nost."

Toben relaxes a bit after hearing Ourn's intentions. He thinks back to their first outing as a group, and nods. "I've heard of Duke Therion. I understand him to be an honorable man. It seems quite fortuitous that you happened upon us when you did."

He looks over at Saris and smiles. "Her name is Saris. You needn't worry about her though, she has saved our lives more than once and I trust her."

Toben briefly recounts the events that occurred back at the camp for Klale and Ano's benefit. "I have my theories as to what actually happened, but we really ought to be on the move. Pauric's camp is just north of us, and given the deal he was trying to strike with Faelorn he could return here at any moment."

"Ano, can you show me where you last saw Kornari? As prickly as he may be, I don't want to leave him behind."

Ourn replies to Phineas.

" No debt is necessary my new friend. Aiding those in need is simply what those who can do, should do.".

Ourn turns to Toben.

" If she is in your company, then there is no doubt on my end of the ladies integrity ".

He then turns to Saris, and bows in respect, and then turns back to Toben.

" If you say there are more of these snakes in the wood than the ones we've dealt with, then I as well agree we should not tarry long ".

Ourn bends down to retrieve his sheathed sword, and affixes it back to his belt and then his waist.

Ano stands and stretches out his legs a bit and gestures to Toben "He was over here in the smoke, I'll show you."  He walks off towards where he last saw Kornari with Toben and talks in private with him.

"That was almost too close,  we got lucky, and it seemed like the warriors chasing us lost whatever strength they had.  If that had somethig to do with what happend back at camp then it must have been powerful magic.  My biggest question right now is who that woman is.  Is it Saris, or Nestael?"

"Ourn, a word."  The woman places a gentle hand on Ourn's shoulder and speaks softly to him.

"What must we then do to put an end to the madness and strife that plagues these lands? What is this key that Faelorn possess?"

Toben follows Ano over to where the smoke was laid down.

He kneels down and places his hand on the ground.


13:54, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 28 using 1d20+14.  spellcraft check .
Toben will attempt to silently cast Earthen Detection to try and avoid being noticed casting magic.
He is specifically trying to detect if Kornari is anywhere nearby.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Fri 18 Dec 2015.

Ourn saved my life; and thank you, Saris, for restoring me. More I'd like to know later, but we have another group to be concerned about.

"You could concern yourself with the others, the one you call Pauric.  You would be well rewarded for taking them on now, though I cannot foresee what losses you will endure at the same time.  However, there is a greater, more urgent quest I must be about.  Faelorn and his men did great harm, and though the choice to do so was theirs, it was not their power nor my own that made it possible.  I must return to the Caldera."

Toben, showing visible signs of frustration, stands up and scans the immediate area. "Clearly, there are signs of his presence, but amidst the fighting... I can't tell where he went. I'm sure he'll turn up when he sees fit."

He bows to apparently nothing, and walks back to where Saris and the others are. "Saris?" He pauses a moment just to see how quickly she responds to her own name. "What do you want to do with Faelorn and his men? I'm no cold blooded killer, but last time we walked away from men of his ilk they ended up collecting a sizable force. A force which resides in that camp north of us."

Saris looks at Toben immediately when he says her name.  She listens intently then smiles.  "Faelorn and his men have lost that which enhanced them physically.  Most of them are in great pain back at the Caldera or in the town of Dunston.  They need to be restored and then they need to face the town's justice.  However, the people of Dunston and those caught up in the Caldera's power are in no fit capacity to make that judgment yet.  We must find and defeat the dark star, Basarshakath."

Saris looks at each man in the clearing, her gaze coming to rest at last on Phineas.  "I cannot do this alone, but the opportunity that is open to you now in Pauric's camp may not come again.  Choose."

Klale looks at Saris. Choose? When you give advice, I think it best to follow it. To Pauric's then. Saris, do we take prisoners?

"I would love nothing more than to stamp out Pauric's influence in this are, but where would that leave us with Basarshakath? Do we lose the chance to free the town of that corruption?"

He thinks deeply for a moment, "If we had to choose one over the other, my choice would be to deal with Basarshakath. Pauric is just a man with a small following, whereas this 'dark star' is something... else."

He nods at Klale, "Otherwise, I agree with Klale. Deal with Pauric then head to the caldera and try to track down Basarshakath."

Ourn folds his arms, a look of concern on his face, and addresses the party.

" I do not know of this Pauric that you all speak of, though I imagine him no better than Faelorn. I have however seen what goes on back in the city Dunston, and letting it fester and sit does not bode well with me. I will follow you, my new compatriots, as we share the same quest now, but know that I wish to see the city and its people liberated from the wasting illness and more in the most hasteful of manners possible. "

Ourn unfolds his arms to avoid looking stern.

" I only mean that I value helping the helpless. I know that it is my emotions and not my mind speaking these words. "

Toben looks over to Ourn, and briefs him a bit on Pauric. "We ran into him, I guess a couple months back, harassing a small town called Towerton. He just seemed like a small time bandit at the time, so when we took him down a peg or two, we left him to the towns justice. Had we known then what we know now, however, we probably would have dealt with him differently. After the fact, we discovered he's recruiting in the service of the Valaraukar."

Saris, I understood you to want us to take on Pauric; then, I guess, to follow you. Would you rather we go with you and leave Pauric to his own devices...I bode he'll follow us.

"I agree with Toben and Orn.  The people are what is important, let us not let them suffer longer then they have too.  We don't know how many men Pauric has, and I think we should take the star further away from him.  As of right now he does not know that we were even here.  I say we put as much distance between us and were can."

Klale keep trying.

17:11, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 8 using 1d10+7 with rolls of 1.  Damage. +7

17:11, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 11 using 2d20 with rolls of 3,8.  To Hits.

This has been a horrible dice-roling month for me; I'm 0 for February.