After arranging lodging for the group Zornun packs up his things and takes his leave.

------------------------------------------------------------
20th of Fading Sunrise

This morning greets you with a slight chill in the air, the bright sun slowly works its way into the sky.

Zornun stands outside the Inn, looking as if he has been waiting for a while. ”So a good night a drinking?" In the early morning sun it is obvious as to why they call him the “Warted Magician”. It was not as obvious in the dark Inn, but out in the bright day the sun cast long shadows on his face from his many warts. He has a large wart on his nose and many others scattered over his face, another large on rest below his right eye.

He stands next to 4 back packs that are stuffed to the brim with supplies. ”Here is all that you asked for plus I threw in some rope, about 400’. That should do ya.

I look forward to hearing of your findings. Adventures get me all giddy inside; I wish that I could travel with you. But I’ve grown too old for that sort of thing, so all I can do is wish you luck. I will keep an eye out for you.” As he finishes his statement a rather large back bird floats down out of the sky to perch itself on Zornun’s shoulder.

” Ahh yes, this would be Elmberry, my bird. He’ll keep his eye out for you, incase you get into any trouble. The day is getting old, you had best be going.

May Tymora guide your way.” He bows his head as he goes around to each one of you with a firm handshake and a warrior’s greeting. (Hand shake brought up to the chest as the two parties clap each other on the back.)


OoC: Well we are off on another adventure.

Game On!!!

Erdtar hauls himself and his equipment out of the inn, and makes ready for the trip, watching for his companions.

"Tymora be stuffed.", says Renoart sullenly, meeting his other companions after a late watch standing at the fort, "These outlanders are all rustic, and untrained rabble. Can you believe I posted a watch, and my relief was drunk when I went to fetch him. Had to stand double duty till the sargeant came round, then it was nearly dawn,...bother and bother,...well I'm ready for travel. How are you this morning Erdthar?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Sat 11 Feb 2006.

Milo hefts his pack and falls in line behind the group as they set out his dog close at his heels.

The morning air slightly chilled makes it good for walking and Milo is in good spirits.

A song springs from his lips as he mosies along.


When you walk through a storm,
Hold your head up high,
And don't be afraid of the dark,
At the end of a storm, there's a golden sky,
And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone...

"Your relief was drunk?" Pello asks walking alongside the cleric.

"His name wouldn't have happened to be Marthin? A guy with an outrageous lisp, and a secret talent as juggler? I've never seen so many mugs in the air at one time, outside of a barfight."

"Doin' Ok, thanks."  He greets the cleric.  "Just waiting for everyone to show before taking off."  He yawned hugely, and stretched.  "How're you?"

When the half-pints showed, the orc pretty much ignored them, but suddenly he look up wth interest.  "Bar fight?"  He looked hopefully toward the quiet bar, then slumped when he heard no signs of mayham.  "Don't get my hopes up like that."  He scolded the redhead terror.

"Hey, if you want, we can make one on the way back. Then I might for once have the money to pay reparations in cash. Being stuck in an inn washing dishes for two months isn't something I want to try again."

He checks his equipment and weapons.

"A little tired but ready to travel. This plate mail suits me well, I've worn in it finally, over our last journey. Hopefully we'll see some action in these hills."

Gimuld gets ready in the morning with his usual stretches. The night before was a good one, with the beer and the food. A little loopy, and still not in the greatest condition, Gimuld is still ready.

Ok all, hope you are all ready to roll... cause I'm slightly not. Bit too much ale for me, but I never was one to drink a lot.

"Lets roll then."  erdthar declared, and shouldered the heavy pack, easily stepping off for the not so distant mountain.

Heading out on the journey as the morning sun starts to warm the crisp cool air you follow the river Rauvin along the banks. After scanning the surrounding terrain it looks as though the best route will be nearly that described on the map. The hills in this area are very rocky and sharp, they would hamper travel. The north banks of the Rauvin however are well worn by pull team traffic, making travel light and easy.

After a few miles travel upriver you see a heavily wooded valley open between the rows of rocky hills. This looks to be a good location to begin the journey north and into the mountains. The stands of pines grow thick, making travel difficult at best and impassible at worst. The valley floor is rock strewn and boulder infested with long dead trees laying this way and that. On the few occasions when the tree covers breaks, one can see the massive mountains lying in wait off in the distance.

The sun travels its way across the sky as the group trudges onward through the tree blanketed valley. The day’s weather has been nearly perfect for this time of year. The occasional gust of wind causes a chill, but the surrounding forest does well at blocking it out.  As the sun gets lower the valley ahead begins to open into a wide treeless field. The field must be some hundred feet in circumference, if not a thousand. It is scattered with large boulders and scrub oak. The clearing sets lower in elevation than the surrounding trees; it looks to have a few springs running through it with fresh water. Some deer can be seen below; they hop this way and that as they pick berries from bushes and drink from the springs. It is doubtful that you will make it across the valley before nightfall.

OoC: Do you wish to travel onward or stop for the night?

"My feet have taken enough steps today. Lets stop here for the night and set watch. It looks pleasent enough, and theres game a plenty,...see those deer waltzing about? How about venison tonight?", Renoart smacks his lips in anticipation, and takes a drink from one of the natural springs running about.

"This all reminds me of all I've seen and heard of elf lands, pristine, untouched by man and orc."

"Venison sounds good." Pello replies.

"We can set up the torches to give us a defensive perimeter against the animals of the night, and set up a campfire in the middle."

OoC: If you camp will you be camping in the cearing or under tree cover?

I vote in the clearing, away from the trees.

Milo looks around at the area"The trees will provide us cover and warmth in the cool night. I suggest we camp at the tree line and set 2 for watch.The elevation will give us an advantage." he says.
Milo points to a few choice spots for camp sites and starts to walk toward them.


23:58, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 15 using 1d20+8. Wilderness Lore

"Aye, aye, mon capitan." Pello says and after Milo.

"If you guys set up a watch plan, I'll consider what spells to prepare to tomorrow."

"The treelin is fine, as long as the fire isn't facing the clearing.  Lets find a rock outcropping or a big fallen log or something - to set the fire behind, blocking direct view from the clearing.  A fire can be seen for miles, if it's out in the open.  The glow escapping from around a barrier is only visible for a few hundred yards, on a moonlit night."  The orc suggested.  "Unless we want visitors?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Sun 12 Feb 2006.

Once the group has a good start on setting the camp Milo scouts the area a bit looking for signs of what might sneak up on them in the night. He and Ruff try to flush up a few rabbits or squirrels for dinner also.

The party finds a suitable boulder about 100’ inside the tree line, it will work well once a pit is dug. The group goes about collecting wood and preparing the camp sight as the sun slowly works its way to rest.

Milo comes back with a brace of conies and a squirrel. "Hey, I saw some tracks down by the brook hooflike but not like deer or elk. Do mountain goat come this far down out of the Mountains?" he says laying the dead animals down by the fire.

"I dunno, maybe this time of year, with the upper slopes bare of graze, they might.  Or maybe it's pigs?  I'll go look."  After a while the orc rturns, a scrawny deer slung over his back.

"Don't know what ta make of those tracks."  He tells the druid.

"Maybe a Gorgonius Petrificitus? Or a Minotarus Alpha? A Faelin Satauri? Or a Celestius Unicornian?" Pello offers.

"I hope it's not a gorgon. Unless.." Pello looks hopefully at Renoart, "You know how to depetrify people, right?"

Milo gives Pello a queer look shaking his head "What they hell did you just say?"he says obviously confused. "Depetrify? Gordon?"

"Bulls with breathe that leaves you stiff.  Orogs use them for bullfights."  Erdthar explains helpfully.

"Oh, you'd think they were bulls." Pello says with a shake of his head, "But they're an entire different species. Crafted from a mix of rock elementals and the protomedusas if I don't remember quite wrong."

His brow wrinkles in thought, "But I actually don't think it could be one of those. They don't usually hang out in the mountains. Unless there is an entrance to the Underdark nearby." he ends thougtfully and looks around.

"I sure as hell hope there's no entrance to the Underdark around here.  We'll probally have enough problems with the normal wildlife without creepy crawlies from below."

"Oh, a few aberations have never hurt anyone.." Pello says, but then pauses with a thoughtful expression.

"Oh, my bad. Come to think of it aberations has probably hurt a lot of people. And I don't want to meet those critters that go after the people with the big brains first."

 The camp comes together rather nicely as everyone works in unison, each member sets out in a specific task and completes it. The campfire comes to a small blaze as the sun’s final ray’s fall out of the sky. The woods and clearing have been very tame up to this point with nothing but forest creatures to be seen and heard. Birds chirp and hum, the deer get braver and work their ways ever closer to the camp, but always staying at least a bow shot away. The sunset is an awesome sight as bright orange rays jump from the heavens beyond, slowly descending to earth as the cool night air begins to bite. The fire will be a pleasant necessity this night.


As the final rays come to rest the darkness of night starts to set in and the forest creatures run off to their burrows, bunkering down for the night. When the winds pick up to a slight breeze. With the breeze comes a faint tune. An eerie, sad, and lonely tune. The tune persists and gets louder. And LOUDER still until it deafens out the night. Then the crackle of the fire is gone and all you are left with is “the tune.” Eerie and dark the tune fills your ears….

”The Tune”: Imagine bag pipes playing a song about a battle that took place on a frigid day were hundreds of villagers died by the hands of a monstrous onslaught. That’s what it sounds like.


Fear effect: Stricken with Panic.
Panicked: -2 morale on saving throws and must flee. Panicked creature has 50% to drop what they are holding. Chooses a path randomly and uses whatever means necessary to run away. If cornered begins to Cower.
DC: 14 Will Negates.

Roll the Save and post accordingly (I.e Failed or Saved and the actions you take because of that), roll the percentile dice as well if you like.

The music continues to approach on the night breeze, and Renoart, ever the light sleeper anyway, is awakened, and stands up, preparing his weapon.

"What foul dirge is this?! Some undead parade, or I'm no man of the holy watch of Helm!"

"HARKEN TO ME, DEVILS CHILDREN, I AM AN ACOLYTE OF HELM! I FEAR NO DARKNESS, NOR THY FOUL SONG!, he shouts, brandishing his mace and holy symbol.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 03:12, Tue 14 Feb 2006.

Erdthar grunts, rolls over, punches the pack he's using for a pillow, and snores more loudly, almost like he's trying to drown out the annoying sounds interupting his sleep.

Milos eyes grow large and panicky and feels the urge to run away. "What is that? Oh no, the end has come for us I know it... I just know it! he says wringing the edge of his cloak. When Erdthars punches his pack Milo snaps running away as fast as he can back in the direction they came.

Sitting by the campfire Pello listens as the wind seems to play a sad tune. However, as it gets louder and louder fear begins to jitter up and down his spine. Visions of ghosts and death flickers across his mind, and before he knows it, he finds himself running at a brisk pace back towards the inn.

Hell, if I'm staying here. I don't want to be the victim of no ghost!

Quindil would prefer to ignore the noise and go back to sleep.  However, Renoart's shouting and hollering makes that a little difficult.  Quindil sits up, and sees the two little ones running off as fast as their feet can carry them.

"Oh bugger..."

Quindil grabs his sword and takes off after them, if not to stop them then to at least protect them if anything tries to make a gnome or halfing midnight snack.

Erdthar just can'[t sleep with all the music and the shouting and the thrashing through bushes.  He sits up, feeling really grumpy.  "what the f*&!'ng blue blazes?"  Seeing the short folk take off in different directions (most likely?)  he picks the one Quindil isn't following, and lopes casually after.

Vespian glowers hatefully at the others and rises to her feet. She watches Erd and Quindill run off and decides to follow Quindill by air.
Shifts to winged Diva form and flies after Quindil.

Gimuld easily wakes from the light nap he was taking. The erie whistling is too much for Gimuld. He quickly (very quickly) gathers his things and takes off after Pello and Milo in the same path. Hell if I'm staying here!

The tune carries on as panic breaks loose in the camp. Renoart stands to defend all as Pello, Milo, and Gimuld break through the trees in all directions except toward the clearing. Quindill takes off after Pello and Vespian soon joins him. Erdthar wanders after Milo at little more than a walking pace as he wipes the sleep from his eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Wed 15 Feb 2006.

"Stop Stop!" Milo says to his friends as they come his way. "I have learned something. We have camped in a sacred circle which is forbidden. We must move and leave this valley. I have a feeling we are lucky that I'm a druid." as he says this he motions back to the camp and starts walking that way.

Erdthar stops his stroll, and waits for Milo as he returns.  "Yeah, whateer you say, you might want to clean the brown stain out of your pants before you try selling that story to anyone else though."

Milo turns on the orc. "I deliverd the message, they wont kill me. They're after you guys. Leave or dont its up to you" He says with a smile. Ruff! Com here boy!

Meanwhile, Pello on small, stubby gnomish legs continues to flee senselessly away from the camp, scratching himself and ripping his cloths as he forces himself through a thorn bush.

Gimuld just keeps on running, narrowly dodging several branches and hopping over low bushes. Being barely able to hear Milo, Gimuld screams back, "I'm not a druid, so I'm getting out of here!"

Darkness fills the camp as the tune remains the same.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:38, Thu 16 Feb 2006.

Renoart removes his "everburning torch" and lays it on the ground nearby after the fire extinguishes itself.

"Bless me,....I'd not prayed for a light spell, how inconvienent. Erdthar, have you still your wits about you,...I mean, as much as they were before, it appears most of our comrades have run off."

As Renoart stands guard alone in the dark camp a thick cloud of mist rolls out of the trees engulfing the camp and Renoart as well. The mist is thick, foggy, and nearly impossible to see through.

Milo and Erdthar make their way back toward camp when they see the mist that covers over Renoart. His torch light causes the haze to glow an eerie orange hue, but it does not help vision. They are 80’ away from what was the campfire.

Quindill and Vespian gain on and catch the frantic Pello as he jumps over a fallen log. They are over 150’ from the camp.

Meanwhile, Gimuld continues to dash through the woods as fast as possible.  He is a good 200’ from the campfire.

The said and lonley song continues on, filling the air with dread.

OoC: Movment trough the woods cost double. So you move at half speed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:08, Fri 17 Feb 2006.

Once Milo gets near the camp and has found Ruff he lifts up his hands and in a loud voice says.
In Druidic: "Great Sprits of the Wood please I beg you let us gather our things,then I will lead these folk from the sacred places" I should have been more carefull I take responsibility for them and ask that you release them from your dweomers.


22:07, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Diplomacy.

Holding up his shield, and, withholding his sword thrust, as the creature who had attacked him, did not try anything more lethal than to run him over.

"What in blazes?! This creature tries more to fright, undead are fouler than this."

"Do any still stand with me? Erdthar?! I saw the creature, it was mounted, but was cloven hooved itself. Strange,...this place is Fey, I think whatever resides here, wishes us to move on, but my not harm us unless we continue obstinately to disobey."

"Let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go!" Pello in an almost whisper, as he struggles against Quindil and Vespian.

Erdthar rolls his bedroll, repacks his pack, and does the same for Gimuld and Pello.  Shouldering all three packs, he turns to Milo.  "Where to?"

Gimuld keeps running as fast as possible, not stopping, but only temporarily slows hopping a rock or duck a branch. "I saw it! It's coming for me! Ahhh!" Gimuld is in near hysteria.

"What the hell is wrong with him?"
Quindil asks Vespian in frustration.
"You've probably got a better shot at this than me...try to calm him down.  I'll look for the others, find out just what is going on."

As Milo enters the haze filled camp he calls out through the trees in an odd ancient language. He rattles on for a minute when suddenly the tune stops as an even more eerie silence falls over the woods. The haze remains around the campfire but the scary music has faded away to nothing, leaving Pello and Gimuld with a slight bit of relief. (Pello and Gimuld move down from Panicked to Shaken They no longer have to run away)

The silence that falls over the camp is almost as unnerving as the tune. Vespian and Quindill continue to calm Pello. Erdthar rummages around in the fog looking for Pello and Gimuld’s pack. Milo and Ruff stare off into the trees looking for signs of any forest life. Gimuld comes to a slow halt somewhere deep in the forest. Renoart continues to stand the ready as he strains his eyes, trying to peer through the fog.

<orange> Milo, Renoart, and Erdthar are near the campfire.
Vespian, Quindill, and Pello are south through the woods about 150’ from the campfire.
Gimuld is south through the woods, he is out of sight, you don’t know exactly where he is. <orange>

After finding as much gear as he could in the fog, Erdthar turns to Milo.  "Ok, lead us out of here."

Stopping his fighting when the music fades, Pello simply leans on Vespian's arm, still shaking slightly.

"What in the Diabolique Arnung Narun Dis Stirtar was that?" he says in a shaken voice.

"Nature Spirits, now come along quickly we are not welcome here." Milo says as he starts moving away from the campsite. He moves at a quick pace watching for signs that they have left the sacred area.

Follows as quickly as he can.

Gimuld wanders back into camp after a few long moments; he is nearly blind from the darkness when he arrives.

Meanwhile, Milo gathers everyone together and heads north in pursuit of a safer location. After about an hour of hard travel: the woods are very difficult to maneuver in with little to no light. You find a nice location that is easily defendable. Large rocks protect the outskirts and tall stands of trees protect the inner ring, near the campfire location.


----------------------------------------------------------
 The rest of the night goes on without further incident. Although, some may have found it hard to sleep after the most recent musical ordeal. But even with a bit of tossing and turning, all seem to be well rested and ready for the day’s adventure. The new morning sun greats you brightly, as a slight morning chill hangs in the air. Steam rises from the ground as the hot sun hits the cool morning dew. It looks to be a beautiful and bright day, no clouds to be seen.

A pleasant surprise greets everyone as they start to gather food and prepare the morning meal. On a large flat rock located just north of the camp sight, you find a well roasted hunch of deer meat along with a nice soft loaf of bread and 7 cups of wine. Perhaps it is a gift from the forest creatures, for your leaving in peace, or perhaps it’s someone else’s. Either way the deer meat is cooked to perfection and is too irresistible to pass up.

The company enjoys the surprise morning feast and then heads north in hopes of reaching Horseshoe Ridge during day light. As you start to trek north you spot a group of creatures south, behind you, coming out of the thick trees and making there selves seen. There are about 4 bipedal creatures; each one has the head of a man with long horns, like that of a ram, protruding from their foreheads. Their upper torso is that of a well built human, however their legs and lower torso appear to be that of a goat. They do not threaten you, but only watch as you leave, one of them out stretches his hand and waves silently as you move north out of sight.


OoC: If all goes well you should be able to approach and over come Horseshoe ridge before night fall.

Post any actions you might take between here and there, including skill checks. And I will get us updated again tomorrow.

Erdthar carry's the short people's loads without complaint, except when he returns them to take a side trip, returning with a fine young buck, it's dressed carcass stuffed with mushrooms, herbs, wild onions, and tubers.

"Good eats again tonight, chums!"  He grins.

She sniffs at the Dear, "Not even a good coating of mold or a smattering of maggots to flavor it up.. She speaks her mind.
"I have doubts about the hospitality of our forest Warden, but I can not prove anything of ill intent. Should there be a bounty on his hide, I am more then willing to hunt it." Vespian has not had her beuty sleep and is in a bit of a pissy mood.
She flies straight up 100 feet and gets a lay of the land and terrain before dropping back down to the ground to report her findings to the others.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Thu 23 Feb 2006.

5:30pm 21st of Fading

Travel this day did not go as well as planed. You had hoped to get up and over Horseshoe ridge before nightfall, but that doesn’t seem to be possible, now that you see what Horseshoe ridge is.

After breaking out from beneath the tree’s canopy, you see that Horseshoe ridge is a line of tall mountains that jump up from the earth and surrounding trees to separate the Vale and lower foot hills from the tall and majestic peaks of the Nether Mountains. Unfortunately, though, Horseshoe ridge appears to be a gigantic granite batholith that has pushed itself up above the lower valley. The granite has pushed its way out of the earth in such a way that it forms sheer rock faces, in nearly all locations.

You find yourselves now at the bottom of one of these cliffs, looking high above to the cliffs ridge line. You figure that this cliff is upwards of 100’ tall, luckily there seems to be many ledges in which to rest upon.

After scoping out the area for a good location to climb, you notice a rope that hangs down from the top and reaches nearly half way down. The rope appears to be frayed at the end, like it has been cut or stretched apart.

The sun is low in the western sky; night fall will be here before too long.

OoC: Getting up this cliff may prove difficult. It is nearly a 50’ climb to where the rope hangs.

If you wish to proceed, the Climb DC is: 15 for the first 20’, then DC:20 for the next 10’. Then back to DC: 15 up to the rope. (there is a tuff section of climbing between here and there)

You may try and move on now, or you may wait until morning.

Erdthar gives a coil of 50' rope to Vespian, and asks.  "Would you be a dear, and fly this up to the rope up there, and tie them together?"

"We're so lucky to have a demon on our side" Milo says rolling his eyes. After that he bends down to scratch Ruff's ears. "Do we have to make the climb today. Im sooo tired" he says in a whiney voice.

"Demon?" Pello says as he shuffles around below the position of the rope, "Don't you mean archdeva? I mean they may look alike to you layfolk, but there is a difference."

"Anything for you Luv," She takes the rope from Erd, gives the area a brief search for intelligent thought and makes quick work of flying up to the top to tie it off.

Can I take 20 on the knot tie/rope use skill check?

OoC: Yeah you can take 20. You can hover so i dont see a problem with it."

"Layfolk? Um, yeah I guess." Milo says looking up at the winged woman.
"Sorry, archdeva eh? Its all the same really. Very scary, very unnatural. Milo sighs shaking his head.
"One things for sure, those fellas back there sure had you running" Milo says with a chuckle.

"Oh? Well.. uhm.." Pello leans nonchalantly against the cliff, "I was just looking for the source of the music. You know.. I thought I heard it in the bushes. Though I'd catch the little bugger. And you'll have to run fast if you want to catch.. well.. whatever weird folks it is that lives in the woods. I mean, people out here must getting plenty of training in running, what with being chased by wolves and orcs every day."

Looking at his heavy armor in dismay.

"I doubt this gear was made for climbing. I'm sure to crash to toril and be splattered."

Pello eyes Renoart critically

"Well.. either we could have you take the armor off, and then put it back on when we reach the top, or.."

Pello looks at Erdthar

"Think you can hoist a fullgrown man in a platemail without accidentally dropping either on process?"

Erthar shrugs.  "I suppose we could tie a seat in the rope, and haul his heavy ass up - I can anchor, but we'd all probably have to pull."

"Oh. I know we can pull him up together, I only worry about the rope being able to handle the load." She snickers..

"Well, do we go now, or later?  I can climb up, and haul the little ones up after right away, then the platemail anchor.  Gimuld, Will you be needing help, or do you think you cna make it on your own?"

OOC:
How many, and what DC, checks to make it to the top with the rope?

OoC: If i remember correctly (I dont have my books here at work) A climb with a rope against a wall is DC:5

And climbing is at 1/4 speed, so however many checks that would take to get your desired distance.

<orange>OOC: Since we aren't being threatened or distracted, I guess we could theoretically just take 10 all the way up.

OOC:
DC 5:  A rope with a wall to brace against, or a knotted rope, or a rope affected by the rope trick spell

Erdthar can't fail that check, as 1's arn't automatic failure for skill checks - so he'll just haul himself up the rope, and then haul everyone else up one at a time. (though he could easily haul up Pelo and Milo together - if they find a way to comfortably get on the rope together.)

Ruff might be a problem though - I suppose we'll have to hogtie him or something to keep him secure for the haul.

((H'mmm it occurs to me, that in Astral Deva form, Large, I have double the weight allowance that I normally have., Not enought to carry anybody up, but at least I could jump in when Erdy, *cough* gets tired hauling the rope.))

whatever happens, I think I'm in trouble. DC 5? Forget it.

00:29, Today: Renoart rolled -1 using 1d20-6. climb check 4.
00:29, Today: Renoart rolled 10 using 1d20-6. climb check 3.
00:29, Today: Renoart rolled 3 using 1d20-6. climb check 2.
00:28, Today: Renoart rolled 11 using 1d20-6. +2str,-6armor,-2shield, climb checks:.

OOC:
Renoart - I thought we'd agreed to haul you up - so you shouldn't have to make climb checks

The group plans out their course of action as the sun begins to set. The climb will be made at first light.

Between Quindill, Milo, and Erdthar, you guys eat like kings.

--------------------------------------

Sunrise 22nd of Fading

The morning sun begins to poke up out of the eastern sky when everyone gathers around the rope. The morning air has a good chill in it, as it always does this time of year.

Vespian easily gets the two ropes tied together; she then flies to the top, to keep an eye out and to lend a hand pulling the others up. Erdthar test it for strength and then begins his climb. It is slow going watching the brute climb up from below, but Erdthar has little difficulty getting to the top. Once there he stops for a brief moment to catch his breath and take in the beautiful scenery, before proceeding to pull up the others.

Pello comes up next. He has a tight grip on the rope but his legs don’t propel him much, it’s easy to see that Erdthar is his driving force.

Milo follows shortly after. To Erdthar’s relief Milo is much more adept to climbing than Pello. Milo finds little footholds here and there to help him climb as Erdthar keeps the rope taught.

Milo is nearly three-quarters of the way up when the sky erupts with a horrendous screech! Diving from high out of the sky are 3, large bird-like creatures. They plummet to earth as they let out loud high pitched screams. They remain tight together as they fly in a formation that forms a triangle, with the largest bird in the lead.

The birds are horrifying. They each have a snake like body with a long neck and tail. Their central body is bulbous and has two pairs of feathered wings, one on top and another on bottom. Their heads have a black tooth filled beak along with four eyes. Their coloration ranges in various hues of orange, blue, and violet.

Milo attempts to scramble up the rock face as Erdthar tugs on the rope, but Milo does not make it to the top before the birds attack.

As the birds fall out of the sky they approach Erdthar, Vespian, and Pello atop the ridge. As they near about 30 feet from the ground the three birds let out a terrifying screech as a bolt of lightning fires from their beaks. As they loose their volley, all three begin to pull up and head back for the heavens, they remain in their tight formation.

The three bolts of lightning shoot from the birds mouths and head straight for Pello, Erdthar and Vespian. The first stroke of lightning flashes past Erdthar’s head on its course to the ground, narrowly missing the orc. (14 miss).
The second stroke of lightning finds its mark as the bolt blast Pello in the head, sending him reeling in pain. (28 hit! -6hp)
The third stroke misses its mark as it shoots past Vespian. (18 miss)

Renoart, Quindill, and Gimuld watch in shock from below as the three birds make their bombing run.




Map Notes:
The big ugly white line is the cliff face, Milo is 75’ up.
The enemies are the blue squares. The enemies are currently 30’ off the ground of the ridge in their present locations. So they are about 130’ up from the bottom.

OoC: Milo you can climb the rest of the way up with 4 climb checks. DC: 15. It will take 4 rounds but you can make it on your own from here. The DC of 15 is accounting for Erdthar releasing the rope, meaing you would fall unless you grab hold of the wall. If Erdthar can keep his grip during combat, keeping the rope tight, the DC is only 5


I need Initiatives from everyone
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:12, Tue 28 Feb 2006.

Erdthar starts hauling even faster, grabbing rope in long swooping pulls as he hauls the halfling up.

"Yowch!" Pello shouts as he is shocked by the lightningbolt. Staggering back he feels the point of impact beginning to develope blisters from the heat of the blast.

Initiative: 16
Hp: 23/29
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Tue 28 Feb 2006.

"This doesn't look well.", says Renoart gloomily, preparing for combat, "Should we see if he can still haul us up? Or climb ourselves?"


20:49, Today: Renoart rolled 21 using 1d20+5. initiative.

"Dammit all.  Why's this always happen to us?"
Quindil pulls out his bow, but isn't sure if he'll be able to hit anything.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Init.

OOC-so what is the DC to hit something that's flying 75ft above you?

"they are about 130' from you on the ground. So it is just a range inc thing. 2 range inc for long bow, 3 range inc for shortbow

Milo swings precariously on the rope as the bird things attack, once he regains his footing he looks up and trys to find a foothold to start the climb again. The fear of being attacked however makes the poor halfing to nervous and his strength gives way.

10:50, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 4 using 1d20. Climb Check.
10:47, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Initative

Gimuld, still on the ground, feels rather helpless. Knowing a shot from his crossbow would never make it, he doesn't bother with trying to shoot for now. The most he does is take his crossbow and load it.

Gimuld Froking rolled 19 using 1d20+3

"Of course, just as our numbers are split, freeking brilliant." Vespian goes for the dramatic finger flex, claw popping, wing beaten out of feather form and into bat wings and takes upward from the group, 30 feet, to try to draw off the attack.

Initiative: 6

Erdthar just keeps hauling on the rope, hoping the halfling has enough strength the hold on as he pulls him up.

"Keep hauling muscle head!", shouts Renoart at the orc, "I'm next!"

He prepares to grab the rope as soon as its lowered again.

Reno yells up to Erdthar in attempt to get the brute to hurry, as he pulls Milo up.

Milo attempts to climb the rest of the way up when he looses his grip on the rocks. He manages to keep a hold of the rope, but he hangs precariously as Erdthar hoist him up.

Gimuld loads his crossbow and waits to get up the cliff.

The vicious birds circle around to the north as they position themselves for another attack run.  As they return from the west they unleash another volley of lightning bolts, again each bolt aims toward one of the combatants atop the ridge.
The largest, lead, bird unleashes its fury upon Vespian; the stroke of lightning leaves the birds mouth and blast the ground directly below Vespian’s feet as she starts to lift off the ground. (16 Miss!)
The second bird keeps his mark on Pello as he swings around and lets the bolt plummet toward the ground; Poor Pello, takes the brunt of the attack again as the bolt catches him in the mid section. The bolt scorches Pello’s skin, leaving much of his body seared. (22Hit! -10hp)
The third bird lets loose another bolt, headed toward Erdthar; the bolt bangs to the ground with a loud “clap” leaving Erdthar nearly def, but un-hurt. (15 Miss!)

Pello reels in pain as he attempts to cover himself from the brutal attacks.

Quindill sums up the competition, as he tries to determine if he will hit from his present location.

Erdthar sticks to his task of pulling Milo up. He tugs the rope as hard and as fast as he can. A look of relief passes over him as he sees Milo reaching up for the ridge line. Erdthar helps Milo to his feet and then tosses the rope back down to help bring up the others. (Milo is on the ridge now)

Vespian takes flight and gains some altitude as she attempts to draw the enemy fire.

Initiative:
Renoart: 21
Milo: 19
Gimuld: 19
Enemies: 17
Pello: 16
Quindill: 11
Erdthar: 8
Vespian: 6


Notes: Vespian and Birds 30' off of ridge line.

Milo is on the ridge.

Quindill, Gimuld, Reno are at the bottom of the cliff.
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:18, Wed 01 Mar 2006.

With Milo safe, Erdthar Drops the rope back down the cliff face, then steps to the side, drawing his crossbow and loading it.

OOC:
free action: drop rope
Move action: move to P12
Free action: draw crossbow
Standard action: load crossbow


Note:  do they get low enough to hit with the axe?  if they do, I'd attack with the axe instead.

When the rope falls, Renoart secures it around him as best he can, and looks back up to see if Erdthar will pull him up or no.

Ugh, Can I take 20 on the rope use?

Backpedaling somewhat fiercely, Pello shakes a fist towards the skies.

"SO YOU CHALLENGE PELLO THE ARCANE?! I'LL GIVE YOU CHALLENGE! TASTE THIS! PYRO SPHERIUS ARATA! ACTOROS!"

With a wosh, a flamming sphere of fire lands on the back of the offending bird.

Hp: 13/29

Action: Cast Flaming Sphere on back of bird

Reflex save 17 negates
8 damage.
4 rounds remaining.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:50, Thu 02 Mar 2006.

Quindil nocks and arrow and pulls the string taut, waiting for the bird to come into view.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 18 using 1d20+1. Attack Roll with shortbow (+7, -6).
Quindil Liahstia rolled 2 using 1d6. Damage. 

"...I wonder if these things are any good to eat..."  Quindil ponders the thought while he lines up his shot.

Quindil lets the arrow fly.  Regardless of whether it hits or not, it's obvious is small arrow won't do too much damage to these monsters.

Milo moves away from the cliff edge and pulls out a sling and a few stones. Loading it up he prepares to take a crack at the lighting birds.



Standard Action: Draw Weapon
Move Action: 12-R

Vespian flies in closer to engage and claws at one of the creatures.

Move Action: Move to 14N
Stanadard Action: Attack Bird #2

Die Results:
13:21, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 6 using 1d3+4. Damage for claw 2 if hit.
13:21, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 5 using 1d3+4. Damage if hit.
13:19, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Claw2.
13:19, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Claw1.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Fri 03 Mar 2006.

Gimuld feels rather helpless on the ground down below. Knowing a crossbow shot might not do much, but it might do something, he shoots. The bolt flys out of his sight, as the rock wall is in the way.

Okay, so if my MW, Light crossbow has a Range Increment of 80 ft, after 80 ft is -2, right? and when I get to 161 ft away, it's -4, right? If I'm wrong, subtract what needs to be subtracted.


Damage: Gimuld Froking rolled 8 using 1d8+1. damage.
Possible Crit?: Gimuld Froking rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Nope...
Attack Roll: Gimuld Froking rolled 25 using 1d20+5.

Renoart gets himself firmly tied to the rope and he begins the long climb to the top.

Milo scurries across the ledge, getting closer to the birds as he loads his sling and readies to fire.

Gimuld sums up his odds and let’s loose a cross bow bolt anyways. Amazingly the shot hits!

The birds circle back around and come in for another attack. Seeing Vespian cloud their air space angers them, they all dive after her and unleash their nasty beaks upon her. The first two birds fly past her and miss with their bites, the third bird, however, finds his mark and digs in deep as he swoops past her. (17miss, 14miss, 26Hit! -6hp. Also: Vespian you may take one AoO enemy of your choice, as they all flew past you.)

After their attack run the birds, start to turn again, presumably coming back.

Pello angers and lets one of his fireballs explode upon the birds back.  Unfortunately, the bird does not seem to be effected by the flame, and the spongy ball falls to earth with a thud, as it sits and smolders., it lands dangerously close to Erdthar.

Quindill, after seeing Gimuld’s shot decides to make one of his own. He too hits the bird with his arrow.

Erdthar moves out of the way as he loads his crossbow.

Vespian gives chase to the birds and is able to keep pace with them. She flails wildly with her claws. One of the claws digs deep into the bird’s flesh, but the other misses (Vesp I think you should have taken only one attack, as you moved. I gave you the benefit of the doubt though)

Initiative:
Renoart: 21
Milo: 19
Gimuld: 19
Enemies: 17
Pello: 16
Quindill: 11
Erdthar: 8
Vespian: 6

Enemy AC: 20
A1: -10hp
A2:
A3: -6hp


This message was last updated by the GM at 23:43, Fri 03 Mar 2006.

Erdthar lines up a shot, and lets loose.  Unfortunatly, his shot flies off into the sky.

 ((Vesp I think you should have taken only one attack, as you moved. I gave you the benefit of the doubt though))


Doh! My bad, you are right, they don't suffer the To Hit penalty for two handed fighting, but I don't get them both,. How about since I took that extra attack, I'll pass on the AoA that your offered me to even things out?))

Sounds fair ;)

Screaming incoherently at the birds above, Pello makes a sweeping motion with his hand that sends the useless sphere tumbling of the cliff, narrowly missing the people below.

Then he hurls his staff at the birds. Despite his rage, his eyes does actually widen a bit and the stream of multilingual profanities stops,  when the staff actually strikes its target.

Move action: Move fireball to u14.
Attack action: throw staff
Attack roll: 16 (includes -4 for improvised weapon, -6 for range & +1 for masterwork) natural 20
Critical roll: 6
Damage: 4?

Quindil Liahstia rolled 8 using 1d20+1. Attack Roll (+7, -6).

Kielk!

Quindil swears aloud as his shot goes wide.

Gimuld listens as the birds squawk tells him his bolt made the mark. "That's gonna hurt that bird, I hope"

Gimuld takes a quick look at his crossbow with a little awe, then nocks another bolt and lets fly.

Damage: Gimuld Froking rolled 9 using 1d8+1
Attack: Gimuld Froking rolled 21 using 1d20+5.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Sun 05 Mar 2006.

"Die foul Beast!" Vespian continues her attack.


Move Action: Move if the Bird moves in position
Standard Action: Double Claw if don't have to me.
11:35, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 5 using 1d3+4. Damage 2.
11:35, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 6 using 1d3+4. Damage 1.
11:34, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Attack 2.
11:34, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 26 using 1d20+7. Atack 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Sun 05 Mar 2006.

"I can do nothing until I'm hauled up at least. I have no bow nor sling.", says Renoart dolefully.

OOC:
Renoart,
Take 10 - 5 (MW full plate) +2 (Climber's kit) + ? (Str) = 7 or more
You can easily make a DC 5 if you just take it slow and careful.
You can take 10 as long as you aren't distracted, even if there are consequences to failure, so hope you arn't attacked on the way up, is all.

Tries to climb. Crash!

"You were saying?"


16:11, Today: Renoart rolled 2 using 1d20-1. climb and then take 10 all the way up.

Milo takes aim and lets fly a bullet from his sling which sails harmlessly thru the air missing the Electric Birds.


19:58, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 8 using 1d20+2. Sling Shot.

OOC:
I'm not sure why you rolled at all?  Sorta defeats the purpose of taking 10.

Renoart struggles to make progress on the rope.

Milo lets a sling bullet fly, but the shot misses its mark.

Gimuld fires of another bolt from his crossbow, and again he hits.

The birds seeing Vespian hot on their trails, turn and attack her full on. Swarming all around her as they bite wildly with their jaws.  Two of the birds manage to sink their beaks into Vespian’s flesh ( 22Hit! -3hp, 11miss, 22hit! -4hp)

Pello, upset that his fiery ball had no effect he dismisses it off the cliff. He then throws his staff at the bird in disgust. Amazingly the staff hits, and smacks the bird right in the beak.

Quindill, nearly crushed by the fiery ball, jumps out of the way and takes an off balanced shot at the birds, his arrow tumbles through the air uselessly.

Erdthar fires his crossbow at one of the birds. His shot just barley misses the birds.

Vespian defends herself to the best of her ability, slashing here and there with her claws. She manages to gash two nasty holes in one of the bird’s midsection, but the bird still stays afloat.

Initiative:
Renoart: 21
Milo: 19
Gimuld: 19
Enemies: 17
Pello: 16
Quindill: 11
Erdthar: 8
Vespian: 6

Enemy AC: 20
A1: -30hp
A2:
A3: -10hp

 

Erdthar sens another quarrel flying useless into the sky.


OOC:  You're pretty much on your own I think Vesp, with them in melee with you, we have to hit AC 24!

((Well, The idea was to draw off their attacks so the others could make it up the cliff face.))

Milo raises his hands to the sky and calls out to Silvanus in Druidic "Send to us a creature of the sky, I summon forth an eagle to fight"


Summon Natures Ally: Eagle

Suddenly, realizing his mistake and correcting his balance and posture, Renoart scales up the cliff like a spider.

All right take 10 for however many rounds till I reach the top.

Quindil prepares another shot, then realizes with a miss Vespian might need a whole lot of beauty sleep to fix the arrow hole.

He changes his mind, and runs to the cliff side, and prepares to climb.

"Yehaw, you feathery bastards! Fear the wrath!" Pello hollers as his staff smacks one of the birds. However, then he notices that they seem to have turned their attention on Vespian.

"Oi! Oi! Stop that! You hear me?!"

Assuming the birds are uncooperative, Pello turns to Erdthar as he pulls out a scroll from,

"Okay big boy, grab your axe and get over under those birdies. You're going airborn."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:24, Tue 07 Mar 2006.

Vespian takes a defensive posture and fly's straight up and away from the birds.
"Catch me if you can!" She taunts them.

Standard Action: Airborne Retreat up 50 feet. Same grid coordinate just fifty feet higher.
Probally not a truly Standard Action

Gimuld, knocks a bolt and prepares to fire. But on closer inspection, he realizes it will be harder to hit the evil birdies with the winged deva in the way, so he doesn't shoot. Instead he bides his time, waiting to attack when he gets a clear shot.

Actions stated above for each PC. With these highlights.

Reno actually makes some progress on the rope.

Vespian soars high into the sky as the lead bird follows nipping at her heals.

The remaining two birds circle over Pello, Milo and Erdthar. One bird fires its lightning toward Milo, the other toward Erdthar, both miss.

Milo summons a beautiful bald eagle into the fight. (Eagle gets an immediate action for round three, plus what ever it does in round four. )

Initiative:
Renoart: 21
Milo: 19
Gimuld: 19
Enemies: 17
Pello: 16
Quindill: 11
Erdthar: 8
Vespian: 6

Enemy AC: 20
A1: -30hp
A2:
A3: -10hp


Sorry no map, locations are approximately the same as they were last round.


Milo, please state actions and roll dice for eagle. 1 action for round 3, and one for this round, 4

Round 3 Action

The Eagle Dives as it comes from the celestial planes of its homeland but the enemy is to crafty and they dodge the brave bird.

07:46, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 8 using 1d20-2. bite.
07:45, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Talons.
07:45, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 13 using 1d20+3. Talons.


Round 4 Action

On its next pass the Eagle dives Talons outstretched but once again its target is quicker or more tough and the eagles attack does nothing

07:48, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 3 using 1d20-2. Bite.
07:47, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Talons.
07:47, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Talons.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:52, Wed 08 Mar 2006.

Vespian stays at the same height but flies over the edge of the cliff. ((v16)

"Come on little tweety bird!"

Standard Action: Fly to v16

Quindil takes up a position near the rope, drawing his bow and nocking an arrow.  However, as Vesp continues to draw their attention, he holds his fire.

Erdthar shoots another useless bolt into the sky

Pello watches as Erdthar shoots another bolt into the sky, and then makes his way over to the orc, grumbling all the while. Stopping next to him, he reminds "I told you to get your axe."

The gnome doesn't wait for an answer, but instead begins reading from the scroll, finally touching Erdthar.

Delay action to just after Erdthar
Move to q13
Use scroll

Makes more progress up the cliffside, until he reaches the top.

Renoart continues to make progress up the rope; he is nearly to the half way point. Sweat drips from his brow as he heaves himself and his armor upward.

Milo pushes his eagle to attack but the bird does not connect with any of its natural weapons.

Gimuld holds his shot as he waits his turn on the rope.

The large bird continues to pursue Vespian; He snaps out with his jaws but cannot grab hold of the winged vixen.

The two other birds remain above Erdthar, Pello, and Milo. One of them lashes out at the eagle. The bird’s jaws close around the eagle. Nearly swallowing it hole, but some how the eagle manages to wiggle free as it barley grasp onto life. (21Hit! -3hp)
The second bird that circles over head, unleashes another lightning bolt that heads toward Erdthar. The bolt cracks Erdthar square in the chest, sending shocks of pain up and down his spine. (22Hit! -8hp)

Quindill holds his shot as he moves in closer to the cliff ledge.

Erdthar retaliates against the bird by firing a shot from his bow into the sky. The pain surging through Erd’s bones has caused him to misjudge the shot and the bolt flies wide.

Pello wanders over toward Erdthar, giving him a brief lecture as he reads from a scroll. Suddenly Erdthar feel s the weight leave his legs as he starts to float up into the air, all the while getting closer to the birds. Erdthar levitates 20’ feet into the sky, under Pello’s guidance. ( Erd is under the effects of a Levitate Spell, unless he is unwilling. Pello can guide Erdthar up and down at a speed of 20’ per round. While levitating one can attack, first attack is at -1, second at -2, and so on until -5. One full round of stabilization by recipient allows the attack penalty to reset at -1. ) 

Vespian makes the bird continue to give chase as she moves closer to the ledge. The bird follows.  (Vespian and B1 are now at a height of 180’ above, Gim and Quinn.)

Initiative:
Renoart: 21
Milo: 19
Gimuld: 19
Enemies: 17
Quindill: 11
Erdthar: 8
Pello: 8
Vespian: 6

Enemy AC: 20
A1: -30hp
A2:
A3: -10hp



Map Notes: Erdthar is at a height of 20’ off the ridge line.

Birds 2 and 3 are 30’ above ridge line.

Vespian is 180’ above the ground where Quindill and Gimuld stand.

Reno is nearly half way up the rope.

Yellow and Black "E" = Eagle

Erthar puts his crossbow away, and pulls out his axe, waiting to see if the birds are supid enough to get within range of the double weapon.

Vespian smiles and power dives straight down. If the rest are so itchy to get into the fight, she will bring it to them.

((I'm a bit rusty on flight rules as well in regard to double and triple moves. If allowed, I'm taking a triple straight down for 150 feet. If not, then just fifty down."

Para Standard Action:Triple flight move, if allowed, base 50 feet if not.

While concentrating on getting Erdthar up on a level with the birds, Pello draws his crossbow.

Raise Erdthar to 30ft height
Draw crossbow

Gimuld continues to hold his shot, as the winged wonder is still blocking the birds. He waits for them to get closer so he has a better chance of hitting the birds.

Quindil continues to hold his shot, and waits for Vespian to move out of the way.
If/when Vespian moves, I'm firing.
Quindil Liahstia rolled 21 using 1d20+1. Attack Roll (+7, -6).
Quindil Liahstia rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Confirm?.
Quindil Liahstia rolled 2 using 1d6. Damage.


Quindils little arrows continue to be of little use.

Oh, and I guess I'm readying this action, since I'd rather not piss off a flying party member.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Tue 14 Mar 2006.

The eagle swoops in for another attack. One claw rakeing the nasty creature.

08:32, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 2 using 1d3. Claw dmg.
08:30, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 5 using 1d20+3. Eagle Attack (Claw).
08:30, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Eagle Attack (Claw).
08:30, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 15 using 1d20-2. Eagle Attack (Bite).


As his summoned eagle makes the attack Milo prepares and loads another bullet then slings it at the creature. It hits but bounces of its tough hide doing no damage.


08:33, Today: Milo Hardbottle rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Sling Shot

Battle with the thundering beast of the skies seems to be at a never-ending pace… when suddenly a loud clap of thunder roars from the distance. High upon the mountain near the peak known as Snowmass, a viscous storm brews. Blackened clouds swirl and reach for the heavens as streaks of lightning play across their surfaces. It seems a storm is evident for the high mountaintops, hopefully the low valleys will offer protection from the storm.

As the thunderclap rings down through the valley, the treacherous lightning birds take this as a calling, turning tail and fleeing off toward the high peaks, to the north. Arrows and swings fly after the beast only to fall short as they fly out of sight.

With the lightning-bearing beast gone, the remaining party members have an easy time of climbing the cliff. Now with the party all together they look to the north, much of the journey is still to come.


OoC: I wanted to get this battle to an end so that we can start fresh when I get back from vacation. All will be at full hp. You are free to post and role play your next course of action.

It is little after Sunrise on the 22nd of Fading.




You have just crested the hills at Horseshoe Ridge. Onward to Shadow Falls.

Pello shakes a fist at the retreating lightning birds, as he walks over to where his staff has dropped in the grass.

"Abyss-damned yellow birds! Sticking their feathers between their legs as soon as things get rough. I was just about warmed up!"

Looking past the birds, the gnome picks up the staff and looks past the birds at the clouds hanging over the mountains.

"Anyway, I'm no nature expert, but it looks to me like there's a storm brewing. Who brought the tent?"

Erdthar stands on firm ground once more, and watches the thunderbirds fly off.  "Better than droppings in the face."  He decided.

Quindil watches the birds fly away, and remarks (to no one in particular).
"Them having wings an' all, not very fair to us.  Our winged creature is much prettier than them tho."

He looks now at the clouds.
"I like the rain, but I do not want to sleep in it.  Continue through the rain?  Or will we wait it out here?"

Awaiting a decision from the party, he starts nosing around for potential shelter (most likely a cave here, but something made from trees/saplings would work too).

Today: Quindil Liahstia rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Wild Lore.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:11, Sun 25 June 2006.

Pello looks around at the others

"What? Nobody brought a tent?"

The blackened clouds seem to be staying at high elevations for the time being. Slight echoes of thunder filter down from the mountain peaks, as more clouds form and swirl around the initial mass of black clouds. The storm is growing.

Lets get in out of the storm.  Erdthar agrees with the elf, and ineptly aids in the search.



OOC:
19:56, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Wilderness Lore (find shelter).

Can you finish hauling me up then?!, shouts Renoart still dangling over the cliff edge.

Is all very well if they're gone, but things aren't so rosey down here either!

With lurches, jerks, and pendulum-like swinging, Erdthar hauls the human up to the top of the cliff.

Portents of doom, portents of toil, let the lightening crash down upon our heads!!!!!! Laughs Manically for a bit. Sorry, sorry, just enjoying a bit of drama.

Grasping at loose gravel and pulling at the roots of stubby trees, trying not to get shaken off as Erdthar roughly yanks him up the ledge. He gasps as he finally comes over and looks around him.

Where are we, they left obviously, and I missed the fight.

"In the middle of the wilderness! Soon in the middle of a storm! Without a tent! That's where we are!" Pello answers loudly, flailing his arms in the air.

"This would all be fine and dandy if I had a Leomund's secure shelter prepared, but it isn't in my spellbook! Do I look like a retired adventurer with a dragon-slaying sword hanging over the fireplace and a good taste in beer who can just slap up an inn in the middle of the wilderness for the benefit of random adventuring parties? I thought not."

You could start a fire,Instead of yapping about what you dont have" Milo says witha grin. You gnomes always look at the jug half empty sheesh!

"We do not." Pello replies, crossing his arms and raising his nose with a distinguished air, "We are in fact very optimistic personages who love practical jokes, humor and gems. We just happen to be less optimistic when we are about to get rained on."

The wizard unfolds his arms and looks around, shedding the dignified personage, and replacing it with a much more smiling one, with a worrying gleam in his eye "Anyway, where should I light that fire?"

"Those damn birdies never came close enough for me to light them up properly, so I still have plenty of flamies left."

So a tent it is. Vespian shakes her head and extends a large wing out to provide cover over Pello. Now make with the fire allready.

 "Maybe we should gather fuel before we start a fire."  Erdthar suggested, and set about doing just that, once Quindil found shelter.

"Oooh, thanks." Pello says as he looks up at the wing extended over him, but as he manages to pull his eyes away from the wings, they start to gleam again.

"How about that tree over there? Or those bushes? Nah, the tree juice of live ones hamper the fire."

His eyes settle on a dead tree trunk, the 30 feet of timber toppled in some previous storm, now stretching across the ground.

"Now that one will do."

Leaving the shadow of Vespian's wing, Pello strides over to the tree, and spread his arms wide as he chants "Duerte Smoké Narta. Arneno-os. Pyro Manua!"

Setting the thumbs of his hands together, a sheet of flame bursts from the fingers, aimed with a pyromaniacs eye, at the thinner branches below the tree, which will offer the start of a larger conflagration.

"Found something over here, might be big enough.  Need to take a closer look."

Quindil moves to further examine the potential shelter.

I beleive the fuel for the fire has been found. She looks to see if the Druid was paying attention. The cause justifies the means...

The storm upon the mountain tops continues to grow at an alarming rate, black clouds pull across the sky from all directions to congregate near the Peak of Snowmass. As of yet there has been no precipitation in the valley below.

Pello finds a nice sized fell tree that he sets to flames, unfortunately without any rain here in the valley the ancient dried tree quickly goes up into flames before the party’s eyes. Milo's skin crawls as the large flames move to consume more than just the fell tree. The tall grasses and low bushes in the area begin to smolder. Moving ever closer to the shelter that Quindill just found. A light gray smoke trail starts to wind its way into the sky above.


OoC: I am back! Ands now you have a forest fire to worry about :) , Luckily there are not too many trees in this area, and most of them are well spread out, about 50’ or so from each other with tall grass and low bushes covering the ground between.

It is still early morning on the 22nd of fading
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Thu 06 July 2006.

Well, you've alerted every monster in Faerun to our presense and caught the land afire..very nice!Milo screeches as he runs to put out the flames.

Pello doesn't seem concerned by the spreading fire. Neither does he seem to even notice Milo. He simply stands looking at the flames, a huge grin plastered on his face, as fire reflects in his eyes, seeming to show the inferno in his soul.

"Great."  Erdthar mumbles.  "Burn all the nearby fuel so we have to travel farther to make build a fire for cooking and warmth."  The big orc watches the fire spread, doing nothing to control it unless it threatens their shelter.

The old dry tree smokes at an alarming rate as the fire spreads out in a 180 degree arc, headed southish. If something is not done soon it will burn its way all the way over to Horseshoe ridge.

I dont suppose those druid fey will be happy about us burning down their sacred grove eh?

handlily I have the create water spell,...I will cast it so it cascades down the tree if I can.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Sat 08 July 2006.

Pello manages to disengage himself from his reverie.

"Oh, huh, what? Oh." looks at the slowly spreading flames

"Well.. the cliff might stop the fire. And you know I read somewhere that forests aren't healthy without regular forest fires. I think. And anyway, it you who said that I should light a fire!" the gnome says, pinning the blame entirely on the druid.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Sat 08 July 2006.

Actually the fire is heading back towards the grove, as the grove is south of you.

"Well, just great."  Erdthar grumbled, and set about rooting up brush and debris to clear a fire break in front of the advancing flames.  "We'll have to stop it here."  He declared, indicating the line he was trying to establish.  "If we can clear a wide enough band, the fire can't jump it."

With the fire a blaze the morning chill has completely faded. The sun works it’s way higher into the sky as Erdthar frantically uproots bushes and small trees. Smoke continues to billow upward.

Looking north across the valley you see that the land dips down a bit more before it makes the long climb up to the mountaintops, a small trickle of a stream can be seen in the distance.

The Shadow falls are still too far away to be seen, but from the map you expect them to be there.

Quindil starts helping Erdth with the fireblock, and offers the comment(in Elven) "Ihl kilsh sekiell", and his face is a contorted scowl.  He gives the gnome a venomous glare before starting to work.

Noticing the glare, Pello raises his hands into the air, in an exasperated gesture

"Oh ya, that's right. Blame the gnome. After all, it's his fault that nature burns as easily as a row of tatched houses in the grimier parts of Waterdeep."

Crossing his arms, the wizard sulks.

What? This is a bad thing? SHe shakes her head, unrolls her tent and draping it over her head, grwows to Ogre sized proportions. Using a rope to sinch the canvas around her waste, she assists with tree removal to creat a firebreak.</Blue>

Shift to large size for 2x carrying capacity
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Sun 09 July 2006.

 Vespian transforms into an ogerish brute and begins to help Erdthar and Quindill clear an area to use as a fire block. The area near the shelter is the first spot to get cleared, and it now seems to be out of immediate danger.

With much of the fuel gone the fire starts to settle down a bit, but it is still way too big. The plume of smoke that rises could very well be getting unwanted attention soon.

The sun continues to rise into the sky as the large storm to the Northwest continues to grow and sputter with lightning.

Looking at the others work, Pello issues a sulky advice or warning once in a while when the fire is about to sneak around the group, slow getting less sulky, and more enthusiastic as the fire seems to come under control

"Come on people. You must at least admit that it's a nice boonfire."

"Iff flaym tryet kilsh celp kaisilk"

Quindil directs this comment toward Pello with a bit of a snarl.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Mon 10 July 2006.

"My dear friend, I can't understand a what of what you are saying. What is that? Gnollish?" Pello asks with a large mischievous grin, and then quickly points

"Uh, there. Over to the right. If you don't remove those needles the fire will circle around you."

"I wonder what gnome smells like, roasting?"  Erdthar grumbles, but is too busy fighting fire to see, or care, what Pello's reaction is.

Sweat drenched and reeking of smoke Vespian, Erdthar, and Quindil are able to clear a large swath in the valley floor. Creating a very effective firebreak. The break does well at limiting the fires fuel source. Slowly the massive blaze comes down to a manageable size.

Pello facing much scrutiny from his comrades is still able to keep his spirits high as he jokes with the group.


Dealing with the fire took a good deal of time, wasting away much of the morning. It is now High Sun.

"Kellme iff in skiek dejii sek iff skellha sek chowpha lil"

This last comment is again directed to Pello, in a venomous snarl.  Quindil's eyes have a tinge of extra red seeping into them, in addition to the redness from the smoke.

"Aw, come on, I'm really curious. Is that really gnollish? Could you teach me?"

Well there should be a bounty of food to be found, roast grubs, charred birds, toasted swuirrels.

Vespian picks through the fiery remains in search of crunchy tidbit goodness.

Milo during the confusion of the firefight slips off into the underbrush with Ruff in tow. His heart, given to the wild place's and there protection will no longer allow him to stay with such a strange and destructive group. A creature of strange origin that seems more devil than mortal,a pyromaniac gnome and a orc just arent his ideas of friends. So with a sigh he sets off back toward home crestfallen but relieved to be rid of such people.

Quindil walks up to the gnome, towering over him.

"Not gnoll.  And you call me gnoll again, I spit and roast you over your own fire."

He spins around and stalks off.  Over his shoulder he mutters one word to Pello.

"Elven"

OOC: So...anybody speak Elven yet?  Cus you could understand that if you did.

Pello seems a but miffed

"I never called you a gnoll. I just asked if you were speaking it."

The wizard relents a bit, "But elven, huh? Gotta teach me some day. I know orcish, dwarven, goblin, ignan, well and a bit of draconic and infernal for household use, but not elven. Yet."

OOC: Yep, I got Elven down pat. If you said it, I heard it. If I heard it, I understand it.

Vepsian finds a handful of delectable earthworms and grubs.

The sun continues to rise in the sky as dark clouds pull from all-round getting ever closer to the swirling storm above Snowmass Peak.

OoC: Ok so what’s the plan?

I vote for camping here for a day.  Cus after fighting the fire, Quindil just wants a comfy rock and a drink.  Even if it is just water.

"Hey Erdthar. I think we need to break out the barrel. I could use a good beer after all the excitement."

"And then we can put the gnome in the empty barrel, and seal it!"  Erdthar's exhausted frame perked up visibly at the thought.

"I like that plan!"

"It was Milo's idea to light the fire!" Pello objects profusely, "And my beer! You don't get to stick me in a barrel after I give out free beer."

Everyone starts to settle in as Pello breaks out his mysterious keg o' beer.

Spirits lighten as the spirits flow. The storm remains high on the mountaintops, still no precipitation here in the valley.

The fire is now down to a usable level

7.00pm 22nd of Fading

As the group gets about half way through the keg the sun begins to set and smiles begin to form. The ale runs deep. The storm high on the mountains continues to grow, still no weather here in the valley, but you can imagine the chaos taking place upon the mountainside.

The night starts to bring a slight chill, but the fire does well at blocking it off. The lightning from the high elevation storms put on quite a show, lighting up the distance over and over. More than a few times you swear that you see gigantic images of faces forming in the stormy clouds, far off and high above. But you shake the visions off as Ale induced.

The morning will bring adventure northward.

Erdthar slips an arm around Vespian, and trys stealing a kiss, figuring that one taste of those sweet, sweet lips will be worth the price of sure and painful death to follow.

Awakening, Pello opens his eyes just in time to see Erdthar steal a kiss.

Closing his eyes, he considers, 'I probably would be mad, were it not for the fact that I'm dreaming.'

Sunrise 23rd of Fading

The sun rises into the sky as day breaks. The large storm upon the mountain remains, but as of yet, the valley you occupy is still in fair weather.

Looking to the north the valley stretches out with a few trickling’s of spring water here and there; just to the north of you a good sized stream flows. The morning sun reflects off its rapid surface. Rolling hills and slight tree cover dot the area.  If travel goes well you should reach the Shadow Falls this afternoon.

Prepares his armor, weapons and equipment for the march.

Stretching with a lazy smile, Pello grins while retrieving his spellbook.

"So.. Reno. Let me guess. Your replacement was drunk again?"

"Let's get this show on the road, people!"  Erdthar bellowed, then from habet stooped to pick up the empty keg.  At it's light weight, he scowled, then looked to Pello, at the keg, then back at Pello.  Obviously, h was weighing a thought...

Pello looks sadly at the keg.

"Next time I've gotta buy a mule, and several kegs. I can't believe we're already out of beer, and we haven't even reached our target."

Adding a sad sigh, he turns back to his spell preparations.

((Ack sorry, one of them weeks))
Vespian does not mind the arm of Erdtahr, afterall he's saved her butt more then once, but with him trying to take further favors without her permission, she shakes her head and transforms into a NightHag.


Really now deery, how about some tongue? *cackles and extrudes a seven inch tongue out from between her apparently rotted to the core teeth.*

The group readies their supplies and begins the hike north, northwest.

Travel through the valley is fairly painless. Walking through tall grass and the occasional stand of aspens or pine trees. The morning air brings a slight chill as winds blow from the south.

The storm on the high mountaintops remains, ever growing in power and darkness.


It is not long before you arrive near a stream and follow its banks north. A couple other streams join the river as you travel. The river growing in breadth each time that a tributary joins along.

Near mid-day you find yourselves within earshot of the falls. You hear the rushing and falling of water in the distance; you know that your journey is near an end.


After rounding a bend in the river the falls come into view. Beautiful and majestic as the crystal blue water falls off the high cliff face and flows its way down to join the other river on its journey west. The cliff looks to be about 50 to 75 feet tall, with many cascading ledges. Water splashes all around and the roar of the waterfall drowns out all other noises.

Shortly after mid-day 23rd of Fading
How shall we proceed?

Climbing the water fall DC: 20

Standing looking at the waterfall you notice a nice sized pool just below the falls, where all the falling water is funneling. The Pool looks to be fairly deep as the white water falls from above to be consumed in the gurgling, bubbling pool of fresh clear blue water. The pool seems to be about 20 or 30 feet across, from side to side. A smattering of boulders lies just below the falls. Where you can see the bottom of the pool, it appears to be a mixture of solid rock and loose sand.

Mist falls on your head as you near the waterfall and the sun glares down from high above.

Looking up at the waterfall, Pello smiles and looks at the others

"So, should we repeat the success from the last cliff?"

"Success? Did I miss one? Because I the last one I recall ended in a draw." She thinks for amoment,

"We did manage to get past it. I'm not including those birds in the equation."

"Yes the birds, You might make a good bait if they come back. We could tie a rope to you and let them grab you." She jests with the spell hurler.

"Maybe there are stairs."

Pello looks up the cliff, quietly ignoring Vespian, "I don't think so. As far as I know, its one of the 'wonders' of outdoor life. No stairs. No toilets. No bars."

He turns his eyes to Erdthar, "One day I'll have to ask a cleric, what the heck the gods were thinking, when they created the world."

Well I for one, am done with climbing,....look for some other way down. Birds don't worry me so much as falling to my death.

The cleric searchs around the area for any other possible way down.


21:10, Today: Renoart rolled 11 using 1d20+1. searh for a way down.

Erdthar starts to climb.  He slips and falls.

Quindil takes a quick look at the waterfall...
"Um...no."

Quindil joins in the hunt for a better route.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 17 using 1d20. Search for another way.

The water fall goes up. You are at the base of the water fall, it comes from higher ground.

Searching for another route up the waterfall becomes futile after a few moments. The cliff face extends West and East for miles on end. The section of cliff containing the waterfall is actually the shortest climb, due to the erosion caused by the falls.


The pool below the falls is tranquil and beautiful, more than a few times you catch yourself staring into its depths. Boulders shrubs and a few small trees line the edges of the pool. Inside the pool just below the falls, obstructed by water and mist, you see a group of large boulders, they must have fallen from the top at one time. A few birds rest along the far banks bathing in the afternoon sun.




You stand at the base of shadow falls

"Soooo,, flying up and sending down a rope is out this time?"

"Sounds like a good idea, my dear." Pello replies.

Erdthar scowls, brushing mud off himself.  "Yeah, whatever."

Map of the Shadow Falls area


Map Notes:
Light Blue = Falls.
Dark Blue = Pond and River
Various objects on map = Trees, shrubs, rocks and stuff

Its kind of out of propotion, but the falls are at a head on view, where as the pond and ground level are at a over head view. Not perfect, but you'll get the idea. Lol i am no artista.

"Do we have rope nearly 10,000 feet long My love?"

Pello gauges the height of the cliff.

"Oh, I don't think its ten thousand feet high, my dear. That's just the elevation above sea level."

As the group plans out their strategy to mount the falls, their concentration is abruptly broken, by a stray attack! From somewhere unseen on the cliff side two arrows fly toward the group. Zipping through the air, one of the arrows Bounces off of Reno’s breastplate with a CLANK!   The abrupt sound startles all as the second arrow zooms down toward Erdthar, the arrow misses its mark, thudding into the ground, but the attack brings a stroke of fear through the adventurers as they scan the cliff side looking for their unseen attacker.


Surprise!
Atk 1 vs Reno 12miss
Atk 2 vs Erd    13miss

No one saw the attacker, but from the angle of the shot, you know that the attacker is elevated and somewhere along the cliff side or waterfall.

Skill checks and initiative may be needed.

Renoart raises his shield above his head, and runs to get as close to the cliff face as he can.

Well that was no bird! What was it?

initiative:07:21, Today: Renoart rolled 22 using 1d20+5.

Pello scans the cliffside as he runs behind Renoart, using him as cover.

OOC- I'll attempt to use Renoart as cover for a +4 AC bonus.

17:01, Today: Pello Flarne rolled 7 using 1d20. spot.
17:01, Today: Pello Flarne rolled 16 using 1d20+2. initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Sat 29 July 2006.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Spot Check.

Quindil tries to find some sense of cover behind a tree, shrub or rock.  He briefly contemplates grabbing Pello to use as a shield, but quickly dismisses it on the grounds that he is extremely dangerous and prone to spontaneous combustion.

He scans the cliff face all the while.

"Where are the bastards..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:57, Sat 29 July 2006.

Initiative:
Reno: 22
Pello: 16
Quindill:
Vespian:
Erdthar:
Enemies:
 

Renoart casts bless.

+1 to hit 40 rounds

"Oh great, now we are under attack agin as well." She glares at Pello, "Is there anybody you haven't pissed off allready?"

She looks over the cliff side,
 
19:57, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 34 using 1d20+14. Spot.
19:56, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Ini, with right die this time.
19:57, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 33 using 1d20+14. Listen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:54, Sun 30 July 2006.

In a loud whisper (ie-as loud as it has to be for most of the party to hear)...
"Right of the waterfall, cave.  Good hiding spot, probably find them there."

Quindil Liahstia rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

From his position behind the bulk of Renoart, Pello looks at Vespian, surprise painted all over his face

"You think this is my fault? I don't think those guys up there are from the shadow thieves guild, and I haven't pissed off anyone else who would chase me out into the roaring wilderness."

Pello turns around to try and spot the cave Quindil was talking about, and mutters under his breath, "At least I don't think so.."

The group huddles tight against the cliff face, keeping Renoart’s shield between them and the enemy.

With the group up against the cliff the volley of arrows seems to have ceased for the moment.

After repeated attempts to spot the enemy, all are confident that they are hiding along the cliff face in a small cave that rest on the east side of the water fall, shrouded in watery mist and sitting about 30’ off the ground.

From your current location you cannot see beyond the blackened entrance of the high cave.

Erdthar runs along the base of the cliff to a point under the cave, then climbs the cliff to reach the snipers.

OOC:
17:09, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Climb.
17:09, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 18 using 1d20+6. Spot.
17:09, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 11 using 1d20+7. Listen.
17:08, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 5 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Two rounds of actions:  run(full round action)  to place he climbs
then Climb (full round action) up 30 feet (1/2 base move)

"Hey! Erd! Wait a minute!" Pello barks, and leans out to regard the cave again.

Leaning back in he looks at Renoart.

"Could you stomp out in the open again? I mean, you have the most armor on your person, so its unlikely that they'd really penetrate all that metal. It'd be good if we could lure them into the opening."

Looking over at Vespian he continues

"Meanwhile you can skip over to Erdthar and prepare to lend him backup. You've got wings after all, so a cave shouldn't be much trouble; should it, my little angel of destruction? Anyway, the signal for attack, will be me cooking everybody inside."

Erdthar keeps running along the cliff-face, apparently, he hadn't heard the gnome.

"How much do you weigh?" She gives the Gnome a look.

"45 pounds last I checked." Pello runs a hand down over his stomach "Though I think all this running around in the middle of nowhere has made me loose weight."

Quindil nocks an arrow on his bow.  He exits their little area of cover and, drawing the arrow back to its full length, carefully checks the cave area.

Prepare action: Shoot Bow

Quindil Liahstia rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Move Silently.

Initiative:
Renoart: 22
Vespian: 20
Quindill: 16
Pello: 16
Erdthar: 5
Enemies: 4

The group jumps into action, wasting no time at all.

Renoart calls on divine powers, giving his allies a slight advantage. (cast Bless)

Vespian and Pello plot their attacks.

Quindill silently moves out into the brush and readies his bow on the cave mouth, waiting for a chance to shoot (ready action to fire)

Erdthar runs across the cliff face to align himself with the cave above. His muscles bulge as he starts to make the climb. (Will arrive at cave mouth start of next round)

The cave mouth remains blackened.



(Bonuses for all)  Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

Vespian takes her action to arrange her tent over headonce more and take on the form of a Female, Planetar.
To Pello,
Would you have a better aim if I flew up towards the cave entrance?

Pello looks up at the cave opening "Well, I think I'd be able to hit the cave opening just as well from the ground." he pause, and then continues enthusiasticly, "But from the front, I could hit things inside the cave. That's actually a really good idea. I've wanted for some time to try out the pillar of flame spell I've been working on."

He glances up again, "Though we'd better get moving, or I'll have to flambé Erd right along with the baddies."

On my next turn I will grab up pello and fly up to a parralled, height wise, location to the cave from which he can launch some spellage of doom.

Vespian swopes over and grabs up Pello. The two of them head for the cave entrance, just ahead of Erdthar.

Pello takes a deep breath and starts concentrating, while regarding the cave mouth intently.

Quindil slackens off just a touch, no need to accidently send an arrow hurtling towards his teammates.  His aim and gaze remains upon the cave.  He gives a quick glance around, to see if there's any cover near by that he could use.

Initiative:
Renoart: 22
Vespian: 20
Quindill: 16
Pello: 16
Erdthar: 5
Enemies: 4

Renoart stays huddled next to the cliff with his shield held over his head. He gives an odd glance to Pello at that gnome’s suggestion.

Vespian snatches up Pello the gnome and heads skyward toward the cave mouth. The two out pace Erdthar on his way up the cliff.

Quindill rolls out a bit further from the cliff, hiding himself in some bushes as he takes aim on the cave mouth from below.

Pello, flies with Vespian, readying his spells.

Erdthar reaches the cave mouth just after Vespian and Pello.

Looking into the cave: Vespian, Pello, Erdthar.
The three of you peer into the darkness, just in time to see the two dark humanoid forms of the assailants retreat further into the cave and into a small tunnel near the back. They have moved out of sight.

Pursuit from here will obviously lead you deeper into the mountain cave and tunnel system. 

Pello frowns as the two figures disappear from sight.

"Alright, just set me down on the ledge." he says slightly disappointed.

Erdthar climbs into the cave, and unstraps his axe from his back.  Without a word to his companions, except a nod and a grunt, he chases the shawos into the cave.

OOC:
Move action to get the axe
Move action (60 feet) to follow the retreating humanoids.

Quindil watches his comrades disappear into the cave entance.

OOC: I really should invest in some climb skill points

He puts his bow away, for now, and surveys the area where Erdthar went up.

"Right then,," Place Pello on the ledge and waits for the others to catch up. "I understand that it is the right thing to do to follow theses vermin down,, but yet, I ask, and the answer does not influence my choice of action," She asks, "What profit do we find in this endevor?"

"Well, on the spot of the moment, I merely wanted to burn their ass for attacking us. Revenge and all that." Pello sides as he strides over to the ledge and looks down.

"Though, with that having failed, I guess it makes sense taking them out so they can't try springing an attack on us again." he shrugs "And they might have some loot. Say, do you have a rope?"

OoC: Climb Dc:20 (15 rock face +5 slippery)

With rope DC:10 (5 rock face with rope +5 slippery)

Initiative:
Vespian: 20
Quindill: 16
Pello: 16
Erdthar: 5
Enemies: 4

From atop the ledge just outside of the cave Vespian and Pello look down upon Quindill as Erdthar heads off toward the dark corridor near the back of the cave.

Vespian ponders the thought of following after the attackers as she converses with Pello.

Quindill, on the ground, looks for a fast way up.

Pello adds his two bits to the conversation as he queries Vespian for a rope.

Erdthar vanishes into the darkness at the back of the cave.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:08, Tue 15 Aug 2006.

Erthar focuses ahead - looking for any signs of his quarry.

Erdthar remains out of sight after heading into the dark tunnel near the back of the cave while Vespian, Pello, and Quindill work on getting Quindill up the cliff.

Erdthar slowly backs away.

"Standard issue 50 foot, will it help any?" She looks down at the others. "As long as we seem to be forever doomed to adventuring amongst mountains,, remind me at the next town to buy a few humdred feet more." She hands her coile of rope to Pello.

Pello accepts the rope, and looks down, trying to gauge the distance to the ground.

"I was just thinking we might give Quindil a helping hand.. well.. rope."

Pello diverts his eyes to Vespian

"Actually, why don't you help Quindil, then I'll begin trotting after Erd. You'll easily be able to catch up with me, with those longer legs of yours, and who knows; the big guy might be getting in trouble."

"True, he may be in trouble, and that questions how you will be of help getting him out of it,, You are of more talent to exacerbate a situation  then to resolve it." She looks down the cliff, "I am so blind without my lenses,,, really, is this going to be long enough? Se  this is why it is just not easy being me,, I am so misunderstood, sure, I could pick a form big enough to carry him, but then what would I do for clothes? Do tyou think I enjoy trading  a Lamghorge Original for a canvas Moo-Moo? " She takes ten to tie of the roep and drop it down.

Jogging down the corridor, Pello answers over his shoulder, "You'll do fine, sweetheart. I wouldn't trust anyone else to do as well as you."

Quindil watches the work up on the cliff top, hoping that the rope is long enough.

Vespian drops the rope down to Quindill. The rope falls all the way to the ground giving Quindill an easy way up.

It takes Quindill a moment but after a couple failed attempts he steps back, takes a breath and tries again. Finally he makes it.

Pello runs into the darkness after Erdthar.  As he rounds the corner his vision starts to fade, the light from the cave entrance slowly disappears behind him leaving him in the darkness. Up ahead he can hear the signs of clanging steel.


Ahead and out of sight Erdthar takes on the two assailants. Erdthar swings in hard with his mighty double axe, the steel head crashes into the first enemies breastplate, forming a large gash that penetrates through to flesh dropping the enemy, dead. Erdthar has to tug hard in order to get his axe free from the breastplate.

The remaining enemy swings out with his curved blade sword. He swings high as Erdthar ducks low, the blade misses.

Initiative:
Vespian: 20
Quindill: 16
Pello: 16
Erdthar: 5
Enemies: 4



Enemies:
AC: 17
HP: 15

Hearing the crash of steel ahead, Pello briefly considers lobbing a fireball into the darkness. Then he changes his mind. Erd probably wouldn't like it.

Instead, he quickly steps back around the corner, and picks up a stone. Waving his hand over it in a mystical, wavy manner, he whispers the word "Pyros".

A small flickering flame starts dancing from the surface of the stone. Though the flame is no larger than that of a candle, surprisingly it provides just as much illumination as one might expect from a torch.

Erdthar swings again, aiming at the second opponent and missing.

"Sweetheart? Sweetheart?" She exasperatess, How about "Sweet Goddes of my life and all I hold dear?!" Her fingers form to razor sharp claws and back again, "I am the only heart you better be sweet on little mister," She then mentally picks up on the emotipmal rage around her, "Oh, Battle Damn ,, I am so not prepared, don't even have my good shoes." Powerflying through the Chasm, "I'm coming Grimmy!!!"

Use turn to talk Smack and fly to Erdthar's position
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Mon 21 Aug 2006.

As Vespian swoops over his head, Pello smiles and looks up, "And that is why I looove redheads."

"About time."
Quindil draws his sword, and plays follow the leader, all the way to Erdth.
"Been too long since I spilled blood!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:56, Tue 22 Aug 2006.

16:56, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 22 using 1d20+12. Spot.
16:56, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Ini.

 Initiative:
Vespian: 20
Quindill: 16
Pello: 16
Erdthar: 5
Enemies: 4

Enemies:
AC: 17
HP: 15

Vespian and Pello are the first to arrive on the seen, but Quindill is not too far behind.  The tunnel starts to get cramped as the crowd comes to a halt,meeting with Erdthar.

Meanwhile. Erdthar battles viciously with what appears to be the last remaining Orc-like enemy.

Erdthar’s swing goes high and wide. The enemy counters with a chop to the lower mid section. Coming down hard and fast with his sword, but the blade misses.


Tunnel Description: The corridor is approximately 8’ wide and carved of natural stone the ceiling hangs low at about 6-7 feet in most places. The tunnel slowly gains in elevation as you proceed on. Water drips here and there from the ceiling as snows high on the mountains melt and trickle their way down through the earth. Every once and again a drop will fall and hit your skin, when it does; a cold rush runs over you as the near freezing water trickles down your back.

Erd swings again, putting some major hurt on the jerkwad.

02:36, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 14 using 1d8+13. Damage with PA 3.
02:36, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Attack with PA3.

Stepping around the bend again, Pello's stone casts light upon the scene before him.

Seeing Erdthar miss his foe, Pello prepares to cast a spell, but then hesitates, to see if Vespian or Quindil might slay it first.

Vespian takes note of the scene and halts, out of the way of Quindil's aim. "After you boys, this one does not appear to need a Lady's touch.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 9 using 1d20+6. Attack Roll, Longsword.

Quindil's swing misses completely.

"We might need some help, Vesp.", Quindil says, only half joking.

Initiative:
Vespian: 20
Quindill: 16
Erdthar: 5
Pello: 16 4 (Delayed)
Enemies: 4

Enemies:
AC: 17
HP: Dead

Vespian steps aside to let the crazed elf barbarian by…

Quindill strides past Vespian and swings hard with his longblade, the strikes goes wide, missing its mark.

Erdthar’s swing follows close behind Quindill’s. Using the elf’s attack as a distraction, Erdthar finds an opening and nearly cleaves the enemy in half. The enemy hangs on to life by a thread.

Pello, holds off with his attack until the others have shown their might, seeing that they could not handle his light work, Pello sets out to flame up the Orc-like creature. Then suddenly a blazing ball of fire erupts beneath the Enemy, fully consuming him and nearly Erdthar in the blaze.


The party now stands in a naturally formed tunnel with two dead bodies lying on the floor and a quaint smoldering ball of fire, setting off a warm fuzzy feeling of comfort. A cool breeze flows from the North tunnel; obviously there is an exit or at least an opening somewhere up that tunnel. The tunnel to the South, where the two creatures went to hide, looks to dead end.


OoC: You have two choices on your next route: Follow the tunnels or go back out side and up the waterfall. You could also inspect the dead bodies …. Hint…hint

Erdthar scouts around the immediate area for signs of a camp or a lair.

Pello walks over, and looks down disdainfully at the bloody charred remains.

"So.. Who wants to loot these fellas?"

Share and share alike right?" Vespian rummages through the remains.
21:46, Today: Vespian St.Brandi rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Search.

Vespian begins to rummage through the enemy remains. She gets a good look at them as she does. It is easy to see their Orc heritage, but these creatures are not pure Orc. It takes Vespian but a moment to realize their true nature, she can smell their blood, and it smells much like her own. These Orc’s are part Fiend, just as her.

She continues to search the bodies. Tucked away in a small breast pocket of one of the fiends she finds a small golden key. The key is about 2 inches long with many groves and teeth; the key is topped with an ornate “B”. The “B” is golden and looks to at one time have been set with small diamonds, the diamonds have since been scavenged or lost, but the golden “B” remains.
She also finds two longswords, each one of standard make, the fiends do not seem to be carrying any loot, other than the key.

As Vespian searches the bodies, Erdthar sets out looking for any signs of tracks or possibly a lair close by. He searches the small alcove that the enemies hid in first. There he finds the enemies’ discarded Long bows, but nothing else. Then looking closely to the ground in the Northern hall, he finds multiple sets of tracks, some head deeper into the mountain and others head toward the cave mouth. They appear to be from this same sort of creature, perhaps it is patrol groups. No signs of a liar close by can be seen, just the tracks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:26, Sat 26 Aug 2006.

Quindil inspects the bodies.

"Interesting looking bastard.  What's his problem?"

"Tracks leading deeper into the mountain."  The big orc informs.  "Want to climb, or follow them?"

"Well tehre yoou go, Two swords and an ornamental key, I wonder if tis the type that summons an interdimensional trunk or maybe uncovers a secret door?" She looks over at Pello, Got any identify magic or is it all invested in blowing things up?"

"Is it all invested in blowing things up?" Pello mimicks, and then shakes his head, "Frankly my dear, I hope you just think I'm all about setting things on fire. I do have other spells."

He pauses.

"Uhm.. but none of those are about identifying magic. I'll get a couple of those tomorrow."

"Well then, I believe a logical point of action would be to follow the escapees and kill them before they can alert others; however, each time we have pursued that strategy in the past, we got screwed, so I vote for more climbing.

Pello looks into the darkness ahead.

"Well, I seem to remember that you guys usually decide to give pursuit after a major fight, where all our resources have been more or less used up. But this fight was a pushover. We've got more than enough brawn and spells to take on anything ahead, even if it might be an ambush."

The gnome props his hands on his hips, and turns around.

"And consider this; the tunnel leads farther into the mountains. So they'll be running right under our feet. Which means that whoever these guys are, they might decide to hit us again. At least down here, they can only attack us from one direction, without the benefit of height and neat hidey holes."

OoC: so what is the plan? Climb, or dive deeper into the caves?

Deeper into the caves the adventurers go.

Pello provides light for those that cannot see.

The tunnel twists and turns its way higher and higher, always gaining in elevation.

Erdthar has an easy time following the tracks. They seem to go on for miles and miles.  Erdthar takes the lead tracking through the darkness.

The group travels upward through the caves for what seems like eternity, when the cave starts to widen and flatten out. Erdthar halts the progress when he sees a flickering light up ahead, what seems to be the flickering of either a torch or a small campfire.  A slight tinge of smoke travels through the corridor as an orange glow bounces off the walls.

The flickering lights are a ways ahead. As you approach closer you can here bestial like voices near the light source.

"Okay, guys. Wait here and I'll check out their defences."

Pulling a chunk of gum arabic from his component pouch, Pello mutters a few words, and makes a deliberate gesture, and then disappears.

Quindil draws his sword and dagger, and melts into the darkness of the tunnel (Hiding against the wall)
Just in case the pyro has to make a hasty retreat.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Hide Check.

Of course, they prolly have dark vision...

OOC: Oh ya. And I most certainly left the light stone behind.

Pello vanishes before your eyes as Quindil backs into the shadows, weapons drawn.

After what seems no more than half a minute, Pello's hushed voice urgently advices.

"Okay, everybody hide. There are two more comming around the corner."

Pello’s voices comes out of nowhere, as the invisible gnome moves back against the wall.

With Pello’s warning Erdthar, Vespian and Quindil all back into the shadows as they ready their weapons. (Hide rolls: Vespian: 9. Erdthar: 17. Quindil already rolled his: 19)

As the group ducks into hiding two of the Orc-like sentries start to round the corner. The two converse with each other, seemingly joking and giving one another a hard time. The two Orc-like creatures get just past the hidden adventures, when they turn and draw their weapons.

”SHOW YOURSELVES!” One of them barks in a broken form of common.




OoC: initiatives please.
Enemy Spot: 23 All are seen. Except the invisible Pello
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:26, Sat 02 Sept 2006.

Initiative: 14

Erdthar steps out into the corridor, axe at the ready and grin on his face.

08:28, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Quindil Liahstia rolled 17 using 1d20+3

Quindil Liahstia rolled 21 using 1d20+4. dagger
Quindil Liahstia rolled 18 using 1d20+4. ls atk.
Quindil Liahstia rolled 1 using 1d4. dgr dmg.
Quindil Liahstia rolled 6 using 1d8+1. ls dmg.   

Quindil swings out and connects with both of his blades.

Recognizing the bottleneck in the cave formations, Vesp lets the fighters make their way to the front.

Initiative:
Vespian: 23
Quindil: 17
Erdthar: 16
Pello: 14
Enemies: 9

Enemy Stats: AC: 16 HP 15


OoC: You guys all won Initiative. So go! :)

A light shuffle sounds from the approximate direction of Pello.

Vespian cast Doom, Will Save 14 on the Orc on the West wall,

00:07, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 9 using 1d8+2. Damage 2.
00:07, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 11 using 1d8+5. Damage 1.
00:07, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Axe 2.
00:07, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 13 using 1d20+9. Axe 1.

Initiative:
Vespian: 23
Quindil: 17
Erdthar: 16
Pello: 14
Enemies: 9

Enemy Stats: AC: 16 HP 15
O1: 8/15hp
O2: Doomed(-2 atk, dmg, saves, ability checks, skills) 4/15hp

The sound of battle begins to ring out as Quindil lashes out with his attacks.

Meanwhile Vespian works up an incantation.

Erdthar moves forward and swings his axe. He connects with on of his hits.

Pello remains unseen.

The evil orc creature upon Quindil lashes out with his large two handed sword.  His blade cuts deep into Quindil’s flesh (21 hit -11hp)

The orc-like creature before Erdthar also swings his large sword high. His swing connects with Erdthar square in the chest  (24hit -6hp  Doom already subtracted)


Sorry no map update :(

23:23, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 3 using 1d8+2. Damage 2.
23:22, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 16 using 1d20+9. Attack 2.
23:22, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 12 using 1d8+5. Damage 1.
23:22, Today: Erdthar Grimear rolled 24 using 1d20+9. Attack 1.