Shirok finally nodded in agreement with the others. Going without rest would accomplish nothing except tire them unnecessarily; save for the tiny creatures, most of the other potential enemies in these woods were already dead. He looked around, aiding the search for a dry spot to make camp.

The band decides to rest for the remainder of the night on the edge of the strange bog.  Feeling that the worst of the trials are behind them, they spend the night without assigning strict watch-duties.  In hindsight, this was a terrible error as nothing in this realm is truly what it seems.

20:06, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Stan Fetchin, rolled 5 using 1d20+2. listen.
20:06, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Shirok Rezkala, rolled 11 using 1d20+7. listen.
20:05, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roth Daos, rolled 14 using 1d20+4. listen.
20:05, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck, rolled 10 using 1d20+3. listen.
20:05, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Neya, rolled 11 using 1d20+5. listen.
20:05, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ilsa Redeye, rolled 12 using 1d20. listen.
20:05, Today: Garret Nachtbrise rolled 10 using 1d20+5. listen.

Nearly the entire party—everyone except Stan—are abruptly awakened or brought to attention by the sounds of something approaching their camp!  By the sounds, it is something big and lumbering, traveling not-so-quietly across the river.  The adventurers scramble to their feet and grab for their weapons, confused but not taking any chances.
Ilsa grabs her sword and scouts ahead, looking to discover the source of the racket.  Her darkvision serves her this night, and she is able to see the form of a large furry mass swimming across the stream.  It is large and powerful, easily tearing through the strong currents of the river dividing the forest from the swamp.  Whatever it is, it is coming straight for them, and fast!

20:12, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Stan Fetchin, rolled 33 using 1d100. %change awake (1-20).
20:12, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Shirok Rezkala, rolled 8 using 1d100. %change awake (1-20).
20:11, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roth Daos, rolled 55 using 1d100. %change awake (1-20).
20:11, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck, rolled 3 using 1d100. %change awake (1-20).
20:11, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ilsa Redeye, rolled 54 using 1d100. %change awake (1-20).
20:11, Today: Garret Nachtbrise rolled 43 using 1d100. %change awake (1-20).

Please roll initiatives
Everyone is awake except Stan.  The only ones awake at the time the noise was heard are Shirok and Porto, and only they may choose to have their armor on; unless you slept in your armor and thus incur the appropriate penalties.

"Here kitty, kitty," Ilsa said with a smile that revealed her white teeth and bloody gums. She was dressed only in her sweat-stained underclothes and didn't even bother putting on her boots before venturing forth. Armed with only her great sword, her muscles were taut with anticipation of the fight to come.

22:25, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

Porto is up and ready at the sound of a lumbering beast, he quickly puts on his armor and runs over to kick Stan awake. Get up man, giant, scary, get the picture. Porto then begins a tune to lift the spirits.

Move: Wake Stan
Standard:Inspire Courage

13:18, Today: Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck rolled 10 using 1d20+3. init.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Tue 10 Aug 2010.

Neya's eyes snapped open, and the wolf was on her feet just as Shirok turned towards the thing approaching them from the water. Tiger. Possible he just wanted to talk. And possible he intended to end their interference. No time to think, only time to decide.

The butt of Shirok's spear slammed into the ground, and a dark green light flashed somewhere beneath the water, a mere instant before a crocodile rose up from the waves and lashed out at the furry attacker.

Shirok has Init 14, Neya has Init 18.
Shirok casts Summon Nature's Ally II for a Crocodile, appearing in the river.
Neya readies an attack against Tiger(?) should he come up on shore with violent intent.

Crocodile attacks the enemy with a bite. Atk 17, Dmg 11. If bite hits, free grapple attempt of 11.

22:46, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 14,18 using 1d20+0,1d20+2. Shirok/Neya Init.
22:48, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 17,11,11 using 1d20+8,1d8+8,1d20+8. Croc Atk/Dmg/Grap.

Roth was quick to wake but slow to his feet as the swamp and these cursed woods took their toll on him.  It had been seemingly ages since he last bathed, changed his clothes, or even removed his studded armor--but fortunately that armor weighed less on his state than the potential for swamp foot.  The elf was quick to arm himself, grabbing both the knight's blade from the ground near where he slept and a dagger from his belt before he attempted to slip unnoticed into what little brush he could find to observe the happenings.

00:12, Today: Roth Daos rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Move Silently.
00:11, Today: Roth Daos rolled 10 using 1d20+8. Hide.
00:11, Today: Roth Daos rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Init.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Wed 11 Aug 2010.

"I just want to get a good night's sleep!" Stan woke up angrily, grabbing at Porto but missing in his frustration.

He was not even sure where he was, but he knew it had been a long time since he had gotten a full rest. It wasn't just beauty sleep. Without that time, he couldn't memorize new bits of arcana. And without magic, he was a liability.

"For devil's sake, can't we just get a nice room at a nice inn?"

Stan waited until he could see the form of the approaching monster and then fired a necromantic spell in its direction.

Assuming I'm awake,
Move: Stand up
Standard: Blindness/deafness at the thing. edit: Blindness version
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Wed 11 Aug 2010.

Round 1

Neya stands ready on the bank of the river, baying threateningly at the approaching creature.  Although everyone in the group assumed it was the tiger, Neya unmistakably recalled the beast’s scent: Bear.

Garret rose with the others and at the first signs of a possible approaching altercation, the cleric bestowed a prayer over his allies.  Faint rays of light radiate out from his, chasing away the darkness momentarily, and their fears.  Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects

Roth grabs his equipment and slips out of sight.

As the creature nears the shore, its massive paws touch the bottom of the river, granting it traction and strengthening its speed.  As it nears those standing on the shore the nearest of them can make out the monster’s form more clearly.  They look on in various states of confusion as Bear rises from the waters and charges them!  Neya meets that charge, but is unable to stop it.  Bear smashes its heavy claws atop Neya’s head with such power it is amazing that the wolf is still alive and willing to combat.

Shirok focuses on summoning an additional ally to aid them.  The form of a river crocodile begins to take shape just under the surface of the water.

Chubbs rushes over to wake Stan, feeling they need a wizard’s might in order to overcome this newest challenge.  He kicks the man hard in the ribs, but not so hard as to injure his friend.  Satisfied in his work, he begins to sing a ballad to inspire courage.  +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Stan awakes and even before witnessing the combat on the shore, invokes his most potent necromancy spell.  As skilled as the young wizard is, Bear seems to have resisted.

Ilsa moves in to attack and defend Neya, as well as the other members of her party.  Her preliminary attack isn’t bad, but fails to cut through the raging animal’s incredibly thick hide.

Porto decides to add to there numbers by summoning his own celestial friend. But this may take more than just a dogs bite. He decides to summon one of his scarier and admittedly darker ally. A monstrous spider seams to appear out of black light and attacks the giant bear, trying to inject it with it's venom.

Full-Round Action: Summon Monster I
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Fri 13 Aug 2010.

"Didn't we kill you once?" Ilsa asked of Bear as she maneuvered around to put herself opposite the crocodile. Knowing she was vulnerable, she threw herself at the bear, screaming and swinging her sword wildly.

Rage (unless, of course, the thing is already dead by the time it gets to her initiative).
09:54, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 30,29 using 1d20+10,2d6+17. Power Attack -4, Flank +2, Rage +2.
09:54, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 19,22 using 1d20+10,2d6+17. Crit check.

29 or 51 damage. I hope it wasn't dead. :D

---

GM Edit
attack = 1d20+15 (-4 PA = 11)
confirmation = 20
damage = 2d6+19 (Ilsa rolled MAX {31} x2=62 points damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Sun 15 Aug 2010.

Neya yelped in pain as Bear's claws ripped across her head, leaving bloody gouges. She quickly turned the yelp to a snarl as she lashed out in response, Shirok beside her and the crocodile rising from the banks of the river to surround the massive creature.

Shirok attacks. (Atk 16, Dmg 6)
Neya attacks. (Atk 29, Dmg 11, Trip 11)
Croc attacks. (Atk 19, Dmg 16, Grapple 18)

21:04, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 16,6 using 1d20+6,1d8+2. Shirok Atk/Dmg.
21:03, Today: Neya rolled 29,11,11 using 1d20+12,1d8+10,1d20+10. Neya Atk/Dmg/Trip.
21:01, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 19,16,18 using 1d20+8,1d8+8,1d20+8. Croc Atk/Dmg/Grap.

Hoping that the bear is unaware of him, Roth watches for an opening in its defenses and the building fray before flinging his dagger at the beast.

22:09, Today: Roth Daos rolled 8 using 2d6. Sneak Attack?.
22:08, Today: Roth Daos rolled 21,3 using d20+8,1d4+2. Attack/Damage.
-2 Attack for every 10' away, +1 Attack and Damage if within 30'

Neya bites the bear, sinking her canines deep into its hide!  She jerks violently in an attempt to trip and bring the monstrous bear down, but is unable to best its sheer strength.

Garret moves in closer, behind Neya.  He offers another prayer and touches the injured wolf.  The wound begins to close.

Roth, feeling sufficiently hidden and out of the bear’s line of sight, expertly throws his dagger into the animal’s side!  The power and accuracy of the attack is exceptional and would undoubtedly have killed a lesser creature.

Now enraged at being bitten and stung, the Bear focuses its fury upon the closest creature to it: Neya.  It slams its powerful paws down upon her head again, each paw complete with multiple dagger-sized claws.  Bear also returns Neya’s bite with one of its own!  By the end of the assault, it appears as if Neya has gone through a meat grinder—and is a miracle in itself that she is still alive; but for how much longer?

Shirok stabs at Bear, but is unable to puncture its thick hide.  The summoned crocodile also lashes out violently, but is also unable to defeat the Bear’s considerable defenses.

Chubbs abruptly ceases his song in lieu of his own summoning spell.  A small pin-point of light appears on the riverbank, in line with the fighting.  The light grows and grows, taking the shape of a medium-sized spider, and one that appears infernal by nature.

Exhausted and sleep deprived, Stan hesitates.

Ilsa gives her next attack everything she’s got.  The attack isn’t overly pretty, but it is effective.  He buries her blade deep into the raging animal’s body, raking its sharpened edge across its chest as she removes it.  The blow is awesome; but now good enough to drop Bear of the Hundred Acers Wood.

Porto sees the mighty blow inflicted on the bear. If that thing could survive that and still dish out punishment... Porto casts another spell hoping to keep the bear from killing Neya.

Standard Action:Cast Flare

Garret's heart skips a beat as Bear tears into Neya as if she were a stuffed animal.  He grits his teeth and offers up one of his most powerful healing prayers.

Cast Cure Critical Wounds

14:23, Today: Garret Nachtbrise rolled 29 using 4d8+10. cure critical wounds (Neya).

Shirok, normally silent in battle, suddenly roared in anger and pain as Neya once more howled in agony, the massive bear ripping through her easily. She nearly fell back, nearly retreated from the monstrous bear before the priest-man's words reached her ears, a sudden warmth spilling across her body as wounds closed and blood dried.

It was all the strength she needed to try and dig her claws deep into the thing's hide, sink her teeth into its neck as the crocodile behind it rapidly turned and slammed its tail hard into the thing's side, the point of Shirok's spear seeking flesh.

Adding +2 to everyone for flanking; I'm sure we have Bear pretty much surrounded by now.

Croc attacks with tail slap. Natural 20, crit confirm is natural 20. Dmg rolls are 12, 15.
Neya attacks. Atk 24, Dmg 15, Trip 15.
Shirok attacks. Atk 13, Dmg 4.

22:35, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 13,4 using 1d20+8,1d8+2. Shirok Atk/Dmg.
22:35, Today: Neya rolled 24,15,15 using 1d20+14,1d8+10,1d20+10. Neya Atk/Dmg/Trip.
22:33, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 30,15 using 1d20+10,1d12+8. Croc crit confirm/dmg.
22:32, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 30,12 using 1d20+10,1d12+8. Croc Atk/Dmg.

"Attack me, you coward!" Ilsa screeched as she continued to lay into the bear. Her sword once again cut its thick hide and cut through fur and muscle.

20:27, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 28,24 using 1d20+11,2d6+18. PA -4, Flank +2, Rage +2, +1 Morale.
24 damage

Stan remained huddled in a mess on the ground. He was in no state to contribute to the fight.

Round 3

Neya lunges forward, hell bend on reciprocating the crushing blows she has received.  Her attack isn’t as powerful but it is equally devastating.  She tears through the Bear’s hide and rips out a mouthful of fleshy bits.  The Bear issues another defiant roar before slumping to the ground in a lifeless heap.

I suggest that we find a way out of this hell hole before that bear comes back. Porto says not wanting to push his luck with another encounter from the bear. And was it just me or did that bear seam bigger?

Not ready to relinquish her rage, Ilsa continued to hack and crush the bear's corpse until she and the immediate area was thoroughly splattered in blood. She separated its head and limbs, she cut open its gut and pulled out the organs. She stomped on its ribcage and pulled out its heart. Then began eating it, of course.

"I do not think the bear will be coming back," Shirok replied calmly as he quickly moved over to Neya's side, putting a hand upon her head as the wolf tried to brush some of the blood out of her eyes.

"I suggest we return to the circle," he said after Ilsa had calmed down from her rage. "We have Criss take us to the center of this place. One way or another, it seems to be the only way to leave without risking more deaths."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:45, Thu 19 Aug 2010.

Stan rested his head in his folded arms. He wasn't crying or doing anything pathetic. He merely wanted to sleep.

Sleep.

Stan raised his head and looked at the aftermath of the battle.

"I have exactly one spell left. This dweomer has a dubious history - it originally was a means of luring the more comely apprentices home from parties. The spell's chief function is to lower someone's mental faculties for upwards of ten minutes.

"I, of course, can make the effect last for nearly an hour. I tell you all this not to brag, nor to cast shame upon my fellow mages, but for one simple reason:

"If anyone wakes me up before I'm good and ready, I will personally ensure he or she acts like a beast for more than enough time to regret it. Ilsa, you'd be better off slitting my throat as I snore and, frankly, I might not mind.

Point is, you all have five minutes to decide where we are camping next. And then I am going to sleep. Good. Night. Sirs."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Mon 16 Aug 2010.

Roth frowns as he watches Ilsa tear into the bear's corpse, not because he disagrees but because it does in fact seem to be the best thing to do--and that just isn't right.  Snapping to, the elf turns to Stan and--disregarding the mage's assertion--extends his hand.  "Stan--let me see your wand."

After she calmed down, Ilsa tossed the remaining bear heart to Neya. "Eat up. Make you strong," she said. Still covered in blood, especially her mouth, she dragged herself over to where she had bedded down and collapsed. "I won't slit your throat," she mumbled to Stan. "I kill the others first." Within minutes, she was snoring.