The ancient city of Skyway was built on the banks of the Dagger River.  Originally it was a small village of fishermen, and over time they built a series of dams and levees to raise and lower the water level in order to greatly increase their fishing exports.  Coincidentally, their position along the river made the city the primary spot to ford the river in order to establish trade routes to the towns to the west.  The increased business and the increased merchant traffic allowed the city to prosper dramatically over the last 300 years.
The last war (circa ER 824) all but destroyed the Empire, and allowed several of the southern kingdoms to succeed into quasi-sovereignty.  The people of Daggerford quickly formed a government structure and appointed a city council.  Through the direction of that city council, the city made leaps and bounds towards becoming a serious power within the Sässeriné Province. The council began collecting taxes and launched a series of building projects that expanded the city from its small town status to the booming metropolis that it now is.
They built around the older city, leaving the inner city for the lower classes.  A devastating flood occurred and destroyed many of the mansions and upper class homes surrounding the city.  The event caused many of the nobles to relocate to Kant, the Province capital city, and Daggerford lost a lot of political influence.  A gnome council member, engineer and architect (Nikomachus Glittergleam) revealed to the council a plan to regain the lost influence, and potentially surpass that of Kant.
They changed the name of the city to Skyway City after the completion of the Skyway Project (circa ER 904) which allowed the construction of large platforms and floating towers to make use of the sky above the flood plain.  Exactly how the city’s architects are able to perform such a supernatural feat is kept a closely guarded secret; however it has worked flawlessly for nearly 150 years.
Well, until today…

---

All of you have entered the city and have been staying here for a little while.  You are all going about your businesses, seeking out a wizard contact, seeking the line of an ancient noble house, or simply evading authorities when you all happen upon each other on the street.  A street performer is currently engaged in a show and is performing magic tricks, telling jokes, and getting most of the crowd fully involved.  Roth doesn’t seem to be too impressed with the man’s theatrics; however Abigail, Ilsa, Shirok, Bornegar, Aigol and Stan are genuinely enjoying the show.
During the performance, you are all taken by surprise as a tremendous thunderclap reverberates through the crowded streets!  People begin running around screaming and confusion grips the streets.  You all hear people shouting that a tower as fallen from the sky and that more could fall.  From your positions you are unable to see any destruction, but you all felt the shockwave that followed its apparent collapse.  Pandemonium takes to the streets and people try to flee the platforms and get out from under other towers.
Curiosity gets the better of you, and you all race to see the collapsed tower for yourselves.  You find yourselves alone on a deserted platform overlooking the fallen tower.  From this height you can see many figures running about in the smoke and dust clouds in Godsgate below.

What do you all do now?

Abigail looks down, slightly in shock.  She's seen trees as big around as a house fall over, but nothing quite like this.  Both Abigail, and her eagle, Thorondor stare down at the fallen section with pity, and wonder.  She then turns towards Roth, and asks,

There are going to be many guards soon, aren't there Roth?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Mon 23 Feb 2009.

Roth, a shortish elf with black hair, inconspicuous dress and a green cape, stares dumbfounded at the sight before him.  He steps forward, stands a bit too close to the edge, and looks down at the destruction below--or what he can see of it through the clouds.  He shakes his head in amazement, still trying to suppress the horrible thought of how many people must have died in the collapse as he works up the will to pull himself away from the edge.  Roth looks at the others who have gathered here, but turns to his recent companion and suggests, "Abigail ... maybe we shouldn't be here.  I'm not worried about the guards ... but the structure of this platform with its neighbor gone."

All Ilsa could do was smirk at the wreckage. She snorted and said to her companions, "I hate cities." Looking around, she debated whether or not to start looting, but couldn't think of anything she really needed and pilfering the possessions of the dead wasn't much fun. But she kept heer eye out for any would-be looters--stealing from them would be much more satisfying. "Can't even sack it. This one sacked itself."

While Abigail was no longer looking down at the wreckage below, she could still hear the cries of pain roaring up from the fallen plate.  She gave a slight shudder, and the sound of her hair as it swayed was not unlike the faint rustle of leaves on a tree during a sudden gust of wind.

I know nothing of structure, or buildings Roth.  If it may be dangerous, than we should leave.

She then leans in close, and whispers,

What does "sacked" mean?

"Not again!," Mouth agape, Stan stared incredulously at the fallen tower. Is destruction going to follow me everywhere I go?, he wondered.


"Aigol, we need to find out what's going on here. Enchantments like this don't usually just fail on their own. If nothing else, the wand should give us some information."

Stan indicated the crystal-tipped wand that he used for detecting magical auras.

"The rest of you, I can't tell you what to do, but personally I'm going to go see if there's anyone alive down there who needs help."

Shirok sighed at the carnage below. There was no honor in such deaths, not even a fighting chance. Nothing but pointless death.

He glanced up at the man's words, shaking his head slightly. "There is nothing we can do for those below that those down there cannot, if they would even accept our help. Nor is there honor in taking from such a place," he said with a meaningful glance at Ilsa. "We should move on, finish our business as quickly as possible. These structures are not natural; it is no wonder they begin to fade, and I do not wish to be caught in such a fall."

Neya whined slightly as she stood at the edge of the drop, the shaggy wolf looking down with sad eyes.

OOC: Edited slightly.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Tue 24 Feb 2009.

Stunned by the horror of what he was seeing Aigol barely heard what Stan was saying.  At hearing the word help though he came back to his senses.

"I'm with you Stan lets go see if we can do any good"

Aigol began looking around trying to figure out the fastest way down
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Tue 24 Feb 2009.

Roth eyes the half-orc woman and whispers back to Abigail, "Sacking is to loot, burn, pillage, and destroy someone's home.  Watch your back around a hateful barbarian like that."

He then turns to the mages and asks, "What do you mean 'not again?'  Have you seen this happen before?  Do you know something about the magics keeping these things floating?  Is this platform safe?"

I'll let Thorondor do the watching.

Abigail said as she scratched her eagle affectionately behind the ear.

Ilsa grunted her agreement with Shirok. She clenched her fists and cracked her knuckles. "What say you, singer?" she asked Bornegar. He was all right, as humans go, but she couldn't help but size him up with her blood-filled eye, wondering how good he was with the sword he carried.

Stan wanted to tell the half-orc he was wrong, that there was something the party could do to aid the injured. But his common sense told him that Shirok was right.

"This one is right. There is nothing we can do. I just wish - nevermind."

The apprentice wizard next addressed the young elf-lad. "I can assure you, young master Roth, that I have nowhere near the level of expertise required to evaluate the safety of this platform. All the more reason to vacate it."

As you all stand on the platform overlooking the fallen tower, you all focus on the clamor below.  You can hear the calls for assistance from those helping others; you can hear the shouts from guards demanding discipline and order.  None of this appears to have anything to do with your reasons for being here, but perhaps these events are of no coincidence or happenstance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:23, Tue 24 Feb 2009.

Bornegar stands looking out towards the wreckage of the fallen tower, Hmm... a test of strength, endurance and benevolent character!, concluding his thoughts he turns to his half-orc companion,
"Aye, Ilsa, I'd rather my feet were upon solid ground but I feel we cannot stand idle when we can offer aid those who need it."
Bornegar pauses a moment before turning about, scanning for the fastest route to  the ruined tower.

"I'm with the big guy if I can even do a little I need to try.  If you want to check the stability of other platforms go for it Stan"  Aigol moved a bit closer to the edge and looked down.  Aigol stepped back though apparently deep in thought.  "Wait Stan maybe Kaele knows what is going on If he is powerful as we were led to believe surely he know how the platforms work"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Tue 24 Feb 2009.

Roth looks between the tall human, Abigail, and the mage insistent on helping the survivors.  His mind churning he speaks aloud, "If this person ... Kaele ...  might know what is going on, I'd like to meet him."  He then turns to Abigail and asks, "Do you think you could lend your help to the people down below?  Stick with the big guy and meet back at my place just outside Godsgate when you've done what you can?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Tue 24 Feb 2009.

"Why?" Ilsa asked Bornegar. These were not clansmen. They are not people in a position to give a boon. If she was trapped under a tower of rubble, she wouldn't expect help. But then, she could claw her way out a lot better than the humans and smaller races. Except maybe the dwarves. Seeing as he was likely to remain here and she would prefer not to dissolve their band, she sighed and consented. "If you do this, I will help."

Abigail took a step forward.  With her head in the clouds, and her fist clenched in triumph her voice swelled,

Yes Roth.  This is a perfect opportunity to liberate these people from the clutches of civilization, and what a perfect example of it's drawbacks to lead them by.

Abigail began heading quickly below.  Along the way she said something in a foreign language to the eagle on her shoulder.


Just then the eagle leapt from Abigail's shoulder, and started circling the air above the wreckage.

Shirok glanced up as the woman spoke to the eagle upon her shoulder, studying her with an appraising eye. He had not thought humans capable of being properly in tune with nature to that degree.

He looked over at Ilsa and Bornegar, finally nodding. "We shall offer our aid," he said, starting to descend towards the wreckage. "Though it is possible they shall deny it from Ilsa and myself." Neya followed at his heels as he headed for the wreckage.

Ilsa snorted and nodded her head. "If they refuse, then I shall leave them be." She smirked, praying that someone would refuse her aid. But she followed her compatriots and let them direct her efforts.

Yes, this is exactly the sort of thing about which we wanted to see Kaele. But, considering that he is a powerful wizard, I would expect him to show up here if he's anywhere nearby."

Stan began working his way down to the wreckage. At first he adopted a fast pace, eager to catch up to the other party members; Once he reached the pack he slowed to match their speed.

"If anyone is really hurt, don't move them. You might make it worse. Those of you with magical healing ability, try to triage intelligently."

It did not occur to Stan that most of the nature-born healers probably didn't know about triage.

The barbarians express their desire to help (or to simply go along with their companions), and the druid Abigail decides to accompany them.  They begin to make their way down toward the surface city, crossing bridges and transferring from one platform to another.  The city streets are still full of gawkers, onlookers, loud mouths, and rumor-spreaders.  As the group nears the surface, they are stopped by a small contingent of city guards and armored clerics wearing tabards bearing the Radiant Sun insignia of Pelor.
“Halt there,” one of the clerics cry out to them.  “We have been ordered by the council of Skyway to restrict this area.  At this time we are not accepting volunteers, or would-be do-gooder adventurers.  If you’d like to help, I’m afraid you’ll have to seek an audience with the council.”
The half-orc Ilsa smiles as the men attempt to turn them away…

---

The two wizards and Roth climb higher and higher into the city, looking for the enigmatic Kaele.  After a short time, Stan asks the rogue if he knows where he is going, or if he knows where to find Kaele.  Roth sheepishly admits that he doesn’t, but asks around and quickly finds the answers they need.
The trio head to the north-eastern side of the suspended city, and have no more trouble in locating the wizard’s home: another floating tower.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:42, Wed 25 Feb 2009.

The young elf places his hands upon his hip and leans back a little, looking the tower up and down.  With an approving nod he looks back to the other two and says, "Well, you people sure know how to pick 'em."  The lad steps towards them, wiping his hand on his pants and extending it, "The name's Roth.  Parents didn't know any Elven names."  He smiles charmingly and adds, "I'm an apprentice bookkeeper at the city library.  Nothing fancy like you mage sorts, mostly city records and whatnot."  After formal introductions have finished, Roth then looks back towards the tower and asks, "So, do you chant some arcane passwords ... or just knock?"

"Hello Roth I'm Aigol, A wandering Academic you could say. "  With a look of distaste at the extravagant tower Aigol added "Not all of us live quite so opulently,  But I suppose we should make our presence known"  Taking a look around Aigol tries to find if Kaele had any device to signal their arrival rather than a simple knock, His type usually did.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Thu 26 Feb 2009.

Abigail gives the guard a confused, and frustrated look.  She puts her hands on her hips, and addresses the guard.

You would deny those people aid?  For what purpose?  Is there something in there you don't want us to find?  And what if one of the other plates falls?  Wouldn't the safest place to be where the plate already fell, so there's no risk of being crushed beneath it?

Abigail waited impatiently for the guard's excuse.

Abigail, Bornegar, Ilsa, & Shirok:
One of the guards motions for the clerics to move past the checkpoint and further into Godsgate.  “We aren’t refusing aid to those involved in this catastrophe,” he replies to Abigail with a smile.  She finds his piercing, crystal clear blue eyes to be very intense and quite charming.  “The council simply doesn’t want anyone ill-equipped or without proper training to potentially hurt themselves or others trying to help.  The city guard and the priests of Pelor will be handling this situation.
“Besides, many of the towers and platforms move and drift.  If another one comes down, it’s going to be over Godsgate.  The more people we allow in directly impacts the potential victims in a future incident.”

---

Aigol, Roth, & Stan:
The building before you is a tower of polished black densewood.  Patterns of ivy have been carved into the wood and inlaid with silver.  A massive bugbear approaches your party from a side terrace; his deep red fur is oiled and brushed, and he wears a beautiful breastplate covered with black enamel.  His armor is marked with the same coat of arms that hangs above the door—a stylized silver dragon surrounded by an ivy wreath.  “Welcome to Silvervine,” he growls, his voice deep and resonant.  “Do you have an appointment?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:30, Thu 26 Feb 2009.

Shirok looked past the guards and after the clerics, further into the area they called Godsgate. They could argue their qualifications with this man all day; and it likely wouldn't get them any closer to the wounded people. Nor any closer to finishing their business.

"Then you can aid us with information," he said finally. They were guards, hopefully that meant they knew most of the locals. "We are looking for the family of Silvervine."

Isla shook her head. "It's because they don't trust outsiders," she said to the human druid. "They think you would steal from them." Of course, Ilsa would steal from them, but she wasn't heartbroken about the loss of life in the rubble before them.

She let Shirok do the talking to the guard, but kept an eye on him just in case he made any threatening moves. And she prayed he did.

"An appointment? Er, not exactly. We come concerning a matter of wizards."

Stan hoped that sounded official enough. He wasn't expecting much trouble, but wizards could get temperamental, and this was already a stressful day for city-dwellers.

"If your master cares to know, I am Apprentice Fetchin from Arcanus-Tirith in Kanton. I think you'll find Kaele quite interested."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Fri 27 Feb 2009.

Abigail, Bornegar, Ilsa, & Shirok:
The guard’s eyes squint at the mention of the family name.  “Silvervine,” he echoes, deep in thought.  He turns to another nearby guard, “Hey Brolan, does the name ‘Silvervine’ mean anything to you?  Wasn’t that the old name of the Ivy Tower?”
The other guard looks up form a thick bundle of parchment he had been writing on.  “Uh… yeah,” he replies but quickly returns his attention the paperwork.
With a nod the first guard says, “Go north along Upper River Street, and turn east two streets past The Iron Ingot.  You should see the tower around there.  It is about six stories tall and made of densewood.”

---

Aigol, Roth, & Stan:
“Hmmm,” the bugbear purrs in response to Stan’s answer and introduction.  “Excuse me,” he says as he begins to turn away as if to return up to his guard station.  After a quick moment of what looks like hesitation, he turns back around and addresses you all once more.
“Actually, follow me inside.”
Once inside, you find the interior to be as grand as the exterior.  Nearly everything is made (or perhaps grown?) from wood.  Much of the furniture appears to have grown directly out of the hardwood floorboards.  Seemingly natural ‘carvings’ of silver dragons, forests, and various fey creatures decorate almost everything.  The bugbear asks that you remain in the foyer as he disappears deeper into the tower.
After a short amount of time, he returns and leads you to a large sitting room where a regal elf waits.  Her glamerweave gown seems to be woven from dark silver smoke, and her long platinum blonde hair is bound with ornaments of silver and jet.  She stands in the center of the room, waiting for you to speak.

Roth stays fairly quiet at the bugbear's address and in the presence of supposedly Kaele, letting the mages do the talking.  He seems out of place somewhere so fancy, but is taking in the sights with an interest in the surroundings.

Aigol stepped forward trying to look the part of the mage he was

"You are Kaele I assume,  I am Aigol of Blikburg College Me and my companion have come to seek your wisdom on the topic of the destruction of Arcanus-Tirith but more urgently may I ask why one of your powers is not helping after the destruction of one of the floating platforms so similar to this one"

"Hmph, most rude to refuse aid offered freely. Anyway, we at least have a lead on our nobles now, if there is nought we can do here we should head there." Bornegar states, turning to his companions, then as afterthought adds,
"Will you accompany us Abigail or shall you wait for your friend?"

Abigail turned her head, and began looking up into the sky above the wreckage.

I'd rather not leave him among strangers.  He tends to get into trouble.  On the other hand, I have no idea how long it may take me to find him, and I can also get into misunderstandings when it comes to city folk.  I think it would be best if I were to stay with you for now.

Just then Abigail let a screech out into the air.  Moments later the large eagle she let loose beforehand came flying in from over the wreckage, and landed next to Abigail.  She scratched the eagle affectionately as it sit upon her shoulder.

If we're going to travel together, perhaps we should know something about each other.  My name is Abigail Leafwander, and this is my best friend, Thorondor.  I found him wounded in the woods after he was shot down by hunters.

Stan noted the intricate, home-grown furniture with approval. A most tasteful way for a wizard to decorate his or her abode.

Equally tasteful was the elf, though her gown struck Stan as a bit on the extravagant side. Charming as she was, Stan felt little attraction; he was quite spoken for. A guilty thought sprang up in his mind: How many lives had his attraction cost?

Aigol's words brought Stan's mind back to the present. The apprentice wizard smiled amusedly and whispered to Roth:

"I'll bet you five gold pieces that's not Kaele."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:55, Sat 28 Feb 2009.

"Ilsa," she said with a grunt. She stopped herself from saying anything more that might offend the human. If she could call an eagle friend then perhaps she wasn't so bad.

She directed her question to the other two. Though she should have known the answer, she didn't care enough to remember it. And she'd probably forget again. "Why we need to talk to Silvervane?"

"The letter we found, Ilsa," Shirok reminded her gently before turning to the human, nodding in response to her introduction.

"I am Shirok Rezka, and this is my spirit animal, Neya," he said, indicating the wolf standing at his side. The she-wolf stepped forward slightly, sniffing at Abigail. Neya looked up at her, golden eyes carefully studying the human before seeming to nod slightly, returning to Shirok's side.

"Oh." Ilsa thought about it. "What did it say?" She didn't read the letter herself, of course, so it's message didn't really stick with her.

"We did not open it," Shirok replied, turning away from the destruction and starting to head back into the city, following the directions given by the guard. "Come, let us deliver it and be done with the whole business. Abigail, you and Thorondor are welcome to accompany us until you can rejoin your companion."

"Indeed, we shall go at once. Though I forget myself," Bornegar turns to Abigail "I am Bornegar High-Peak of the Bear tribe, always an honour to meet one who respects the wilds and it's beasts." He adds with a nod to Thoronir.

Abigail, Bornegar, Ilsa, & Shirok:
You follow the guard’s directions and make your way up onto the floating city.  The streets have calmed down some since the tower fell, however you cannot get over the suspicion that another might fall—and one with you on it.  It is no surprise once you find the tower as it fits the guard’s description completely.  As you approach the floating tower, a big bugbear begins to make his way toward you.  He is wearing a polished breastplate and appears to be will groomed.
“It has proven to be a busy day at the Sivervine,” he booms.  “Have you an appointment?”

---

Aigol, Roth, & Stan:
The beautiful elf nods at Aigol and brings her hands together before her.  “Well met Aigol,” she replies, her features remaining serious.  As she brings her gaze to the other wizard, her facade melts and a smile begins to appear.  “You must be Stan.  I have been expecting the both of you,” she says warmly; but then she notices Roth.  “A bodyguard perhaps?”
She doesn’t offer any of you a seat, and she continues to stand before you.  “I am Kaele,” she says at length.  “Do not fret young Aigol; the city’s council is working very hard to uncover what they can in regards to this afternoon’s tragic event.  We will see what part you and your friends will play very shortly.  Until the others arrive, tell me about the disaster at Arcanus-Tirith.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Wed 18 Mar 2009.

Ilsa's hand reached back for her sword when she saw the bugbear coming. She stopped with her hand on the hilt when she noticed his grooming. Her instincts still told her to attack and kill it before it could escape, but she would wait until given the word.

Shirok's body tensed slightly as the bugbear approached, good grooming notwithstanding. He forced his voice to remain calm, his actions controlled. "We do not, nor do we require one," Shirok replied to the creature's question, carefully drawing the letter from the pocket sewn within his shirt. "We have a letter for the House of Silvervine, found entombed within the Northern Mountains. We are here only to deliver it," he said, holding the letter out to the bugbear.

"I wouldn't give it to him," Ilsa mumbled to Shirok. She simply didn't trust the bugbear. "We don't know he'll give it to them."

Stan's cool demeanor gave way briefly to a look of surprise. After closing his jaw, he calmly flipped a gold coin towards the rogue. I really need to stop assuming things, thought Stan.

"Well, M'lady, it seems you know more about us than we know of you. For one thing, I was not expecting one of such power to be so," he searched for the right word, "elegant."

It suddenly occurred to Stan that Kaele was expecting the others to arrive. He thought to ask her about this, but then just as suddenly decided not to. Kaele seemed to let on just enough to make one curious, but not enough to reveal everything. Her glamerweave gown proved that much.

"I would not want to waste your time repeating what you already know. As I'm sure you're aware, we wizards have a saying: [spoken in Draconic]"


He continued in the common tongue:

"Tell me what news has reached your ears; much of it may be attributed to mere rumor, no doubt."

Abigail took her head out of the sky and looked at the bugbear, slightly puzzled, as she'd never seen one before.  She continued to watch this new creature while the others spoke.

Abigail, Bornegar, Ilsa & Shirok:
As Shirok spoke, the bugbear crossed his arms over his chest.  He listened to the half-orcs, and after Ilsa added her two cents, he moved his hands to his belt, holding the buckle and offering the group a smile.
“I’m not going to take your message,” he replied after a slight chuckle.  “What you have appears to be a Silver Message; and its contents are bound to its deliverers.
“I’ll lead you inside,” he continues as he moves to the side to allow your group access to the double doors.  “However, Lady Kaele is currently meeting another party.  The wait shouldn’t be long; follow me in and I’ll announce your arrival.”

---

Aigol, Stan, & Roth:
Kaele’s eyes narrow as Stan speaks in both the Draconic and Common tongues.  Her demeanor seems to change—but only for a moment.  It appears that something has caught her attention at her feet as he lowers her gaze to the floor; but quickly regains composure.
“I know that the Ivory Tower burned for three days afterwards,” she replies.  “I know that many skilled wizards were lost when Borden Hall collapsed.  Know that the affiliates and alum of Arcanus-Tirith are currently working to uncover the cause of the devastation.  And to those responsible—,” the sudden appearance of the bugbear guard brings the elven wizard from her heated speech.  After a moment, the wizard nods to him.  “Bring them to me,” she says, but the goblinoid looks confused.  “This concerns them too.”

---

Once the bugbear returns, he tells you that you are to be seen immediately.  Without hesitation, he leads you thorough the first floor of the enchanted manor and to a large sitting room.  Within the room stands the young wizards Aigol and Stan< as well as their new friend Roth.  A beautiful female elf stands before them.
“Greetings travelers, and welcome to my home,” she welcomes the newcomers.  “I am Kaele and current residence to the Ivy Tower and keeper of Silvervine,” he finishes with a slight bow.

Shirok frowned slightly at the bugbear's words. Being bound to anything didn't sound too good right now, especially not to some city family. And yet, there was nothing for it but to follow the creature inside the tower.


He returned the bow the elf woman gave them, extending the letter once more. "I am Shirok Rezkala, and this is yours."

Stan began to look worried as Kaele's ire welled. However, the arrival of the other group seemed to calm her anger, at least superficially.

Stan watched attentively and silently as Shirok extended the letter to Kaele. What did this have to do with anything? It was an old, old letter, wasn't it?

The young apprentice was in no position to say or do much other than wait and learn. So wait and learn he did.

Smiling, the elf approached the half-orc.  He could not see a trace of repulsion or mistrust in her features, something the barbarian wasn’t used to.  She didn’t snatch it away, or wait until he dropped it into her hand; she grabbed it and politely waited for him to release his grip.  Her simple gesture—meeting him half-way—positively affected the barbarian.  He knew she was a kind person and someone who could be trusted.
“Thank you,” she said offering the half-orc another graceful bow, accepting the letter.  “I am a scholar of antiquity and collector of curiosities of ages past,” she says eying Roth lightheartedly.  “And I wish to show you all something.  Please follow me.”
She leads you through a few rooms in the Ivy Tower to a study.  Just like in every other room, this study seems to have naturally grown out of the floorboards, walls, and ceiling.  Nearly everything is made of wood or naturally worked stone.  Shelves filled with books stretch 15 feet tall, from floor to ceiling; and line the room.  Small plants and tree branches literally grow from the walls near the smoked glass windows.
To your surprise, a faint trace of sulfur seems to waft about the room; and a white sheet covers something low to the ground along the southern wall.
“Last night, a group of people broke into the Ivy Tower,” she explains.  “They stole an object from my collection: a silvered urn,” she says as she points to an empty spot on a bookshelf along the southern wall.  “Its value is trivial; but they ignored dozens of items of considerable worth, moved directly to it, and left as soon as they had required it.  However, they did leave something behind…”
Kaele removes the sheet from the object on the floor to reveal the corpse of a young man.  He is dressed in rags, and his skin is covered with dirt, scabs, and abstract tattoos.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Ilsa sniffed when the body was revealed. She asked coarsely, "What they want silver urn for? What worth dying over?"

Roth remains fairly silent in the presence Kaele, either out of respect or nervousness.  He smiles politely at Stan's joke and raises his hands with an innocent smile in response to being called a bodyguard.  His confusion at Kaele's mention of their friends escalates to dumbfoundedness when the friends actually arrive.  Realizing he's out of his league with the scrying mage types, Roth simply clamps his mouth shut and goes with the flow.

Upon being brought to the study and hearing the circumstances, Roth is intrigued and begins examining the scene more closely.  As he examines the body, shelf, and possible entry points he asks their hostess a few questions, "Why the urn?  And did they make the body, or your guards?"

Abigail looked around unattentively, marveled by the building.  She cared not for a body, and a missing urn.  While the others were talking, Abigail decided to get a closer look at the peculiar structure.  She looked closely at the shelves, and touched them carefully.

She then mutters something incomprehensible to herself.

Sulphur. A familiar smell, but one Stan would probably never care for.

Stan watched Roth as the young elf puzzled out the crime scene. Clearly he had some experience in this sort of thing.

"This urn - did it have magical properties? It seems the burglars targeted it specifically. I understand a wizard's desire for privacy. However, if you want your help we'll need at least a basic grasp of the facts."

The lingering scent of brimstone continued to annoy the apprentice's olfactory. Perhaps I should give Kaele some facts as well.

"Also, I suspect you are not entirely correct in saying a group of people broke in." With that his eyes began looking for something to concentrate on other than the puzzled stares of his companions.

Kaele smiles as the group wanders about the room and asks a wave of questions.  “This young man discovered the hard way that a wizard’s tower is never what it seems,” she replies to Roth’s question first.  “I’m sure you all can still smell the trap’s pungent aftereffect?  Kurthan found him here alone after hearing that the trap had been sprung.  Not long after we discovered that the urn was missing.
“We called for a cleric from The Sun’s Temple and through the priest’s divine interjection we were able to speak to the corpse.  I was able to learn that the group of thieves are reassembling a statue, and they are guided by something he called ‘wisdom of the past’,” he says as she looks down to the body on the floor.
“The urn is magical,” she says at length, saving the most important questions for last.  “However, exactly how it fits into this scheme still remains to be seen.  I do not believe the item is worth dying for,” she says addressing Ilsa’s question.  “However, I find it hard to understand the desires of man.  I imagine if someone were to be obsessed with something enough, one might die for the most trivial of things.
“I am confident they came from Godsgate.  I do not know if you know Skyway, but there are few places more wretched and dangerous.  I don’t dare go there myself—and that’s where I’d like to hire your services.  If you go to Godsgate and recover the urn, I’ll pay each of you six hundred pieces of gold.  Interested?”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Stan scanned the shelves lined with books. No doubt many contained spells. Most would be too complex for his apprentice-level training, but he was confident that some of those books contained spells he could use.

"I for one am willing to help you. However, wizard to wizard, might you have a payment a bit less material in nature?

"Most of my spellbooks were destroyed along with my school. You, however, have a library of magnificent proportions. I would be willing to get my hands dirty for a chance to copy out some of your more useful spells."

"That would be good compensation we have been travelling and not really had time for academic pursuits" Aigol looked at the corpse "Do your traps really  need to be so lethal to prevent theft"

"I just can't see the connection between someone stealing your urn, a platform collapsing, and a wizard school burning down."  Roth looks down at the corpse with a furrowed brow and adds, "And I'm not sure I'm the one to get between a die-hard zealot and his statue...  But I know a bit about Godsgate--maybe I can help."

Ilsa did some quick counting on her fingers and grunted approval. "Agreed. But you pay for any healing we might need. And I... we keep whatever else we find on them." She looked to Shirok for approval, but didn't think her tribesman would disagree.

"Can I have his head?" she asked, indicating the dead body. In her mind it would make asking people about him easier. And by ask, she meant browbeat (or simply beat) them until they told her want she wanted.

Kaele smiles as the group seems to be willing to help her recover the lost urn.  Her smile fades and is replaced by a confused look when Ilsa asks for the thief’s head.
“Um,” she says as she tries to compose herself.  “I’m afraid I cannot oblige you there.  The temple of Pelor has already claimed the body and a representative should be arriving shortly to collect.  I also cannot speak for anything else you find in the thieves’ possession, however I won’t concern myself with such things,” she says with a sly wink.
“You wish for spells as payment,” she replies to the wizards.  “I will agree to cover any expenses you might incur from injuries and funeral expenses if necessary; however I don’t see that to be an issue.  As for spells, I believe we can work something out,” she says eyeing Stan specifically.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Still kneeling near the body, Roth asks Kaele, "If you have some parchment and ink handy, maybe I can copy down some of this thief's tattoos.  They might help narrow our search of Godsgate."  The young elf hesitates a bit at touching the corpse, but begins to move some of its clothing aside to get a better look at the body art.

Shirok nodded at Ilsa's agreement. Money was sadly necessary, especially if they were to remain within cities for a time. Shame they were not permitted to bring the head; far easier to find someone that knew him, and the intimidation value was incalculable.

He knelt down next to his wolf, who had been wandering about the room curiously, and murmured several words in a strange language. Neya seemed to nod slightly before she padded towards the corpse, sniffing gently.

Stan was glad they didn't have to lug around someone's head. That sort of thing could get pretty disgusting. He understood that it could prove useful in locating the thief. It was just too barbarous an option. Thankfully Pelor had already claimed the body and the party had other ways of finding the thief.

Between Roth's expert skills and this tame wolf's scent abilities, the party stood a good chance of locating their quarry.

Stan's only real concern was what to do when they found the urn and its possessors. He had never killed a man, and he wasn't keen on a bloody melee. Stan remembered what one of his professors had said about wizards in combat: "stay back and let the spells do the work." He made a mental note to memorize some dangerous spells the next morning.

Kaele takes a step back, allowing Roth access to a stack of parchment, a pen, and ink atop the nearby desk.  He begins to methodically trifle through the corpse’s clothing, searching for any unique tattoos.  As Roth examines the body, and the wolf Neya commits the man’s scent to memory, Kaele continues to address the party.
“As I said before, I believe these thieves came from Godsgate.  There is a young cleric there; she is a missionary of the Silver Hand.  Her name is Blanka, and she has been living at Blackstone Church.  She is a friend and can be trusted.  You should seek her out if you need any guidance within that forsaken realm.  Likewise, she can provide any healing you require.
“You asked me why I chose such lethal protection,” she says looking over at Aigol.  “A guard was killed last night; the thieves cut his throat.  I sent a messenger to his wife just before you arrived,” her eyes retreat from the rogue and she beings to stare off absently.
“Is there anything else?”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

"One question," Shirok said as he straightened up from the ground. "Why do you trust strangers to do this instead of informing the guards?"

Abigail's stomach gave a small grumble.  She muttered something to herself, seemingly in response to Kaele's question.

Abigail then turns away from the fascinating building, and addresses the group.

If we are done here, I believe we should grab a meal before heading to Godsgate.  Never fight crime on an empty stomach!

Roth carefully copies down the corpse's abstract tattoos onto the provided parchment.   Once finished, he stands up and turns away from the corpse, returning the ink and pen to the desk.  After folding the parchment and sliding it into his belt, he gives a small shrug asks the others, "Well, is there anything else?  Or onward to Godsgate?"

"come to think of it a meal would be great unless this matter is particularly urgent," Looking at Kaele Aigol felt a little guilty about what he had just said  "I am sorry to hear that a guard was killed"

Ilsa snorted and kept her thoughts to herself. He wasn't a good guard if he got killed. She was waiting for Shirok to have his question answered, even though she thought the answer was, "So I don't get any more guards killed."

"We ought to get going. We can eat on the way. Or we can share a meal with the cleric while she informs us of the area. No time to waste on lunch."

Kaele turns to regard Shirok, “This task demands a certain level of discretion,” she replies.  “This matter is not particularly urgent,” she says looking to Aigol, “However, I do wish for the return of the silver urn as soon as possible.  If you all will now excuse me, I must see to another matter.  Please follow Kurthan, he will lead you out.
“Thank you all again for your assistance,” she says as she bows low before you all.  She leaves the room and the bugbear returns to lead you back outside.  You make your way outside and here you stand now...

Note from the DM I’m not sure if you guys are going to go eat or go directly to Godsgate or what; and I didn’t want to rush any of you.  Just post what you’re going to do, thanks.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Stan leaves the impressive tower, taking one last look at the magnificent furnishings.

Expecting the others to follow, he whistles a tune and makes for the direction of Blackstone Church.

"Is she ready to hunt, Shirok?" Ilsa asked in reference to the wolf. "We should not let the trail get any colder, or give them any more of a lead before pursuing them." For her sake, Ilsa was ready to go and find an excuse to bash heads.

Silent throughout the meeting Bornegar now speaks up, "By my rekoning this could prove an ardous task, one that I should not like to perform on an empty stomach! Perhaps it would be best if we were to learn a little more about each other over a hot meal, eh?"

Shirok nodded towards Ilsa as Neya stepped away from the corpse, sniffing carefully about the room. "She is ready, but the trail is already cold. Bornegar is correct, we should eat before beginning our search."

One of the humans apparently knew where to go. Shirok whistled softly, Neya falling into step behind him as he followed the human.

As the party leaves the tower, Roth seems a little preoccupied, as if his mind is in another place.  Stopping in his tracks, the young elf pats his hips and rolls his eyes.  "Why don't you all go ahead and have lunch with the cleric.  I seem to have left my sword at home, and you don't go into Godsgate unarmed."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Thu 12 Mar 2009.

As you step out into the street, you notice that much of the panic and commotion from today’s catastrophe as calmed down considerably.  Roth excuses himself from the group and runs off to gather his equipment, promising to rejoin the group at the church, but not before giving the party directions.  He explains that there are many ways into Godsgate and that the guards may have only been restricting access to the area involved with the fallen tower.
The party makes their way down, down, down into the bowels of the city.  The area is bounded to the west by cliffs leading down to the Dagger River, the district looks like a ruin at first glance, devastated and abandoned.  Huge chunks of stone are scattered around the outer streets.  Statues of the gods look down upon passersby, but the have shattered features or missing limbs.  Many building and bridges have collapsed, and the surviving building are marred and damaged in various ways.  Feral children chase rats in the alleys while filthy men huddle around open fires in the middle of the streets.
The citizens of Godsgate seem to be very suspicious of the lot of you.  The children watch you and the adults offer you hateful stares.

Ilsa returned the hateful stares with bloodthirsty glares of her own. She even snapped her teeth at a few of the children who got too close. "We should find the thieves quickly before someone gets hurt," she growled.

Abigail looked back for a moment as  they entered Godsgate, thinking it may have been better to go with Roth.

After the barrage of angry looks Abigail kneels down, and speaks to Thorondor.

At that moment, the eagle took flight, and started circling the sky high above them.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Fri 13 Mar 2009.

Neya followed closely behind Shirok, growling at anyone that seemed to wonder whether the contents of the half orc's pouch would be better in their pocket. "Try to give them warning first," he said to Ilsa. "This is not the wilds, unfortunately. Fighting here will only attract more fighting."

As you make your way through the forgotten district, a dirty and rough looking half-orc approaches your group.
“Wher ya goin’?” he asks bluntly.  He moves alongside of your group, trying to keep pace with you.  He is missing one eye and possesses many scars.  “None o’ay from around here, we all can tell,” he continues with a sweep of his hand.  “Need protection,” he says matter-of-factly as he races in front of the party and stops in the middle of the “road.”

Ilsa clenched her jaw and growled. "Don't need protection. You'll need healer if you don't get out of my way." She hadn't yet made a move for her sword, but was definitely ready to punch this guy.

Seeing Ilsa's reaction Aigol stepped forward "Thank you for your offer but I am sure we will be able to handle ourselves now if you will please move along we have some things to take care of"

"You should listen," Shirok said quietly. Neya stared at the newcomer from Shirok's side, her growl making clear the threat.

He stares angrily at the group for a short moment and utters a low grunt.  He then jogs off into the crowds of people, looking back more than once.  The group presses on, trying to follow Roth’s directions; however they prove to be very vague due to the unkempt landscaping.  You wonder around for a while before you realize that you are lost.

Leaving the Slithering Serpent, Roth makes his way through Godsgate toward Blackstone Church.  On the way, he notices that many of the peoples of the poverty stricken district are on edge.  This could be due to the collapsing tower and the influx of ‘outsiders’ that have been entering the area to assist with the clean-up; but Roth decides to check it out anyway.
Sure enough, he comes across the others wandering through the ruins of the ancient under city.  He catches up with them and quickly corrects their course and soon they find themselves outside the church called Blackstone.
Most of the temples of the Order of the Silver Hand are built to serve as fortresses, and Blackstone is no exception.  There are few nicks in the thick walls of the church, but overall it is still in excellent condition… at least, from the outside.  Within, it is dark and empty.  Once it was doubtless filled with hundreds of parishioners, with offerings and faith.  But these things were stripped away long ago, and today the church is filled with dust and shadows.
A half-elf wearing plain grey robes steps out from the shadows.  A silver arrowhead glitters on a chain around her throat.  Although young and alone, she radiates an aura of peace and comfort.  She doesn’t say anything to you as you enter and she appears to be watching you carefully.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Wed 18 Mar 2009.

"Aren't you people supposed to be adventurers?  Can't follow simple directions ... I said LEFT at the broken statue!"  Roth exclaims to the group when he finds them, now carrying a few daggers, rapier, and scroll cases on his belt and wearing a cape over his shoulder.  "Come along now, this way.  Try not to look anyone in the eyes, and don't accept any gifts!"

Upon entering the temple and encountering the young half-elf, Roth steps ahead of the others and bows.  "Hello!  My name is Roth Daos, and we have been sent by the wizard Kaele to seek the aid of Miss Blanka."

“I am Blanka,” she replies as she lights a candle to chase the shadows away.  “How may I be of service to you?”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

"Kaele was robbed last night," Shirok said quietly, studying the building around them. The building seemed to have been built as a fortress, or a stronghold. Did humans often connect worship with war?
"She believes the thieves came from the Godsgate, and told us you may be able to help find them."

“I know many here on this side of The Gate,” the half-elf replies as she looks back to you from her candle.  She offers your party an awkward smile, obviously not accustom to entertaining visitors of your caliber.  “I’ll help you, if I can,” she says after a moment.  “I know Kaele has many ways of determining the workings of the world outside her magical tower; but what evidence does she have against the peoples of Godsgate?”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Roth's eyebrows raise in small surprise before he addresses the cleric, "I'd heard tell of your beauty, but did not expect it to be true."  Roth smiles charmingly and bows slightly, once again.  Pulling the parchment from his belt, he unfolds it and hands it to Blanka.  "A man bearing those tattoos was apprehended during the robbery.  He was not very forthcoming, but we've managed to ascertain he is a member of the Stone Keepers--though we know little about them."

The young cleric blushes as Roth remarks on her looks as the woman is quite striking.  Most women might have become offended as the elven rogue mentions his doubt about her beauty; however her seclusion from normal society has made her particularly susceptible to this kind of “diplomacy.”
“He sounds like a Raver,” Blanka says, then sighs.  “The Ravers are the saddest and most dangerous creatures in the area.  They’re more like animals than people.  They say the Ravers are possessed by angry spirit, but I haven’t seen any proof of it so far.  I think that their ancestors were simply driven mad by the last war, and having been forgotten about by the city above.”  She considers the matter for a moment.  “It’s hard to imagine one of them leaving the district.  They hardly ever come out of their territory, and when they do, the usually fight the first thing they see.  There are at least half dozen tribes out there.
“I’ve only seen one, maybe two Stone Keepers before,” Blanka says thoughtfully.  “I believe they live in old Colrac Hall.  They’re unusually sophisticated for Ravers—some of them may actually be able to speak.  I have heard about them gathering chunks of stone—it’s where they get their name.  I suppose it could have something to do with a statue.”

GM Edit: +150 exp to everyone as an Ad-Hoc Bonus
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Abigail lingered loosely by the door while the others were speaking.

She spoke softly to herself, her gaze fixed to the floor.

To think, the product of civilization is feral humans.

Shirok spoke softly in the strange tongue, half to himself.

"If they act as animals, then what manner of beast are they? I would not enter a den of lions without knowing that is what I faced."

Blanka focuses on Shirok’s question and cocks her head in bewilderment.  “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean?” she asks inquisitively.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

"These Ravers. People or animals. Both bleed. Both die," Ilsa said gruffly. Much the same had been said of her at times in the Snake Tongue tribe. "Where is this Colrac Hall?"

Blanka offers Ilsa another sigh.  “Let me show you.”
She leads the party back outside onto the steps of the church.  She Points to the slanted form of the fallen tower jutting from the shanty ‘skyline’ of Godsgate.  “There... Colrac Hall is where the Glass Tower fell this morning.  It is in the heart of the Raver’s territory.  If you go there, please be very careful as the Ravers don’t look kindly to trespassers.”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

"I ask to learn how they fight. It is harder to face a pack, working in concert, then a mere group of individuals."

Shirok frowned slightly when Blanka pointed out the wreckage. "Is it possible they collapsed the structure themselves, perhaps to acquire whatever lay within the fallen tower?"

Roth starts at Shirok's suggestion.  Looking up to the half-orc, Roth suggests, "Pack or not, animals wouldn't have stolen from Kaele so ... intently.  They knew what they were after, and they knew where to find it.  There must be someone leading them.  And if they're responsible for the tower ... it's someone dangerous."  The elf gazes off at the skyline as his slides the tattoo parchment back into a pocket.  Shaking his head, he says aloud in gnome-tongue to himself, "Guconu huuz zehhmuv."

Stan tries to keep to himself as the party makes their way through the slum-like region of Godsgate. He is unaccustomed to such abject poverty.

The wizard stood by Roth as the young elf surveyed the city. Although he could not understand the gnomish comment, he got the sense that today would not be an easy one.

"Well, it's best to go in with a plan, even if its one that falls apart rather quickly. Any ideas?"

At a loss for words as to what is going on, Blanka merely shrugs and looks to the members of your group.
“I don’t know how they fight,” she replies to Shirok, “But I hear they’re as rough as they come.”
She shrugs again, thinking about the possibility of the Stone Keepers being responsible for the Glass Tower’s collapse.
“I suppose anything is possible…”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Ilsa snorts at the comment on the Raver's supposed roughness. "We go now?" she said to Shirok. It was stated as a question only in deference to her station, but it was statement of fact to the others.

"I am ill-prepared for combat, I'm afraid. Wizards have many powers, but adaptability is not one of them. If we go, I will fight from the rear, bolstering our efforts where I may. But I will not be able to directly harm anyone with my magic today."

"So what can you do?" Ilsa asked with small amount of derision in her voice. However, she was happy that the wizard volunteered this information before the fight.

"Just the usual - call forth demons, bend the fabric of space and time. Apprentice-level things like that."

I'm not the greatest at fighting up close, and personal either; although, with Thorondor's help, I should be able to hold my own against at least 1 opponent at a time.

"Heh, I need not tell you my skills," Bornegar states, a thumb pointed to the greatsword upon his back, "It may be best if you stay behind me, mage.", with a look to Stan.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Wed 25 Mar 2009.

"Now hold on a minute!  We can't just march in the front door, start chopping people down, and hope to stumble across the urn!"  Roth runs his fingers through his hair, trying to think up a plan of some kind. "But I can't come up with anything else.  Lets just head there ... and try to keep our options open?  See how far we can get WITHOUT swords as tall as me?"

Roth bites his lip for a moment before turning back to Blanka with a smile and a small bow, "Thank you for your help.  I hope to return again ... in one piece."  Roth turns away from Blanka, takes a step towards the exit, and after taking a slow breath and composing himself says to the others as he begins towards Colrac Hall, "Just follow my lead."

"Well I guess if you know what you're doing you can lead away"
Aigol follows Roth trying to think of how useful he would be if a fight broke out

"From what Blanka has told us, blades are all these things will understand. But yes, we will leave now." He glanced back at the cleric. "Thank you."

Shirok headed out after Roth, Neya trotting behind at his heels.

"Maybe not, but the chopping people down is a good start," Ilsa said in response to Roth's frantic statement. "You know the way, you lead. Does not make you leader." She followed closely behind Roth but was clearly ready to shove him aside when a fight started.

Just as Roth announces their departure a look of relief flows into Abigail's face.  She immediately exits through the door she was next to, before anyone else has a chance to get there.  Those exiting the building would find her outside looking up at the sky, waiting for Roth to lead the way.

As the party follows Roth toward Colrac Hall, they move deeper and deeper into Godsgate, heading toward the Dagger cliffs.  Soon there are no people on the streets.  Instead, you begin to notice occasional bloodstains or slivers bleached bone scattered amidst the rubble and refuse.

Listen checks from those paying any kind of attention as the party moves.

Ilsa walked with confidence, but her twitchy hands, ready to reach for her sword at the slightly provocation, betrayed her unease. Or maybe it was because she hadn't killed anything in the past few days.

Stan tries to keep to the middle of the group. He is leery of ambush. He contemplates casting a defensive spell or two, but then decides its better to save that magic for later. The young apprentice would not be able to weave a very permanent spell; a couple of hours is all his mage armor would last. And he might need it later.

Shirok put a hand on Ilsa's shoulder as they walked through the streets, trying to calm her down. The city was bad enough, a place like this even worse. They had to remain calm; excited people made mistakes, and this fight should be too simple to risk a foolish mistake.

Roth is set a bit off ease by the bloodstains and bone bits--but more so by the silence.  He's heard the rumors about how bad it is, but he's never actually been this deep in Godsgate.  Although not familiar with the way to Colrac Hall, Roth is familiar with streets and cities and has no worries about finding the place.  He does have a few about what they'll find, however.  Roth leads the way, trying to look casual and calm, but making a map in his head of escape routes and possible shortcuts.

The party continues to make their way through Raver territory, headed toward Colrac Hall.  The sun floats high above the city of Skyway, several hours after noon.  The giant fiery orb is on its decline, but will remain visible for a while.
One by one, the members of the party follow the elf, Roth as he leads them closer and closer to the ruined Hall.  They all descend a gentle slope, when suddenly Neya senses something she (he?) perceives as potentially threading.  The wolf arches her back and issues several low growls.  It doesn’t take the others long to notice the soft clatter from beyond the piles of rubble beside a hollowed out ruined building.
You all know something is coming, but before any of you can mount a great amount of defense, a pack of terrible looking individuals come into view.
They are all human, and wear the crudest possible armor, made from layers of torn, stained cloth, and carry makeshift clubs and cudgels.  Their eyes are wild, their lips are flecked with froth, and their faces and hair are crusted with dried blood.  As Blanka said, they seem more like animals than humans.  Just before they spread out and move to attack your party, some of you notice that they seem to be communicating amongst themselves with howls, grunts, and gesticulations.

Initiative

Ilsa howled back at that the attackers. She rushed toward one of them as she drew her mighty sword and in anticipation of running it through her designated target.

Acting as quickly as he can manage, knowing he'll have to beat the bloodthirsty savages to the punch, Roth shoots his hand forward--exposing a tattooed palm to the other savages before him.  The elf asserts himself to the Ravers with a forceful and authoritative "Stop!"

The apprentice wizard stood in the middle of the group, trying to avoid hand to hand combat. He drew his dagger, but his twisting gut told him he didn't want to use it.

Shirok lifted the butt of his spear from the ground, leveling the long weapon at the onrushing men. He said but a single word, and Neya crouched low to the ground, ready to rip the men's throats out.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Sat 28 Mar 2009.

Aigol takes a position near stan preparing to fight with magic but not ruling out the possibility of physical combat

Abigail readies her spear, and lets out a quick whistle.  Not long after, Thorondor can be seen descending to about 20 ft above the party.

Initiative Order - Round 1
Aigol*
Shirok/Neya
Raver 4
Stan
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3
Raver 2
Roth
Ilsa
Raver 1

Realizing how vulnerable he was without any armor Aigol began to chant and make finely controlled hand motions as the air in front of him began to shimmer ever so slightly.

In a deadly harmony of thought and deed, Shirok and Neya surged forward towards the closest of the foul animalistic men, Shirok's blade a mere instant behind Neya's slashing fangs.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Mon 30 Mar 2009.

As Roth yells, “Stop!” Agiol falls into a chant and Shirok and his wolf companion, Neya, charge headlong into the group of Ravers!  Following the druid’s movements, like so many times before, the wolf lunges at the decadent man, and sinks her (his?) teeth into his forearm!  Neya begins to pull and jerk at the man’s exposed flesh, attempting to bring him down.  The man frees his arm, but not before the wolf takes a huge chunk of flesh with her!
The man howls in pain and clutches his arm, as Shirok thrusts his spear at the man, expecting him to be lying in the dirt, but he remains standing and deftly dodges the attack.
The others focus their attention at the elf, Roth.  For a moment they seem confused as they look to each other and grunt amongst themselves.  After that initial moment, one of the men growls at Roth, and then issues a loud bark.  He then turns his attention from Roth and charges Stan, swinging his cudgel with wild abandon!
Stan appears very much unready for the attack, and the charging madman uses this to his advantage.  With a great crack, the Raver clubs the young wizard atop his head, and like a child’s ragdoll, Stan’s legs buckle from beneath him and he falls into the dirt.  He lays there, deathly still and barely breathing.

---

Initiative Order - Round 1
Aigol
Shirok/Neya
Raver 4
Stan [unconscious]
Abigail/Thorondor*
Bornegar
Raver 3
Raver 2
Roth
Ilsa
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:15, Mon 30 Mar 2009.

Abigail gets into position to lob one of her spears at the Raver who attacked Stan.


12:19, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Spear Throw.

Bornegar roars in defiance as the Raver drops the wizard, Stan!  The man charges headlong at the club-wielding man, and doing so, looking just as wild and crazed as the Ravers.  He rushes forward and runs the man through!  As if that wasn’t enough to end the man’s life, the barbarian twisted the massive blade of his ancestral great sword, drawing more blood from the doomed Raver.

Full Round Action Charge Raver 4
AC 13

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
14:39, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bornegar High-Peak, rolled 27 using 1d20+8. charge vs. Raver 4.
14:40, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bornegar High-Peak, rolled 15 using 1d20+8. critical hit confirmation.
14:40, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bornegar High-Peak, rolled 11 using 2d6+4. damage vs. Raver 4 (x2).

---

Initiative Order - Round 1
Aigol
Shirok/Neya
Raver 4 [dead]
Stan [unconscious]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3*
Raver 2
Roth
Ilsa
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

The two remaining, unhurt Ravers watch on as one of them is savagely attacked by a wolf, and the other is cut down by the charging barbarian.  Normally, you would imagine they might try to run; but not Ravers.  These remaining two bellow nerve rattling cries and launch them selves into a wild charge headed straight toward Aigol!
The first Raver meets the wizard’s magically conjured force shield; however the other easily breaks through the wizard’s enchanted defense.  The charging man thrusts the head of his club into the wizard’s gut, dropping him to the dirt.  Aigol’s form begins to curl up into a fetal position, unaware that the Raver now intends to smash the man’s skull with his next attack!

---

Initiative Order - Round 1
Aigol [unconscious]
Shirok/Neya
Stan [unconscious]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3
Raver 2
Roth*
Ilsa
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

Roth is caught off guard and frustrated by the situation turning so suddenly to violence.  Before he can react, blood is being spilled and both of the mages have been knocked to the ground.  Noticing that Aigol is now helpless and the Ravers don't seem to be moving on, Roth snatches a dagger from his belt and charges at the nearest of the two Ravers with dagger held high, prepared to bring down on him while he shouts, "Get off of him!"

Ilsa took a deep breath through her broad nose. The smell of death and the cries of the Ravers brought a smile to her face. Oh, how she had missed this. She roared, mimicking the bestial sounds of the Ravers. She moved as she drew her sword before bringing it down on the Raver Roth had so kindly left for her.

Roth slips his dagger past the Raver aggressor’s sloppy defensives, sinking his blade deep into the man’s torso.  The Raver grunts in retort, but ultimately appears to be very willing to continue the fight; that is, until Ilsa wades closer to him!
He stares at Roth with crazed, bloodshot eyes, and doesn’t even notice as Ilsa draws dangerously close.  She raises her full-blade high and brings it down on the man, spilling more of the man’s lifeblood on the rubble at their feet.  This time, the Raver only whimpers and he begins to labor for breath.
The wounded Raver that was bit by Neya, flexes his heavily muscled chest and begins to issue short, low barking sounds.  He also tries to club the wolf, but she proves too nimble for such a cumbersome blow.

---

Initiative Order - Round 2
Aigol [unconscious]
Shirok/Neya*
Stan [unconscious]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3
Raver 2 [seriously wounded, flanked by Roth and Ilsa]
Roth
Ilsa
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

Shirok grunted slightly as the man before avoided his spear blade, but his mind had already moved on, studying these things, examining their actions. They communicate, act in concert. And they have specific targets. Why direct their attentions towards those two men?

But this was not the time to find out. Neya snarled as the man's club smashed against he ground beside her, leaping forth to rip the man apart.

Neya lunges forward and clips the man’s arm again, but fails to secure a hold in him.  Shirok attempts to stick the Raver with his spear once again, but the man is too aware of the Half-Orc and his tactics to be caught.

---

Initiative Order - Round 2
Aigol [unconscious]
Shirok/Neya
Stan [unconscious]
Abigail/Thorondor*
Bornegar
Raver 3
Raver 2 [seriously wounded, flanked by Roth and Ilsa]
Roth
Ilsa
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

Abigail quickly kneels down in the fresh gore to apply a healing spell to Stan.
  14:40, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 2 using 1d8+1. Cure Light Wounds.

She then stands and lets out a fluttering whistle to Thorondor.

Bornegar lifts the handle of his great sword and allows the body of the Raver to slide off and tumble to the ground.  As he gathers his wits after such a grizzly attack, the barbarian offers Abigail a friendly nod of approval as she tries to heal Stan's concussion.
Bringing his attention back to the fight, the man slowly stalks toward one of the Ravers engaged in the Raver-Aigol-Roth-Ilsa cluster, and lashes out violently!

Move Action Move upto 30 ft. to Raver 3
Standard Action Melee attack vs. Raver 3

---

Initiative Order - Round 2
Aigol [unconscious]
Shirok/Neya
Stan [unconscious]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3* [?]
Raver 2 [seriously wounded, flanked by Roth and Ilsa]
Roth
Ilsa
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

As Abigail touches Stan’s chest, a faint aura of blue light appears and wraps around the two companions.  Slowly, Stan begins to stir, still very much disoriented from the Raver’s attack.  Hearing its friend’s call, Thorondor begins to circle overhead.
Bornegar’s attack proves to be a vicious one; however the badly wounded Raver continues to stand.  He growls back at the human barbarian and swings his cudgel directly in line with the man’s head!  Bornegar quickly raises his bloodied sword to block the attack, deflecting the wooden rod.  The blow countered, Bornegar grunts in retort, recognizing his attacker’s physical strength.
The flanked Raver scowls at Ilsa and Roth, obviously not liking his position.  Appearing spiritually defeated, the man lashes out at the half-orc Ilsa, striking her solidly at her side.  Although heavily muscled, her body will probably form a terrible bruise in a few hours time.

---

Initiative Order - Round 2
Aigol [unconscious, prone]
Shirok/Neya
Stan [disabled, prone]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3 [seriously wounded]
Raver 2 [seriously wounded, flanked by Roth and Ilsa]
Roth*
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

With the Raver caught between Ilsa and himself, Roth jabbed at the beastman with his now bloody dagger in an attempt to distract him and keep him occupied until the opportune moment when the Raver drops his guard.  At this moment, when the Raver turns his attention towards Ilsa, the young elf quickly pulls out a sap from his belt and brings it down at the Raver's head.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Sat 04 Apr 2009.

Roth smacks the flanked Raver with his sap!  The man’s knees instantly buckle and he drops his club and falls to the ground.  The remaining two raging Ravers appear extremely willing to continue fighting, despite their heavy wounds.

---

Initiative Order - Round 2
Aigol [unconscious, prone]
Shirok/Neya
Stan [disabled, prone]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 3 [seriously wounded]
Raver 2 [seriously wounded, unconscious, flanked by Roth and Ilsa]
Roth
Ilsa* [lightly injured]
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]

"Save them for me!" Ilsa howled when she saw the one Raver fall. She stepped over the unconscious body to get at another one.

Ilsa turns her attention from the fallen Raver and presses the Raver ten or so feet in front her.  She whirls her blade before her in an impressive display, and chops at the man's exposed neck.  His eyes bulge and appear frozen in shock as his head falls to the ground and bounces once before the rest of his body collapses in a heap.
The half-orc’s grizzly display is lost, unfortunately, on the remaining (conscious) Raver currently engaged with Neya.  In one last attempt to beat the wolf down, the Raver swings his club with all his might, grunting loudly as the club strikes the animal’s side!
The wolf whimpers slightly, but returns with full force.  However, the Raver blocks the wolf’s attack by catching the shaft of his club between her powerful jaws.

---

Initiative Order - Round 3
Aigol [unconscious, prone]
Shirok/Neya* [Neya = lightly injured]
Stan [disabled, prone]
Abigail/Thorondor
Bornegar
Raver 2 [seriously wounded, unconscious]
Roth
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Raver 1 [moderately wounded]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Mon 06 Apr 2009.

Shirok made no sound, yet anger flared in his eyes when he heard Neya's whimper of pain. His spear blade darted forward, seeking to bury itself deep into the man's heart.

The pain in Stan's head throbs like a second heart as the wizard slowly stands up. He immediately regrets his decision. At least most of our ambushers are dead, he thinks. And then he throws up.

Move action: stand up

Seeing Stan in at least a semi-functional condition, Abigail quickly bolts off to Aigol's side, opposite the Raver.  She kneels down by Aigol's side, and begins administering rudimentary medical care.



02:22, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 27 (natural 20) using 1d20+7. Heal check.

Bornegar wades over to the remaining Raver.  With a great heave, he hoists his sword high and brings it down on the man with great force!

Move Action Move toward Raver 1
Standard Action Melee attack vs. Raver 1

AC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

11:52, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bornegar High-Peak, rolled 25 using 1d20+6; attack vs. Raver 1.
11:52, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bornegar High-Peak, rolled 15 using 1d20+6; confirm critical hit.
11:53, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bornegar High-Peak, rolled 10 using 2d6+4; damage vs. Raver 1 (x2).

---

Shirok and Neya tag-team the remaining, and heavily injured, Raver.  The man works to keep the wolf away, but Shirok stabs him with his spear!  The man cries out in pain, and fear floods his bloodshot eyes as the monstrous form of Bornegar moves toward him.  Abigail rushes to Aigol’s side and begins to apply her knowledge of first aid.  Taking advantage of the spear being stuck in the man, Bornegar hacks the man once with his great sword, ending yet another Raver’s wicked life.

---

Encounter complete!
Experience earned +175!

Ilsa laughed and screamed with delight as she stomped on the head of the Raver corpse before her. Once she had worked it out of her system, she tore off a piece of clothing from the body and cleaned her sword. After returning it its sheath, she searched the body for spoils of combat.

Shirok quickly knelt down upon the ground when the last man fell, Neya quietly walking away from the fallen foe to stand before him as he gently felt the wound in her side. He remained there for several moments, satisfying himself that the injury was not serious, before murmuring a few words to the wolf.  Neya's head dipped slightly as though she was nodding, her tail wagging as she nimbly bounded away from him. Shirok smiled and spoke once more before standing, looking around at the others.

He waited until Ilsa had finished her cry of victory before he spoke again, staring at the revived man standing by a puddle of his own vomit. "They ignored us and went for you and your companion first. Why?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Wed 08 Apr 2009.

Seeing the Ravers have all been dealt with, Roth tucks away his sap but is quite disturbed by Ilsa's display.  No one should delight so much in the deaths of others, and it was becoming apparent why barbarians were shunned from society.  Only the most foul of low-lifes within the cities acted anything like the blood-eyed half-orc.  Shaking off his thoughts of contempt, Roth kneels down next to the unconscious Raver before him and wipes his dagger on the man's shirt.  Sheathing it once more on his belt, Roth stands and says aloud, "At least there were only four of them.  It's going better than I expected already."

Abigail was put off by Ilsa's display of brutality.

She looked over at Stan, making a mess of himself, and with a bit of whimsy in her voice, said I'll have Thorondor stay on the ground by your side, so you don't have to lose anymore meals.

Turning to Shirok, she asked Have you any healing spells?  I'm afraid I only had the one.

"I do not; I prepared nothing that would aid them beyond what you have already done."

He watched the consternation of the others at Ilsa's display with some amusement. Shirok barely even noticed such actions; seeing their shock struck him as rather silly.

Stan looks around, regaining his bearings. He nods at Abigail's offer. "Thankyou, m'Lady. Any help is most welcome."

"As for why they went for the wizards first, who knows? This hasn't exactly been a lucky time for me."

Stan thought of all he had lost recently, and wondered if his own death would be a welcome rest. He dismissed the thought as a product of his disorientation. Stan knew he had to survive this, if only for her sake.

"In future, perhaps we ought to be more selective about our formations? Wizards in the middle, bigger types near the men with sharp things?"

Ilsa finished by cutting off the Raver's left ear and placing it in a pouch. She walked over to Shirok and slapped him on the back. "Ah, this city has something of worth after all. I would gladly kill more of those." She knelt down and scratched Neya's neck with both hands. "Did you enjoy that boy? You get hurt? Me too. Make you stronger." She patted the wolf's side and stood again.

Roth stands over the fallen wizard and scratches his head.  "Well, does anyone happen to have a healing potion, or maybe a wand?" the young elf asks as he kneels down beside Aigol, and begins to search his things on the chance that he might have a curing item.

I do, but it's more for emergencies only.  Abigail said as she looked around for the spear she threw.

"Allow me."

Stan cups Aigol's head in a fraternal embrace as he administers a curative potion.

Abigail retrieves her spear from a pile of refuse some thirty feet away from the others.  As she trots back to the group, Stan has finished applying his magical healing potion to Aigol, and the wizard is now standing.  He appears to have seen better days, but currently in much better condition that Stan.

Looking around Aigol say the dead ravers and the large amount of blood
"Stan are you okay I say you go down then they got me"

"I'm not sure these were Stone Keepers ... do they have any markings?"  asks the young elf as he unstraps a crossbow from his back and begins cranking the lever to load a bolt.  When finished, he keeps it at the ready an begins searhcing the bodies.

Neya barked happily at Ilsa's words; she liked the barbarian, even if she did keep calling her "boy."

"Whatever group they belong to, they must have had a reason for attacking us," Shirok said as he wiped the blood from the tip of his spear. "Even fools do not attack a group twice their size without reason."

Ilsa and Roth search through the bodies as the others discuss what might have caused the attack, and why Stan and Aigol were targeted above the others.  The rogue’s assessment of the group of Ravers turns out to be right on the money as none of the men have the Stone Keeper tattoos on their palms, or anywhere else on their bodies.  In the end of the scavenging, all that is recovered are four great-clubs and four suits of dirty, torn, and bloodied clothing (essentially padded armor).

"Done here. No loot," Ilsa shrugged, only slightly disappointed. "We go now?"

"Just what I thought ... these aren't stone keepers, just your 'common' Raver, I suppose."  Roth stands up once again and readies his heavy crossbow--which seems quite large for his small form.  After looking over the scene once again and looking about for anyone that may have seen the combat, Roth nods to Ilsa and starts towards Colrac Hall once again. "We go now."

Bornegar nods to both Roth and Ilsa, agreeing that it is time to get moving once more; or else more Ravers find them.  As the group begins to move away, he motions to Aigol and Stan, gesturing that he wishes to have a private word with the men.
He whispers something to them, too low for anyone else to hear, and hands them each something from his belt pouch.

The party makes their way ever closer to the ruined hall of Colrac…
Colrac Hall is fairly unremarkable from the outside.  It is obvious in the architecture that the hall was build by dwarves; and designed to withstand a siege.  The manor is a solid square of red granite, distinguished by the Colrac crest above the door.  What is remarkable is the three floors of the circular glass spire that protrude from the center of the manor!
The vast front doors of Colrac Hall fell from their hinges decades ago.  Beyond them is a long entry hall.  The walls are bare, the carpeting is stained and rotting, and the only source of light is what ambient light that trickles through the open front doors.  The only sound is the scuttling of vermin in the shadows.  Three statures of men and women stand on either side of the hall, mostly marred beyond recognition.
When the Glass Tower fell, one of its many spires fell directly on Colrac Hall.  The corridors leading north have collapsed.  Straight ahead, a piece of the tower itself is visible: A curved wall of smooth green stone completely blocks the hall.  It’s easy to see where the tower got its name; the floors around the fallen tower are covered with shards of glass, the shattered remnants of the tower’s shell.
The layer of glass is a foot deep in places, and is sure to make for treacherous footing.

GM Note Map has been posted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:02, Mon 13 Apr 2009.

Neya whined a little as she hesitated before the ruined structure, delaying until Shirok moved in before her, sweeping the broken glass away from her bare pads. "Only one way to go," he said half to himself as he studied the interior of the structure, motioning towards the passage to the south. "Bornegar, Ilsa, you two lead. We shall follow."

Ilsa grunted, acknowledging the plan. She drew her sword and didn't bother waiting for the others before stomping down the hallway. At the first door, she paused, reared back her foot and attempted to kick it down.

As Bornegar enters the darkness of Colrac Hall, he removes a torch from his pack and lights it with his flint and steel.
"There," he whispers just loud enough for the others to hear, "now we should be able to see in there."
The big barbarian nods in agreement as Shirok suggests that he and is friend Ilsa lead the group.  If there were any more Ravers about, he wanted to be in the front where he could protect his new friends.
Once he was satisfied the others were in tow, he nodded once more to Ilsa as she was about to kick in the door.

Currently carrying a light source: common torch

Stan produces another healing potion from his robes, similar to the one he used on Aigol. This one he drinks himself, and his spirits seem to recuperate as the healing magic takes effect.


As the group reaches Colrac hall and the Glass Tower impaled on the ruins, Stan keeps to the middle of the group, hoping to avoid any further concussions.

A moment of hesitation swept over Abigail before she reluctantly stepped inside.  The large, unliving, unfeeling halls sent waves of discomfort through her, but she bore it, and pressed onward.

As the party began their traverse through the hall Abigail placed herself, and Thorondor behind the mages so as to protect them from rear attacks.

Ilsa lurches forward and kicks open the thick wooden door!  The dust of decades of neglect and small wooden splinters explode and fill the air for a moment.  The party waits for the air to clear (and the scurrying of rodents to end) before Bornegar leans into the room to illuminate the darkness.
All that is left in this once grand library's shelves are torn pages and ripped bindings, either rotting into pulp or converted into nests by industrious rats.

Current lighting conditions 20 ft. bright/40 ft. shadowy illumination (1 hour)

Ilsa rolled her eyes and then stepped aside for the others to investigate if they wanted to. She walked down the hallway and paused in front of the next door. Her instinct was the keep bashing down doors, but she quelled that impulse and instead waited for the others to be ready.

Upon entering the Colrac Hall, Roth hangs back at the entrance, keeping a watchful eye outside for anyone that might have followed them.  The young elf startles suddenly at the sound of splintering door and curses under his breath before commenting to the mages, "Do you think it'd be to much trouble for her to try the handle?"  Wary of the attention the noise might bring, Roth presses himself against the wall of the entry way and continues to keep watch.

"This is easier," Shirok said simply to the elf as he looked through the abandoned library. Perhaps there was something in there that was still legible, but it would take hours to find it if there was. Better to move on for now. He moved on down the hall when the others moved on, waiting for Ilsa to enter the next room.

Abigail payed no mind to Ilsa's manner of opening doors.  She proceeded carefully through the halls.  Each empty step she took made her just the slightest bit uncomfortable, like leaving something dear to her behind.

Aigol Stays near Stan trying to think of what else could possibly be in this place remembering his injuries he takes a potion from his pack and downs it in a large gulp

Bornegar stands in the doorway of the ruined library, holding his torch as to offer light to any who wish to search the ruined shelves.  Once everyone is ready to move on, he accompanies Ilsa at the next door.

"I doubt there's anything on these shelves worth looking through."

Stan pokes through the books absently, but makes no real effort to search through the material.

Once Bornegar joins her, Ilsa takes that as her cue to bash down the next door.

Again, Ilsa unleashes a powerful kick and smashes through the door to the eastern room.  Like the other rooms and hallways, this room is lightless, but Bornegar’s torch illuminates what it can:
Once this was a grand feasting hall.  Now, it appears to be a prime hunting ground for rats and other vermin.  Benches and tables have been knocked over, some broken up for kindling or other uses.

GM Note Map updated

Ilsa rushed into the room, expecting to draw an ambush if there was to be one. She went to the largest pieces of furniture behind which might be hiding something larger than a rat.

Stan makes a point of being one of the last people into the room. He tries not to touch anything too vermin-ridden.

"Eew. This reminds me of the basement at school. It was always full of rats. The older students told the apprentices that the rats were actually people who had crossed the professors. Baleful Polymorph, they called it. Aigol, you ever hear about that?"

Ilsa kicks in the door and rushes into the darkness, letting her eyes fall into a different spectrum, which allows the half-orc to see as candidly in the dark as in the light.  The transition takes only but a few seconds; however Bornegar enters too soon, bearing a torch so the other humans and elf can see, and nearly blinding her.  She blinks and shakes her head, chasing away the image of another half-orc’s face that was burned into her memory only a tenth of a second before.
Instinctively, Ilsa grips her great sword and shifts her weight, expecting an attack.  However, the attack does not come, and as her vision shifts back into the normal light spectrum, she finds the face has vanished.  Genuinely perplexed at this, she looks around as the others file into the room.  Her suspicions are confirmed, however, only a moment later as Neya enters slightly behind Shirok.
The wolf bars its teeth, stands very rigidly, and issues a low growl.  That is all the warning Ilsa needs before the female barbarian throws herself into a crazed tantrum, knocking over ruined benches and kicking piles of rotted wood.
As Stan enters the room, behind everyone else, the door slams shut behind him revealing to everyone a big half-orc male, dressed similarly to the Ravers you encountered outside.  Although his is scowling, he doesn’t appear to be overly threatening.  As the party processes what is happening, three other half-orc males appear from shadowed corners, behind tattered curtains, and from under benches.
All appear armed for battle, and all seem very capable; however they all seem to be waiting for something...

Bornegar isn't sure what to make of this situation.  His first instincts, especially given the previous fight outside, is to throw down his torch and fight with his greatsword.  However, so far he isn't sure of the half-orcs' intentions, aside from them shutting their only way of escape...

"Oh!"

Stan realizes that he should be paying more attention to the present.

He eyes the half-orcs warily, eager to avoid a fight. For a minute he considers asking this creature who he is. Stan's mouth has gotten him in enough trouble for one day, however, and the wizard keeps silent.

Shirok turned as the doors slammed, facing the large half-orc barring their exit. Neya crouched down at his feet, growling deeply as the others emerged from the shadows.

No immediate assault. These men did nothing but stare at them, waiting for something. Shirok stepped forward slightly, slamming the butt of his spear against the ground before speaking in a rough, harsh tongue.


OOC: Anyone else that speaks Orc, let me know.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:39, Tue 21 Apr 2009.

Ilsa grunted and flexed the muscles in her hands. She stared into the eyes of each of the half-orcs, practically daring them to start something. She snorted and issued forth a low growl. She needn't say anything--Shirok was the speaker--and waited for their reply.

Roth, who has been standing watch at the entrance to the hall, is alarmed by the sound of a door slamming and the rest of the party growing quiet.  After stepping in and looking down the hallway to see everyone has vanished, the young elf quietly moves down the passage to the second door and presses his ear against the wood to hear what is happening on the other side.

OOC: Roth speaks Elven, Dwarven, Gnome, and Orc  ... if he makes the listen check.
09:33, Today: Roth Daos rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Listen.
09:33, Today: Roth Daos rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Move Silently.

Roth presses his ear to the door, and has little trouble hearing Shirok’s statement in Orcish.  On the otherside of the door, he hears another voice respond, but in guttural Common:
“You from Tower?  Kill Night Stalkers?” the half-orc replies to Shirok.  The expression on the stranger’s face is that of genuine curiosity; however it is obvious that he and his companions are very unsure about the party’s presence here.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

"We have killed no one that did not attack us," Shirok answered in Common, carefully watching the other half-orc for any sign of anger or aggression. "We came from the Ivy Tower." He paused, watching them for a reaction.

Neya remained where she was, plainly poised to rip out the throat of anyone that dared draw a weapon.

The half-orc Raver doesn’t seem to fully understand what Shirok is saying.  He squints and tries to regard the Druid, but simply lacks the mental capacity to completely understand what an Ivy Tower is.  He looks around to his companions, and after he has looked at each of them, he looks back to Shirok.
“You no kill Night Stalkers,” he grunts again looking to each of his companions.  “You be from Tower?” he asks again, turning from Shirok to point in the direction of where the Glass Tower impaled Colrac Hall.  “Where gone dogs?”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Shirok sighed a little at the others apparent confusion. Most other races had such horrible opinions of half-orcs, it was always annoying to be faced with someone that justified that prejudice.

And he thought they had come from the fallen tower, where the "dogs" had gone? Saying they had might encourage some awe over the power they apparently exhibited, but it might also trigger anger at destroying their home. "We did not," he said slowly, still ready for anything.

Stan observed the situation silently. Let the half-orcs talk with their own kind; that leaves less chance of provoking them.

A quick chill runs down Abigail's spine as she hears the door slam behind the group.  She tries to stand as near to the middle of the room as possible.  Thorondor's feathers ruffle, and he stares unblinkingly at the half-orc by the door.  Abigail's features seem somewhat diminished as she stands, hunched over clutching her spear tight to her body.

The half-orc’s features contort as he tries to understand what Shirok said, and what he means.  The effort can physically be seen on his face.  A grunt from one of the others brings him from his ponderings, and he quickly replies, issuing a series of sharp (and authoritative) grunts and growls of his own.
He brings his attention back to Shirok, eyeing and obviously judging him.  “Beware,” he replies with a nod of acceptance.  “Stone Keepers in Tower.  Beware!” he says again.

Shirok nodded a little, understanding finally coming. These Ravers must be the Night Stalkers; they wanted to know if Shirok and his companions had killed any of their own. The Stone Keepers, the ones they sought, were inside the Glass Tower. Of course, the problem was how to get inside.

"We must go in Tower," he said, trying to keep his speech simple. "You show us way in?"

“No,” replies the half-orc, “Stone Keepers kill Night Stalkers.  We get food and go,” he says as he reveals to you several dead rats hanging from his belt.  “Gone dogs take Stone Keepers in and out Tower.  Night Stalkers found way,” he continues nodding his head with excitement.  “Go through rat-room.  See green door.”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Mon 27 Apr 2009.

"Good," Shirok said with a grateful nod. They probably understood body language more then they did words anyway. Neya had stopped growling, though she remained poised to leap upon them. "You know how many Stone Keepers?"

"Rat eaters," Ilsa snarled. She didn't even try to hide the disgust she felt. They weren't warriors, but scavengers, no better than the rats they hunted. She snorted.

Satisfied that the situation within the room was adequately diffused, but not wanting to startle the other voices by entering, Roth creeps away from the closed door and heads further down the hallway to inspect the last door--see if it is locked and if he can hear anything of concern on the other side.  The least he can do is avoid having the brute kick down another door and announce their presence to potentially hostile and avoidable ravers.

The half-orc shook his head at Shirok, trying his best to indicate to the other half-orc that he did not know how many Stone Keepers could be in the Tower.  “Ngarle no know,” he replies, “we stay, you go.”  As he speaks, he motions to the door.  As Ilsa mentions the rats, he looks down at the little corpses hanging from his belt with a smile.

Shirok didn't even acknowledge Ilsa's statement, though his intent was easily read by those who knew him. He didn't feel much respect for these creatures either, who could barely even be called orcs, but he could not show it without fouling the negotiations. Ilsa's words simply made it clear that Shirok, and the rest of the group, didn't even consider these people a serious threat.

"Fine," he said, motioning to those behind him. "We go." Shirok started for the door, Neya following silently while keeping a sharp eye upon the Ravers.

Stan was quick to follow Shirok and Ilsa out of the room. Once safely in the hallway, he spoke to his companions.

"Permit me for a moment to prepare some magical defenses for myself. If we are going to be fighting, I don't want a repeat of last time."

He speaks some unintelligible syllables and motions with his hands in front of his chest. A blue light washes over him.

Abigail let out a heavy sigh once she was let out of the room.  A near tangible wave of tension seems to waft from her for a short while, until she seems normal again.

The first to enter, Ilsa watched the rat eaters as her companions left. The last to leave, she backed out of the room and snapped her teeth at the nearest half-orc. "Should have put them out of their misery," was all she said as she stomped back to the front of their column.

Ad-hoc bonus +275 exp!

The group departs from the Raver company, and file out into the corridor.  The Ravers allow the party to leave peacefully and they gather about in the shadows, which gather as Bornegar and his torch exit the room, to divide their “loot.”
In the hallway, you all meet back up with the elusive and roguish elf, Roth, as he listens through the last door, seeming listening for another threat of some sort.  Stan casts a defensive spell on himself, and tries to do so as quietly as possible.  Ilsa, however, isn’t so concerned with employing such anti-detection practices, and speaks her mind about the rat-eating Ravers.

The young elf nods to the others as they enter the hallway once again.  Once everyone appears ready, Roth quietly unlatches the door and pushes it open with his shoulder--his crossbow at the ready and aimed through the widening crack.

As Bornegar’s light leaks into and fills the room beyond, the party is able to identify this room as an old kitchen (by both site and smell).  Rats and insects are the only creatures that seem to make use of this kitchen.  Rusty cauldrons and broken crockery are scattered across the floor, and everything is covered with dust, cobwebs, and mold.

GM Note Map has been updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:40, Tue 28 Apr 2009.

"Still nothing useful!" Stan whispers. "If we'd wanted broken pottery we could have stayed out in the slums."

Not wanting to upset Roth's technique or plans, Bornegar stays behind the little elf, but holds the torch high as to allow everyone to see into the room.

"Then we should stop wasting time," Ilsa responded to Stan's comment. "There is no danger here if those rat eaters survive." She was ready to shove everyone forward if they didn't stop being so needlessly cautious.

Roth shakes his head in slight disappointment at the old, empty kitchen.  Before entering, he comments to the others in a tone slightl yless hush than would be expected, "I was expecting some kind of fort or garrison with armed guards and the works, not an old, dusty, empty building with a few scavengers."  With a small shrug he asks, "Did you find out anything useful from the Night Stalkers?"  The young elf enters and crosses the room, still stepping softly and avoiding debris.  For the sake of caution, he puts his ear to the door once again and quietly tests the handle.

Stan considers for a moment that this whole room might be some kind of magical illusion to mask something more deadly.

He begins to touch and examine the less dirty aspects of the room, convincing himself its a real place.

"The Stone Keepers are within the fallen tower; and there is a green door that leads inside past the "rat room," Shirok answered the elf, moving through the room after him.

As if on queue, when Shirok mentions the “rat-room,” a large and horribly wicked looking dire rat snips at Stan as he is poking around near a pile of refuse!  The creature’s attack is ferocious, and if it had not been for the man’s foresight in casting his defensive spell only a few moments before, perhaps he’d have a nasty bite wound on his leg.
The rat quickly retreats under the pile, but it leaves behinds a few drops of its saliva; and to the surprise of everyone watching, several thin trails of either steam or smoke waft from them as they burn into the floor, leaving deep pockmarks.  The rats in the room begin to scurry about, racing through hidden tunnels they’ve made through the piles of debris.

     A   B   C   D   E   F
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 1 |   |   |   |   |   |Rat|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 2 |Ils|   |   |   |Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 3 |Rth|   |Brn|   |   |Abg|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |Rat|   |Shk|Nya|Aig|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+

---

Initiative

Shirok quickly barked a command to Neya as he lifted his spear, the wolf snarling loudly at the vermin before her.

OOC: 18:08, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 14 using 1d20. Initiative.

Ilsa reacted faster than she thought. Like a flash, she was on the rat that had attacked Stan.

15:19, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
15:23, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Attack.
15:23, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 12 using 2d6+6. Damage. (if needed).

Abigail moves up next to the Rat in the corner, while Thornondor covers her back.  She jabs quickly, and lightly at the rat, trying to throw it off.  She fails; however, to be of much help to Stan.



19:14, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 21 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
19:21, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 8 using 1d20-4. Aid Another Defensively Stan +2 AC.

Thank you Mage Armor! I might have ended up as rat food.

Stan tries not to squeal like a girl as the over-sized rat lunges at him. It works, for the most part. The small squeak he emits is lost in the general clamor of the struggle.

13:17, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Initiative.

Initiative Order
Ilsa* [lightly injured]
Abigail/Thor
Aigol
Stan [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya
Strange Rat 1
Bornegar
Roth
Strange Rat 2

---

Ilsa rushes at the odd rat, salivating extremely acidic saliva, taking great strides over the discarded rubbish and debris.  As she closes the distance, she swings her blade in a great arc, intending to cleave the fiendish creature in half; however the beast proves too dexterous for such a straightforward attack.
The rat squeaks in delightful glee as it quickly scrambles under the pile of refuse and pops back out closer to Stan, positioning itself for another bite.  Abigail, however, reacts quickly and tries to pull Stan away from his infernal antagonist, but her effort is lost in the confusion.

---

Initiative Order
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Abigail/Thor
Aigol*
Stan [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya
Strange Rat 1
Bornegar
Roth
Strange Rat 2

     A   B   C   D   E   F
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 1 |   |   |   |   |Ils|Rat|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 2 |   |   |   |   |Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 3 |Rth|   |Brn|   |   |Abg|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |Rat|   |Shk|Nya|Aig|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:08, Fri 01 May 2009.

Unsure of exactly what is going on, Aigol slips his dagger from his belt sheath and grips the little blade’s hilt tightly in his hand.  He makes a few sublet motions with his left hand and carefully touches the blade, wrapping it on magical blue light.

Move Action Draw Weapon (dagger)
Standard Action Cast second 1st level spell for the day
hp 6/6
AC 12

Stan is much more alert than the other wizard. His breath comes in irregular gasps as he fights down his fear. Pulling his own dagger, he attempts to slice at the rat.



Move action: Draw Dagger
Standard Action: Attack

13:05, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 16, 4 using d20+1,1d4. Attack.

Shirok spoke a few short words, Neya instantly responding to dart around her allies to come at one of the rats from the side while Shirok moved forward, his spear flashing out at the foul vermin.

Move: Neya to B3, Shirok to C4
Standard: Both attack, Neya uses Trip if hits.

01:16, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 2 using 1d8. Damage.
01:16, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Attack.

Stan lashes out, jabbing the pointed end of his dagger at the monstrous rodent, in hopes of skewering it.  The blade appears to have found its mark; however the beast’s unusually thick skin and course hair turn the dagger’s edge and forces it aside.
Before this can be reported to the others, Shirok and Neya launch themselves at the other beastly rat in the opposite corner.  Again, the tip of the half-orc’s spear is likewise turned away and fails to cause any harm to the very strange, and very hostile, rodent.
Neya, on the other hand, fares slightly better.  She snaps at the rat, clipping its hind leg with her sharp canines!  She begins to violently shake her head, attempting to flip the rat over and off-balance; but the creature dexterously jumps away.

---

Initiative Order
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Abigail/Thor
Aigol
Stan [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya
Strange Rat 1
Bornegar*
Roth
Strange Rat 2

     A   B   C   D   E   F
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 1 |   |   |   |   |Ils|Rat|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 2 |   |   |   |   |Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 3 |Rth|Nya|Brn|   |   |Abg|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |Rat|Shk|   |   |Aig|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+

Bornegar heaves his great ancestral blade high above his head and with a mighty swoop, bring it down onto the evil looking rat threatening his new friends.  As he does so, he begins to hum to himself, as if trying to find some sort of melody.
To his surprise, the rat easily dodges the blow.  It will take more than brute strange to overcome these beasts.  Perhaps if the young man were to find an epic poem or song to encourage his companions, they might be able to turn the tides in their favor?

10:39, Today: Bornegar High-Peak rolled 18 using 1d20+8. melee attack vs strange rat (+2 bonus).

---

Initiative Order
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Abigail/Thor
Aigol
Stan [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya
Strange Rat 1
Bornegar
Roth*
Strange Rat 2

Still checking the door as the fight breaks out, Roth is slower than most to respond.  However, once the realization dawns, the young elf reacts with skill unbecomming of a librarian.  With a spin away from the door and into the nearby corner to flank the rat, Roth brandishes a masterfully crafted rapier and thrusts it at the distracted rat.


Free: move crossbow to off hand
Free: 5-foot step to A4
Move: Draw Rapier
Standard: Attack

13:19, Today: Roth Daos rolled 11 using 2d6+1. Damage.
13:19, Today: Roth Daos rolled 20 using 1d20+5. Attack Roll. 

"These are hard to hit," Ilsa said as she swung again. "But not too hard."

10:30, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 24 using 1d20+7. Attack on Rat.
10:30, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 14 using 2d6+6. Damage.

As Roth brings his attention from the door, the strange rat crouches as if ready to pounce on the snipping Neya.  It opens its mouth, revealing long and wicked looking fangs dripping with acidic saliva!  Roth shuffles to the southern corner, unsheathing his rapier in one fluid motion.  As first it appears that he is cornering himself, as the edge of this ruined kitchen doesn’t allow for much fighting room.  However like a flash of lightning, the nimble elf thrusts and catches the dire rat-beast in mid-air on the tip of his blade, impaling it through the entire length of its body, the tip protruding from its still gapping maw.
Ilsa watches the others try and try to stab and slash at the strange rat; but only shakes her head.  The half-orc follows Bornegar’s example and delivers a devastating over-headed chop, cleaving the poor creature’s head laterally in two, from its nose to nearly its belly.
Below both slain creatures, the floor and debris around them begin to sizzle and pock.  Their thick blood seems to separate into different pools of either crimson goo or a thinner yellowish liquid.  Whatever this rat things are, they are strange indeed.

GM Note +50 exp!

Roth's face turns from a look of excitement from landing such a fatal blow to a look of disgust as he withdraws the blade from the large rat.  He obviously doesn't know what to make of the gunk now covering his fine blade, but as it begins to sizzle and smoke he franticly begins to wipe it off on the rat's fur--even spitting on it to get it clean.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Mon 04 May 2009.

"Rat eaters not eat these," Ilsa said. Eying Roth, she copied his attempts and wiped her sword, though with less disgust and care than he did. "We made noise. They know we're coming," she stated as she walked over to the far door in the room and started to open it.

Roth chuckles half-heartedly as he stands up from the rat's corpse, sliding the fancy rapier into a leather sheath on his belt as he comments to Ilsa, "Well, you seem to like it that way."  Taking up his crossbow once again, the young elf looks the rest of the party over before falling in behind the barbarian.

Shirok frowned a little as he watched the spreading pools of blood and whatever foulness it was mixed with. A gentle motion was all the warning Neya needed to stay away from the liquid, the pair of them following after Ilsa as she headed for the next doorway. "They must have known someone would come for the vase. This tells them only what they already knew."


OOC: Checking if he knows anything about the rats.
22:25, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Knowledge(Nature).

"It tells them when."  Roth corrects Shirok.  "Even the 'rat-eaters' could have killed one of us just as easily as they slammed that door, had they been hostile."

Ilsa snorted, "One of you, maybe."

"I am quite confident that anyone we've met today could have killed one of me."

Roth shakes his head at Ilsa, but makes the effort to restrain himself--he knows where hubris leads brutes like her, and she'll either learn, or be out of his hair soon enough.  He then smiles at the mage breaking the tension, "If only they could get past your arcane defenses and not die to your magical might!"

The floor at the northern end of this hallway is strewn with mounds of shattered glass, yet the truly strange thing is the wall of opaque glass at the far end.  A jagged rectangular opening opens into a large room where that appears to be part of the fallen tower itself.  The opening is framed by smooth stone that is green in color.

GM Note Map Updated
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:25, Tue 05 May 2009.

Not wanting to walk on the glass, grumbling "What a terrible place to get ambushed," Ilsa puts a shoulder to the door across the hallway.

This ancient pantry is now home to an army of vermin.  Looters have smashed the shelves and taken anything not nailed down, and rats and insects mill in the filth left behind.  Most of the vermin seem harmless, scurrying into the shadows at the first sign of light.  But are there larger creatures hidden in the rubble, waiting for fresh meat?
Sure enough as Ilsa opens the door, another strange rat springs from a pile of refuse and attempts to bite at her face!  Luckily, the rat fails to secure a hold on the half-orc’s clothing and armor, and it falls harmlessly to the floor at her feet.

Initiative

Ilsa's initial thought was to simply shut the door and leave the vermin to the rat eaters, but once she was attacked, she just got angry and lashed out with her sword. "Ughaaaah!"

13:32, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
13:33, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Attack.
13:33, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 14 using 2d6+6. Damage.

Feeling cramped in the small hallway and lacking in the space to join the great rat hunt, Roth proceeds north down the hallway, stepping as softly as possible and keeping his eyes peeled for any threats.

16:46, Today: Roth Daos rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Listen.
16:45, Today: Roth Daos rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Spot.
16:45, Today: Roth Daos rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Move Silently. 

"Ilsa, move back," Shirok called out, spear and wolf at the ready. Hopefully she would heed his words, pulling the melee back and allowing the rest of them to get to the rat.

OOC: 19:02, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 4 using 1d20. Initiative.

Readying attacks against rat in case it comes out to a place we can get to it.

As Ilsa approached the door Abigail took up a stance near Stan while giving a soft coo instructing Thorondor to stay with Aigol.

17:18, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Initiative.

"I've had it with these vermin!" Stan's angry tone is uncharacteristic.

He quickly moves towards the rat. Dangerously close, he brandishes the dagger, as if the rat could understand the taunting motion.

19:52, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Initiative.

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K
                   +---+
 1                 |   |
                   +---+
 2                 |   |
                   +---+
 3                 |Rth|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |Rt3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |Rt2|   |   |   |Stn|Brn|   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+--Ils--+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |   |Rt1|Shk|Abg|Aig|   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   |Ney|   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

~key~
Column E is the hallway (please refer to the Map)
Thorondor is in the same square as Aigol (G6)

---

Roth continues to make his way along the hallway to the north.  As he begins to move through the glass, the elf begins to slip!  Although elves are normally expected to be graceful, Roth checks his balance, and then gracefully falls into the mounds of broken glass.  Razor thin cuts appear upon his exposed flesh, and hundreds of tiny shards are embedded into his fair skin.
Stan is the first to react to the surprise rat attack!  He draws his dagger and moves closer to Ilsa, still standing in the doorway.  She chops at the rat, but again the blow is deflected by the creature’s thick hide and coarse hair.

Initiative Order
Stan* [lightly injured]
Strange Rat 3
Strange Rat 1
Abigail/Thor
Aigol
Strange Rat 2
Bornegar
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya

GM Note If you have any questions, please do not be afraid to ask.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Wed 06 May 2009.

Roth curses aloud in a harsh, dwarven toungue as he carefully stands up and picks glass out of his clothing and hands, "Son of an ooze and lover of orcs!  Make a fool of me?  Cursed of Moradin, how are you so slippery?"  Getting to his feet, he examines more closely the makeup of the glass.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Fri 08 May 2009.

Stan angrily swipes at the rat, but his ire impairs his judgment. After cleanly missing the rat and almost off-balancing himself, Stan decides to head away from the rodent menace.



Standard Action Attack (miss)

13:57, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 7,1 using d20+1,d4. Attack, damage.

Move Action Move to J-5 (possibly provoking an attack of opportunity; not sure what's up with Ilsa's position on the map.)

Ilsa is caught in the doorway, and Stan attempts to reach past her to stab at the vile rodent.  He thrusts, but the close-quarters of the hallway, and the proximity to the half-orc barbarian blocking the entryway, ultimately cause the wizard to miss.  Stan retreats back into the kitchen; however the strange rat leaps upward once more and snaps at him!
This time, Stan’s magic fails and it sinks its terrible teeth deep into the man’s calf.  The bite itself, although wicked, isn’t the worst part, and it appears that Stan will be able to “shrug it off.”  However, the rat’s acidic saliva continues to burn and destroy the young wizard’s tissue; and eventually causing him to overexert himself.  He collapses again, in a pile of debris in the kitchen.
Rat 3 moves forward and snaps at Ilsa, but its attack is sloppy and obviously rushed; Ilsa easily dodges.  The rat (Rat 1) that had just bit Stan tries to rush under Ilsa’s legs, following after Stan; but not before attempting to bite Ilsa as it scurries.  Its attack is also not good enough to puncture the half-orc barbarian’s armor.

---

Initiative Order
Stan [unconscious]
Strange Rat 3
Strange Rat 1
Abigail/Thor*
Aigol
Strange Rat 2
Bornegar
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K
                   +---+
 1                 |   |
                   +---+
 2                 |   |
                   +---+
 3                 |Rth|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |Rt2|   |   |Rt3|   |Brn|   |   |Rt1|Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+--Ils--+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |   |   |Shk|Abg|Aig|   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   |Ney|   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:36, Fri 08 May 2009.

Ilsa stabbed her sword to the ground, trying to catch the rat before it skittered pass her.

12:17, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 18 using 1d20+7. AoO on Rat 1.
12:17, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 16 using 2d6+6. Damage?.

In reply to Ilsa Redeye (msg #251):

As vicious as Ilsa's attack appears, her blade is turned once again by the rodent's course hair!  Sparks fly as the greatsword strikes the flagstone flooring.

GM Note Combat Map (above) has been updated.

EDIT Actually, after reviewing the map (only a few seconds after I posted), I realized that Bornegar, Abigail, and Aigol would be allowed Attacks of Opportunities as well.  Please make them now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:41, Fri 08 May 2009.

Bornegar drops his torch as he sees the rat scurry closer and closer, chasing after his new Wizard friend, Stan.  As it draws near, the big barbarian lifts his grandfather's sword high above his head and chops at the pesky rodent.
His attack is clumsy and the rat doesn't have to try too hard to dodge the blade.

Free Action AoO vs Strange Rat 1

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:45, Today: Bornegar High-Peak rolled 9 using 1d20+6. AoO vs Strange Rat 1.

---

hp 22/22
AC 15

Aigol swipes his magically enchanted blade at the rat as it rushes past, but despite his efforts, he finds himself unable to successfully break the creature's augmented defenses.

Free Action AoO vs Strange Rat 1

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:46, Today: Aigol rolled 18 using 1d20+3. AoO vs Strange Rat 1.

---

hp 6/6
AC 12

Abigail, certainly not wanting to see Stan done in by a rat, thrusts at the strange creature.

[orange]08:59, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 6 using 1d8-1. AoO damage.
08:59, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 15 using 1d20. AoO to hit. [/orange]

OoC:(Does Thorondor get an AoO as well?)

OOC I don't see why not, if you are directing him (her?) to.

Thorondor swoops down and attempts to claw at the rodent, but the rat's hair also deflects the bird's sharp talon.  The magnificent bird of prey begins to flap its wings, slowing its descent and continues to claw and bite; however is unable to do any significant damage.

OOC Abigail, it is still your normal initiative turn.

Abigail, now determined to finish the rat rushes behind it, putting it between Stan and herself.


Move to H5
21:15, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 1 using 1d8-1. Damage R1.
21:14, Today: Abigail Leafwander rolled 4 using 1d20+2. To hit R1.


OoC:  I'm aware.  I just wanted to see whether the rat was still alive before taking my turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Tue 12 May 2009.

The Wizard, Aigol, takes a step towards the beastly creature and chops at it with his magically enchanted dagger.  Despite the man's extreme determination to cut the rat open, the wizard's attack is very sloppy.  So miscalculated, in fact, that he nearly loses his grip on his weapon.

Move Action Move to H5
Standard Action Melee attack vs Strange Rat 1

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:25, Today: Aigol rolled 5 using 1d20+4. melee vs rat 1 (+2 posting bonus).
10:25, Today: Aigol rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Reflex save.

---

hp 6/6
AC 12
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Mon 11 May 2009.

The second rat (Strange Rat 2) charges forward, nipping at Ilsa and attempting to block the half-orc from entering its domain.  However, despite the rat’s vicious charge, the creature fails to connect with the barbarian.

Initiative Order
Stan [unconscious]
Strange Rat 3
Strange Rat 1
Abigail/Thor
Aigol
Strange Rat 2
Bornegar*
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K
                   +---+
 1                 |   |
                   +---+
 2                 |   |
                   +---+
 3                 |Rth|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |Rt3|   |Brn|   |Aig|Rt1|Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+--Ils--+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |   |Rt2|Shk|   |   |Abg|   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   |Ney|   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

Bornegar remains where he is as the fighting breaks out around him.  He isn’t sure what exactly happened when Stan rushed back into the room and collapsed.  He thought he saw another of those strange rats, but with all the debris, he wasn’t certain.  He heard commotion out in the hall, and the jangle of glass shards.
The young barbarian decided to let the others handle the situation and only offer them what support he could muster as he began to sing a song he learned in his youth.  The ballad always inspired courage within him, and he hoped it might do the same for his new friends.

"The seadogs have all sailed their ships
Into the docks of dawn
While the sirens sit and comb their hair
And twiddle with their thumbs

Oh Thor above the mountain
Look down upon your children
This is their heaven where they're told
To bring their galleons..."

Free Action Sing
Full Round Action Inspire Courage +1
hp 22/22
AC 15
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Tue 12 May 2009.

Ilsa grunted acknowledgment of Shirok's order and stepped back into the hallway. And though she continued to stab with her sword at the rats, the angle was bad and she couldn't get leverage.

5' step to E5
09:59, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 10 using 1d20+8. Attack on Rt2.

Shirok moved into the space Ilsa left, Neya weaving in with him to stab and bite at the foul vermin.

OOC: Both attack Rat2. As usual, Neya trips if she hits.

22:34, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 8 using 1d20+2. Attack.

Ilsa steps out from the doorway and slashes downward at the strange and evasive rats; however her attack fails to connect with anything other than the refuse littering the floor.  Shirok attempts to move into the doorway, however the fierce creatures snap and bay at the druid, and he reconsiders moving too close.  Neya, however, leaps through the opening and lands safely behind the rats, despite their attempts to bite the wolf’s underside.  The nimble, and cunning, wolf quickly spins to bite at their tails.  Again, however, the rats proof to be too elusive and deftly dodge the wolf’s attacks.
Stan lies on a pile of debris, but those around him can see that he is still breathing.  The rat that chased him suddenly spins around, having only now realized that it has gained several pursuers.  It begins to snarl and it shows its yellowed teeth.  After a moment, it lashes out at Abigail and sinks its sharp little fangs deep into her shin!  She cries out in pain as the creature’s acidic saliva burns her skin and muscle.
One of the rats in the pantry (the 3rd rat) tries to reach around the wall and bite at Ilsa, but it fails to catch the wild half-orc.  On the other side of the wall—from within the kitchen—Bornegar continues his song:

"Seek you find your place with me
Men of iron, men of steel
Only the brave hear the hammers ring
In the courts of the Queens, in the halls of the Kings

You can come to Valhala in your own time
Come to Valhala seek and you will find Valhala
Come to Valhala in your own time
Come to Valhala seek and you will find Valhala..."

---

Initiative Order
Stan [unconscious]
Strange Rat 3
Strange Rat 1
Abigail/Thor* [Abigail seriously injured]
Aigol
Strange Rat 2
Roth
Bornegar
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K
                   +---+
 1                 |   |
                   +---+
 2                 |   |
                   +---+
 3                 |Rth|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |Rt3|Ils|Brn|   |Aig|Rt1|Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |Ney|Rt2|Shk|   |   |Abg|   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:07, Tue 12 May 2009.

Abigail clutches at her shin as the acid still eats away.  She limps back a little to put some space between the rat, and herself
5 ft step to G6.

After her retreat Abigail pulls out a small wand from her pack.  Thorondor places himself between Abigail, and the hideous vermin while she tends to her wounds

5 ft step to H6.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:26, Wed 13 May 2009.

Aigol watches in horror as the rat bites Abigail, and the druidess's subsequent retreat.  He grips his dagger tighter and begins to rethink his decission to enter this rat infested hellhole.  With determination, he tries to stick the rat once more; however again he finds his blade turned by the rodent's thick hair.

Full Round Action Melee attack vs Rat 1

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:16, Today: Aigol rolled 18 using 1d20+3; melee vs rat 1.

---

hp 6/6
AC 12

The [2st] rat rocks back on its hind legs and leaps onto Ilsa's chest, thinking it easily could find a firm hold in her chain amror!

---

Ilsa's AoO vs Rat 2

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:23, Today: Dungeon Master, on behave of Ilsa, rolled 28 using 1d20+8. AoO vs Rat 2.
11:24, Today: Dungeon Master, on behave of Ilsa, rolled 13 using 1d20+8. confirm critical hit.
11:24, Today: Dungeon Master, on behave of Ilsa, rolled 19 using 2d6+7. damage.

---

The rat squeeks loudly as Ilsa "bats" it away.  Her blade is sharp, and she cleaves the rodent in half, sending a spray of blood and droplets of acid all over the doorway.  Luckily, the acid has disparsed too much to cause any harm to anything, other than a slight burning sensation to those exposed.

Initiative Order
Stan [unconscious]
Strange Rat 3
Strange Rat 1
Abigail/Thor [Abigail seriously injured]
Aigol
Strange Rat 2
Roth* [slightly injured]
Bornegar
Ilsa [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya

---

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K
                   +---+
 1                 |   |
                   +---+
 2                 |   |
                   +---+
 3                 |Rth|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |Rt3|Ils|Brn|   |Aig|Rt1|Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |Ney|   |Shk|   |Abg|Thr|   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

GM Note Please remember you all receive +1 to attacks, damage, & saves vs fear and fear effects due to Bornegar's inspire courage +1.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:27, Thu 14 May 2009.

Still batting shards of glass out of his hair as he unsheathes his rapier and steps back towards the battle and Ilsa. Roth takes stock of the situation and quickly insists, "Ilsa, Bornegar; Help the mages!  We'll keep these guys busy."  The young elf then takes a readied stance with the fancied hilt of his rapier near his shoulder, and the blade in the air--his left hand still gripping his heavy crossbow.

Move: E3 to E4
Standard: Ready attack for when Rat 3 (hopefully) follows Ilsa and Bornegar away and is flanked by he and Shirok(which would quickly be followed by his AoO.)  Will use his +2 bonus on the first of these attacks(provided it's flanked.)
AC: 16

"I'm not turning my back on that thing!" Ilsa says, practically spitting on the ground as she says it.


Holding long enough to be convinced otherwise.

"They need you and we need them!"  Roth pauses for a moment, realizing the brute wouldn't give a damn if they died for being weak, and adds, "I'll owe you!"

This message was deleted by the player at 16:38, Thu 14 May 2009.

Continuing his song, Bornegar strategically moves around Aigol and under Thorondor.  Once he is close enough, he viciously lashes out at the strange rat, feeling more courageous as the song comes to its end.
His grandfather's blade slices into the large rodent, severing it nearly in two.

"There's long boats in the harbour
Which arrive there every hour
With the souls of the heroes
Whose blood lies on the flowers

And this heaven is the home
Of every man who loves his sword
And he uses it for freedom
To preach the word of Thor..."

Free Action Sing (Inspire Courage +1)
Move Action Move to H6
Standard Action Melee attack vs Rat 1

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:12, Today: Bornegar High-Peak rolled 25 using 1d20+7; melee attack vs rat 1.
11:12, Today: Bornegar High-Peak rolled 15 using 2d6+5; damage vs rat 1.

---

hp 22/22
AC 15
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Thu 14 May 2009.

PM

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K
                   +---+
 1                 |   |
                   +---+
 2                 |   |
                   +---+
 3                 |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |Rth|   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |Rt3|Ils|   |   |Aig|   |Stn|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |Ney|   |Shk|   |Abg|Brn|   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

---

Initiative Order
Stan [unconscious]
Strange Rat 3
Strange Rat 1
Abigail/Thor [Abigail seriously injured]
Aigol
Strange Rat 2
Roth [slightly injured]
Bornegar
Ilsa* [lightly injured]
Shirok/Neya
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:28, Thu 14 May 2009.

With an impressed look into the eastern room, Roth blinks and says simply, "Eh ... never mind."

Ilsa at this point was almost disappointed. "Too bad. I wanted you to owe me, pretty elf," she grimaced. She then turned her attention back to the large rat and stabbed it. She might have done more damage to it if so much of her momentum hadn't gone directly into the floor.

09:41, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Attack on Rat3.
09:41, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 10 using 1d20+8. Crit Check.
09:41, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 10 using 2d6+4. Damage.

Blade and fang straed towards the heavily wounded rat, hoping to ensure it never got the chance to retaliate.

<orange>OOC: Shirok and Neya both attack Rt3, if still needed.

13:26, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 1 using 1d8. Damage
13:26, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Attack. /orange>

Ilsa’s blade comes down onto the last rat, chopping through its midsection.  The force of the blow causes it to scramble back slightly, making it a better target for Shirok to skewer it.  At the same time, Neya catches it within her mouth and begins violently shaking it laterally.  Of the three combatants, which actually landed the killing blow may never be realized; however one thing remains:  The strange rats have been dealt with.
Wasting no time, Bornegar rushes over to Stan’s body and cradles it.  He grabs a vial from under his wolfskin cloak and pours the liquid down the poor wizard’s throat.  A moment later, Stan stirs and reflexively grabs his torn calf.
He can feel the tissue rapidly restoring itself, muscle, tendons, and finally skin.  The magic of the potion leaves his body with a warm, tingly feeling and a slight licorice taste on his tongue.

Experience Awarded +120 exp!

"We need to be more careful," Bornegar says outloud as he offers Stan a helpful hand to stand back up.  "I haven't anymore of those."

Ilsa grunted with satisfaction when Neya finished off the rat. "Good boy. But those rats not for eating," she said. She wiped off her sword and inspected the blade for signs of chips or corrosion, but it was good steel--the warrior off whose body she took it had had a good eye--and there was no permanent damage.

Roth gives a small huff and slides his rapier carefully back into its sheath--the battle that was giving everyone so much trouble ending as soon as he got there.  Still brushing glass from the folds of his clothing, Roth adds to Bornegar's statement, "And be careful on this glass ahead ... there's something unnatural about it."  And unless anyone pipes up with any suggestions, Roth heads north once again, this time with his hand propping himself on the wall and stepping very cautiously over the glass.

13:56, Today: Roth Daos rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Balance.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Thu 14 May 2009.

"I still have the last one you gave me, assuming that's what this is."

Stan holds out the potion which Bornegar  earlier gave to him.

"Take it back, please. You've aided me more than enough for one day."

The wizard looks embarassed, as though he's not used to being such a drain on others' resources.