A young girl of maybe a dozen cycles comes running and bounding through the light woods outside of Volge.

"Glummer!" she yells, mispronouncing his name.  "Glummer, wait!"

Glumr stops to observe her.  The girl's wild flowing, light brown hair nearly matches her short, tan goatskin dress and boots.  As she draws nearer, Glumr recognizes her as Alma Triplefang.  He doesn't know her well.  Frankly, he's surprised to see anyone out here today.  The girl runs up to Glumr, out of breath and sweating.

"Come on, you.  Elana wants to see you."  She leans on a tree catching her breath.  "You were a pain to find, you know."

Alma leads Glumr back to the village.  At the clearing, they meet up with Hollykahn, who has also gotten word to meet the Eldress.  Two more young Triplefang adults are waiting in Elana's cottage when Glumr and Holly arrive.

There isn't much time to puzzle and compare stories before the prompt Eldress arrives in the public room and offers you seats at her dinning table.  She's wearing traditional grey and blue robes, although you've recently caught her trying out newer Empire fashions on occasion.  Many Triplefang have.

"Salutations, young Triplefang.  Hollykhan, Mord, Glumr, Snow," she says nodding to you each.  "I have received a message by falcon from Goldenpoint.  It appears there have been some shenanigans.  Members of another clan, probably the Coriss, have stolen a stone idol from the temple of Pelor there.  They left the grounds traveling northwest.  The priests requested our help recovering it."

Elana pauses.  Her voice is rough and dry, but coveys a dramatic sense of authority.  Since you were all tiny whelps you've known to do what the Clan Elders say even before the instructions of your parents.

"They should not be hard for the four of you to find.  The idol is large and very heavy.  Their cart will be easy to spot and follow.  Go out there and catch them.  Travel light so you can make up the ground."

"Oh, and don't kill anyone.  We don't want to be paying out wereguild over this.  I'm serious.  If it comes down to a fight, which it probably will, they will not be trying to kill you either, so don't make this a big incident.  Understand?  Go find them and return the idol to Goldenpoint."

Snow steps outside with the others, Elana wasnt the sort of person that was use to repeating herself.

Travel light she said, Most of now's possessions were home.  Her sling and staff would suffice for now if it came to force of arms.  Elana seemed to think lethal combat to be unlikely which as comforting.

"I'm ready to depart now if you are.  The sooner we leave the less of a lead we'll have to close.  If the idol is that heavy and they're in a cart, they'll be on the road.  We travel that way till Glumr can pick up a better trail?"

Holly is glad to be outside again, and moves the group over towards Moonlight so she can let him nuzzle her hand as she thinks.  Mapping out the world as she knew it, she suspected they needed to move fast.

"Snow, if they are moving NW, then there is no real road, just tracks if I remember rightly.  Isn't that the case Glumr, you know that area better than me I think.  Either way, the river is between us and them, so perhaps if Glumr can lead us to a ford, we can cut straight north to intercept them, hopefully before they get too far."

[From Game Map, I assume we are at the V in the middle of the map, and that the shrine is the Sun symbol top left.  A road leads to the shrine, if we want to take that, but I'd assume we'd be better off going crosscountry and over the river to intercept.
DM - How many days travelling is it to get to the Shrine?]

Feeling Moonlight nudge her in the back, she looks around and picks out an apple she'd been saving.  Feeding it to Moonlight, she adds, "I'll be ready to move in about half an hour.  If I get to sleep, I can be better prepared for perhaps using Obad-Hai's prayers to send the thiefs to sleep, or distract them in other ways.  Perhaps Snow can charm them into submission!  If all else fails I'll knock them out with my staff."  Smiling at Snow as the jest was made, Holly waited for the others to determine where and when to meet up, before she went to explain what was happening to her 'mother'.

Glúmr exits Elana's cottage.  Stepping out into the sun, his eyes shimmer blue with excitement.  After the years of his mother keeping him close, the elders have finally given him case to leave the safety of the local area and head out on the road of adventure. Excitement fills his every nerve.

He leans on his walking cane, carved from one of the trees on his family's property, his reminder of his home and mother, and listens to Holly and Snow.  He's ready for the road.  Traveling light is his norm.  His brown and green leathers, backpack, cane and trusty bow have accompanied him all over the outskirts of town as he tracked and removed a stray goblin here and there.

"I think we should head out towards Goldenpoint.  From there we can pick up the trail.  Worst case we can interview some of the town folks and see if they have any extra info.  We really dont have any idea what we're up against.  Hopefully it will be a handful of rogues, but it could possibly be a bigger gang who easily outnumber us.  Ideally I can find their trail before we get into town and we should be able to catch up to them and take a gander at them before they do the same to us.  If we take short rest breaks and walk through most of the nights, we should easily over take them."

GM, how many day walk is it to Goldenpoint?  I think our characters would have some slight knowledge of the local region.  Especially Glúmr since he's been fascinated with adventuring since he was young.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Thu 25 June 2009.

By now you've all seen the game map that Holly scratched in the sand outside Elana's cottage.  For an idea of scale it's about 40 miles to Goldenpoint from Volge.  I have posted a handout about land travel which I will be updating with various distances as you visit new places.

The rival clan's cart will not have to travel via road.  The terrain is easy enough to traverse via cart without roads.

You may want to bring some minor camping supplies and food (don't worry about marking off meals), since you'll be gone a few days.

I've heard two plans so far - travel due North to cut off the idol swipers - or - take the rod to Goldenpoint and begin the search there.  Which will it be?

If everyone is at light encumbrance (except Mord, who is still fast at medium) you can cover 24 miles a day either by road or overland.

Mord appears to be the strong, silent type.  Still 0 posts.  Chime in any time, big guy.

"North... We should head north.  I just need to pick up a little more food and some stuff and i'll be ready."

Snow produces some coloful thread seeming to pluck i from thin air and unwindng it between two fingers.


"It's nearly a full days travel to Goldenpoint.  If we spend that much time going there, they can be anywhere here."

(Snow anchors one end of the thread on Golden point and wavers it into the North West area.]

"It would be better to move straight north and start looking for trails as we go.  It's possible they might change directions on us, though this travel will eliminate the west side as a direction of evasion if we cut them off with this path.  If we see nothing after a day we can adjust and travel North East to look for their trail."

Snow compressess the thread together before uncoiling it again as a colorful ribbon which i use to tie my hair back.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Fri 26 June 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #1):

Agree on traveling north for best intercept chance.  Wagon tracks and campsite debris should help.  Might even spot campfire at night of first day.

This somewhat mismatched band of young adventurers gathers up enough gear for a short trip and a serious, but not lethal battle, and heads north.  Keeping a due course is simple.  You have two of the most talented pathfinders of this clan's young generation, and even Snow knows the saying "Your shadow points north at noon."  It's the rainy season now, but dry today as it has been for 3 days.  The sky is clear and a few patchy clouds drift along lazily.  Most of the day takes you through familiar farms, grazing fields, and hunting grounds.

You reach the river at an easy fording point, which is no accident, and a discussion breaks out about where to camp for the night and how best to locate the rival clan's thugs the next day.  You are in a very gentle valley.  High ground from which to spot far off campfires is hard to come by and you'd be just as likely to spot the fire of one of you clan members as that of the fleeing thieves.  The best of these poor vista hills could be reached by veering northwest from here.  You could continue due north, making up the most ground, and camp in about 5 miles when you run out of light.  You could also try cutting northeast in hopes of coming across their tracks (very doubtful) or maybe travelers who crossed their path.  (also a longshot)  Further discussion centers around whether to post a watch during the night.  That is what is done during raids, so it seems the wise thing to do.  However, you are well within the safe confines of Triplefang lands.

Suggest we move on north as far as we can make it and then camp at last light.  Don't mind standing a watch, but don't think its critical here. Maybe our drood knows a "sleep like a cat" spell ;)

"I agree with Mord, we go on as far as we can.  The sooner we catch up with them, the better.  I'll take first or last watch with Moonlight, and would think Glumr should take the other end.  That leaves Snow and you Mord for the midnight slot.  Although the humans out here might be friendly, the animals aren't."  Holly tried to hide the fact this would not have been her original idea, but probably made best use of their little band.  She needed a good nights sleep to prepare for the possible day to come.

Snow frowns a little, "Why do i have to take a watch with Mord?  Dont you trust me to keep you safe from a pack of rabid squirrels?  I know i dont have your affinity for animals Holly but i dont need Mord to protect me from the local wild life, at least not yet.  I dont mind taking the last watch, it'll give me time to see if i can make the trail rations taste better."

I can take either watch... Maybe the mid watch as I know solid sleep is more crucial to some.  A watch is important though.  We're a days march north of Volge and I've killed enough Goblinkind out here to know that you should not leave yourself completely unguarded though the night. That being said, I dont think we need to double up.  Whom ever has watch can wake the rest if there is trouble.  Likewise, I suggest standing or walking around the edges of camp as this will help ensure nobody nods off to sleep.

Glumr leans on his walking cane, taking in group, and the beauty of Ehlonna's creations along the river.  He enjoys being out of the towns and in the wilds, feeling a bit more comfortable here than on a street.

I think we should travel as far as we can today and into the evening and take a shorter rest tonight.  We can make up some lost ground on them by starting early tomorrow.  Once we start moving, I will see if I can pick up a trail.  At first light, I can climb a tree and see if I can see any cook fires that might point them out.  We have a general idea of the direction they are moving in.  So a cook fire might give us a direction to move.  We should know right off if the trail is theirs or not.  If I see nothing, then I think we should continue North as we have been.

Glumr looks to the group to see if they agree.  He feels a bit sheepish throwing ideas out as in the excitement in meeting with Elana, he missed a key detail and feels like he made a stupid suggestion of going to Goldenpoint first.  He feels the path to intercept the thieves along their course is a good idea.

Holly shakes her head, not having meant to rile the sensitive Snow this early in the proceedings.  "I sugested you and Mord for the midnight shift for two reasons.  Your magic compliments his combat skills, and secondly because two people can keep each other awake better in the most sleepy part of the night.  I have Moonlight to aid me as a second set of ears, and Glumr practically lives out here all the time. I didn't think you'd mind.  If you want, I'll stay awake with Mord, and you can take the morning shift alone.  Glumr seems happy to take the midnight shift."

Sometimes Holly seemed to get her wishes, even when she hadn't managed to wish for them.  Waiting to see if Snow would want a change to the plans, she added, "And we need to discuss how we are going to get the idol back, without killing anyone!"

(We more or less decided straight north, so im presuming that the sleeping discussions are done on the road or towards the end of the day.)

"How long are we making a 'watch'?  Do 'we' have to do with out a watchfire?  If animals are the worse we have to deal with fires a good ward."

Snow was slight of build and not use to manual labor, she was traveling compareably light and without armor at the moment.  Her only apparent weapon was a quarterstaff which she also used as a walking stick.

Where most had a backpack, Snow made do with a shoulder satchel.  Comfort minded Snow has decided to bring her bedroll along.  Aside from a few days provisions she's not carrying a whole lot.

"I suppose alot of it will depend on how many of them there are?  If there are a dozen of them, i doubt were going to be able to 'force' them to do anything.  We can try and be reasonable, find out why they took it in the first place and go from there?"

Glumr chats with his new companions as they walk the sun down behind the horizon.

Hmmm.. I dont think it's really necessary for us to double up on watches around these parts.  We're still in Triplefang lands, so the worst we will see would be random animals, or some goblinkind running around.  We will all be sleeping light, so I think a single person on watch simple to alert the rest of us should suffice.  That being said, I'm not against people doubling up for extra comfort or company.

Since there are 4 of us, and about 12 hours or dark, we can each take a 3 hour watch.  That gives everyone about 8 hours rest.

If we want to close the gap, maybe we each take a 2 hour watch and break camp when we're done.  Then we can catch up while dawn breaks and maybe catch them at breakfast.

As for a fire...  I dont see any reason not to, especially in the safety of Triplefang lands... We're not being hunted and there are enough folk out in the wilds that a small cook fire shouldnt raise any suspicion and it might keep the wilds at bay through the night.

Glumr enjoys the company of his new friends.  As the sun sets he suggests they make camp here and starts to gather wood to build a fire for his companions and thinks about what tomorrow may bring.  He knows the thieves have a cart.  Since they are making their getaway, they are probably using that to transport the idol as horseback or on foot would lead to faster travel.  Glumr sits down to set the tinder and wood ready for fire and decides it might be a good time to come up with a bit of a plan between them.

So my friends...  Tomorrow we may stumble upon our quarry.  We have no real idea of the size of their party.  We know they have a cart.  In my opinion, if I was to steal something, I would flee on horse for speed, or foot for concealment.  I think the cart may be used for the idol, it being large and very heavy per Elana.    We have to find a way to take the cart and idol from the group, without killing them.

Holly and Snow, do you have any spells that we could use to our advantage?  I'm afraid my bow and cane might make them a bit dead.   Maybe we could surprise them somehow, and basically rob them on threat of death.  Or perhaps make off with it in the middle of the night with some spellcraft to aid us?

Snow raises an eyebrow, "I think youre over estimating my skill, i'm still learning.  I can do parlor tricks, sense magic, and hurl a mean snowball but beyond that i think youre mistaking me for one of the more powerful elders.  I suppose stealing from thieves is ironic justice, though if it's so heavy as to need a cart, i'm not sure how practical it would be to expect that we'll be able to out run them, any more than they might out run us?"

That's exactly what I was thinking in regards to the cart.  I was thinking there might be a spell that could confuse or trick them more than anything.  Maybe something where we could make our band appear as many more than we are.

I heard a story once where some folk were up against a larger force... They snuck around the camp and knocked the watch out.  They set up torches all around the camp and light them all at once and then had someone walk into camp and tell them they were surrounded.  The other couple people that lit the torches did things like fire a warning arrow and such to make it seem like there were truly many surrounding the camp.

Glumr draws an illustration in the sand to explain where they placed torches in relation to the camps position.

I've also heard a story where they had someone run through their camp and cause the majority of the camp to give chase, where then the others swooped in when the camp was empty to take what they were after.

Do either of you have any spells that we could use in that manner, instead in a direct offensive or defensive way?

Or any other ideas on how we can make a getaway?

Holly considered Glumr's question about how she could support the group in its actions the next day.  Although the idol was for Pelor, its return was one she felt Obad-Hai would support, and would therefore grant her his powers to aid them.  She had learnt many spells from her druidic teachers in the last few years, and was willing to try at least one of them to aid them.

"I have access to a spell from Obad-Hai that will call the plants around the enemy to hold them fast for about 70 heart beats, and I can call upon the mists of the river to our aid to provide cover if needed.  Other than that, if we find some helpful creatures I can perhaps call on their services.  A pack of wolves or herd of horses might provide us with enough power to convince them to leave the idol for us to return.  If there are more than five, then we need call upon others of the tribe to help us.  There are likely to be a few hunting parties out, if we are lucky.  Glumr might be able to pick out some of their fires from the trees.  If needed, either myself or Snow can talk to them."

"Of course if it comes to a fight, the grass holding them down will help us, as would only making use of wooden staffs or weapons.  Are you willing to go back to using a quarterstaff Mord?  It's a while since I last saw you making use of one in the training fields."  Realising what information she might have given away, she quickly added, "If necessary Glumr, I think Obad-hai would have little feeling if you had to shoot the wagon animal.  With no draught animal, they cannot go anywhere.  I would use that as a last resort though, in deference to your own beliefs."

"Tis a shame neither Snow or myself can pretend to be Pelor, and send fire down on them.  Perhaps one day, Snow."

Glumr think's he would much rather shoot the thieving rider more than the poor cart horse.

If anything, Holly could have the plants hold them down and we could rush in and smash their hands and feet, preventing them from taking up arms or following us.

I think we really need to see what we're up against before we can formulate a real plan.

Mord, do you have any thoughts on this? You've been quiet this evening.

"One problem, anyone entering the spell of entanglement also gets trapped.  We have to assume they'll start out under the same restrictions as us about bloodgeld.  I'll think further on any other spells that Obad-Hai might help us with.  I think we might just have to talk our way in and out."

"Are you in with me tonight sister?  Or will you be making a play on one of them?" Holly conspiratoraly whispers to Snow, a knowing laugh in her eyes.  Trying to hide the interest she herself had in Mord, she slipped the tent off of the mule, and started to make up the tent.  When Moonlight came over and nudged her, she scratched behind his ear before pushing him away.  Moonlight wandered off to a clump of grass, but kept shaking his head at her.

Once the tent was up, Holly slipped an apple out of her pack, along with her horse brush, and moved over to Moonlight.  Feeding it the treat, she quickly went about unknotting the mane, and then brushing out the coat.  The time and actions helped her relax, and go through her druidic teachings.

I think the tents, ropes, pots, and mule were left in Volge.  Is this right?

The small group of young travelers (and horse) press onwards north until dusk.  You are able to travel another 8 miles after the river, and you make camp in scrubby grasslands.  By the last rays of the sun you mat down the grasses in a 15 foot radius in such a way that they will quickly recover when you are gone,  and dig out a small fire pit with crude improvised tools.  You had the foresight to gather firewood as you approached the campsite and there will be plenty to keep a small tended fire burning crisply throughout the night.  The fire will keep nocturnal animals away.  You look forward to a good night's sleep.

After deciding that it is better to err on the side of caution this first night out, a watch order is established.  Holly volunteers for the first watch and gives everyone a quick primer on how to gauge passing hours at night before the rest of you lie down for the night.  Only Mord is able to fall asleep right away.  Glumr and Snow are both too excited to sleep at first.  They lie awake, staring at the stars for a while.  Later they gather near Holly and quietly discuss tactics for tomorrow.  Snow and Holly are dubious about Glumr's plan of crippling the opponents' hands and feet.  No one is really sure what the rules of engagement are for this sort of thing.  It will be quite an experience.

Eventually, drowsiness sets in for the trio.  Snow and Glumr call it a night and drift off to sleep.  Holly chews on a mild stimulant to keep herself alert for the rest of her shift.  Maybe she had a bit too much.  She has a hard time falling asleep herself after waking Glumr from his nap.  Glumr takes a nibble of the herb himself, careful not to make Holly's dosage mistake.

It's not a quiet night, as the sounds of wind, and insects, and nighttime animals are all around you, but it is a calm and uneventful night.  Mord's watch passes without any sort of disturbance.  He wakes Snow at the appointed time and goes quickly back to sound sleep.  She marvels at the other's' ability to sleep through the racket of pre-dawn chirping from all directions.  Songbirds herald the dawning day.

But wait...  there's something else.

In the distance, faint at first, Snow hears music.  She stands up and turns her head to locate the direction of the sound.  It's hard to tell where it's coming from, but it seems to be getting slowly nearer.  It sounds like a band of minstrels - horns, pipes, percussion, maybe even a stringed instrument.  She can't see them or tell for sure where they are, but they're still a good distance away.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #24):

Party time! excellent! doo-doo-loo, doo-doo-loo, doo-doo-loo (Mord's dream sequence)

Snow wrinkles her nose at Holy's question making an 'ewwwww...' facial expression that neither Glumr nor Mord could see.  A sharp shake of her head more or less summed up her impressions of Glumr and Mord.

Glumr seemed to self involved while Mord having muscles as solid as a rock, also seemed about as bright as one.  She gave Holly a doubtful sideways glance wondering about her judgement.

As they walked and traveled, Snow kept her attention on her surroundings, you never knew when you might come across a useful herb or a nice bit of something edible to supplement their meal.

It was fairly well known that Snow had a talent for cooking.

Glumr wakes, excited that the new day is here and all the possibilities that it may bring.  He stretches and gives his morning thanks to Ehlonna.  Before breaking camp, Glumr checks his leathers, making sure they are all properly fastened and secured.  He then checks his bow and arrows, making sure the string and feathers are all true.  Feeling comfortable that he is as ready as he possibly could be, he finished breaking camp with the rest of his new friends and mentally prepares for todays trek.

"Are you all as excited as I am?" Glumer beams. "This is our first quest from the elders.  They have entrusted us with this task and if we succeed, who knows what other adventures they will have in store for us."

Glumr's eyes flash blue green, showing that he might be as nervous as he is excited.

Does the rest of the party know that snow has heard music in the distance this morning?

Edit:  Out of sequence.... This post didnt happen.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Wed 01 July 2009.

The sound of minstrels didn't just go away.  It is getting closer.  We're waiting to see what she does about it, if anything.  Right now Glumr is still sleeping, but he could soon be awoken either by a concerned Snow or by the music itself if it keeps getting louder as it approaches.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Tue 30 June 2009.

Snow spent her watch  gathering meager trail rations, and sifting through the days herbs to mull over how best to tackle breakfast.  They might have to suffer horrid rations for the rest of the day, but she was determined to at least make breakfast a little more savory.

Snow glances at the camp fire and then out into the dark.  We werent going to go un noticed for this.  It was likely nothing, but then, trouble had a way of brewing when you thought that.

She took a moment to glance at the others, Holly probably needed her beauty sleep.  The other two louts had no such handicap.  Mord had just put down not long ago and was probably not deep in sleep.  She decided to wake him first.

Mord was the sort that hacked people up in his sleep while waking.  Snow had no interest in losing a limb this early in her life and decided to nudge him with the tip of her staff while standing more than an arm and sword lengths away.  "pssst... wake up, we have company."

Once it was apparent that Mord was awake she nods towards the sound of approaching music.  "Should we wake the others?"

Moonlight moving besides her woke Holly to the state of a hazy dream.  Normally the horses movements early in the morning meant nothing to her, but in her dreamy state she thought her lover was leaving her.  Wrapping an arm over her imagined lover, she only vaguely understood where she really was.  Moaning slightly as the imagined partner in her bed was found to be missing, Holly turned over and began to slip back into her sleep.

Besides Holly, Moonlight had raised her head, and then rolled to stand up, her ears pricked and pointing towards the music Snow had been hearing.  Shaking his head, Moonlight looked down at Holly, and then over at Snow and Mord.

Glumr sleeps soundly... Dreaming of adventures in far away lands.  The commotion in camp is starting to pull him from his slumber.  Starting to, but not quite enough to wake him.

"Yes," replies Mord.

He claps his hands together loudly several times.

"Wake up!"

Snow flinches and hops to the side.  Mord's not a big fan of subtle it seems.

Glumr jolts awake at the sound of Mord's claps.  He hops into ready position, brandishing his cane from the end, which is now obviously seen as the club it truly is.

What's going on?  Glumr hisses at his companions.

As he takes in the surroundings, realizing there is no imminent danger, he relaxes a bit but is still alert; straining his ears to see if he can detect anything approaching.

Do I need to roll to see if Glumr hears the approaching music, or would it be detectable by us all at this point?

Holly hears the clapping as Moonlight nudges her in the back, and the combined actions wake her from her sleep.  Although awake, she senses from Moonlight no immediate danger, and rubs her eyes as Mord calls for them to wake up.  Looking around, she sees the others awake and armed, and slips her sickle into her hand.  Standing up, she pats Moonlights head as he comes in for a nuzzle, and listens to the distant music.  Wondering what might be out there, she moves towards Snow and Mord.  "Unless it is the Fey Hunt, we should perhaps find out what it is." she says in a quiet voice, already trying to see if she could recognise any particular tune.

Everyone can hear the music.  It's a light, pleasant, cheerful tune.  No one can quite put their finger on it, but it sounds similar to the style you're used to hearing at a festival dance or party.  You're all looking around for the minstrels to no avail.  There's just enough light to see by now so long as you aren't looking directly into the rising sun.  Finally,Snow picks out an odd, ball-like object bobbing along in the distance off vaguely west of your camp.

Snow points in the direction of the illumination.

"There, I see something... moving...", Snow whispers softly to the others.

Glumr peers into the distance to better make our what Snow is pointing at.

I see.... something?  By Ehlonna what is that?

GM: Now that it's pointed out and Glumr is trying to make something of it... Do we see any more details?   Size, distance, etc?

In the dim morning light it's hard to judge size or distance.  It could be huge, far away and very loud.  However, if you assume that to music is the normal volume for minstrels the round thing is likely small enough to get your arms half way around or further.  It's certain to far away to cast spell on or hit with an arrow.  Closer investigation would help.  Of course, based on the way the faint song is growing slightly nearer and clearer, it might might come to you.

To clear things up a little, the light I referred to earlier is the sun light of a brand new morning, not something generated by the distant, bobbing, ball-like thing.

It looks as if it grows near... We should take cover in its path to observe it.

Glumr looks to see if there is an area where he could conceal himself in path of the object.

Should we all go, or should I just go scout it out.  That way if there is trouble, it wont come down on all of us.

GM, does he see any area that would work?

"You don't think the gods are bringing the idol to us do you? It would make sense, as the idol would likely be a disc of some sort, and any worshippers would greet the dawn with pomp and ceremony.  I think we need to move together, and openly.  Lets see if they are the new holders of the idol."

With that, Holly moves quickly to pick her gear up and swing the backpack onto her back.  "Have any of you been to the Pelor temple?   I know you don't worship him, but would help if we knew what we were looking for."  Slapping Moonlight lovingly on the shoulder, she begins to move off, waiting for the others to either join her, or stop her.

There are a number of hiding places from which to observe.  Some of you are more skilled in finding these places than others.  Anyone who would like to move into the distant object's path and attempt to observe from hiding may make a Hide roll.

Just keep in mind that more rolls means more chances that someone will fail.

Snow looks about with a frown, "Were still in Triple Fang territory.  This is our clan's home ground what have we to hide and fear here?  If this is trouble, then we should be looking into it.  If it's not, then it's not."

Snow starts to walk towards the sound/disc after having her say, making no attempt to hide.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Fri 03 July 2009.

In reply to Glumr (msg #19):

I will accompany Snow to investigate the group.  My club will be obvious but carried business end down, as more of a walking stick... a walking stick with some very nasty chunks of metal sticking out of the business end.

I will take cover, the same as Holly... Should a situation arise, my bow may be able to lend some protection.

Glumr grabs his gear and moves to find a hiding spot where he will be able to see the approaching object.  He's pretty sure that they are not so lucky as to have the gods deliver their quarry to them with fanfare.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Mon 06 July 2009.

As you draw nearer, Snow recognizes the song.  It was one that Nanna Fresa used to sing.  She was a village grandmother who looked after some of the youngest children including Snow.  Nanna has since passed away, but the song stayed with Snow.  It's about 3 birds and their optimistic message that everything will turn out fine.  A good, comforting, morning song.  Rather catchy too.  Snow can remember all the lyrics as if it was yesterday.  She mentions it to Mord, who was also cared for by Nanna for a while.  The song sounds vaguely familiar to him, but that's about it.

Glumr sneaks ahead of the others to a group of reeds in a damp area off to the group's left.  He gets the first good look at the approaching thing.  It's a large floating eye, considerably bigger than a whole human head.  There seems to be no doubt that the music is coming from the floating eye.  How?  It's difficult to say.  Glumr is also quite confident that the floating eye noticed him hidden in the reeds.  It looked directly at him.

I'm interested to know whether Glumr has his bow raised to cover the eye or not now that he's been spotted.  Your stance will send a message and probably effect Snow's interaction with the eye.

Snow's lips curl into a little smile, it's a good song.  One that she actually knows the words to.  Snow decides to join in, seeing no harm in the activity and trying to harmonize favorably with the established song.

Moonlight seemed skittish, which didn't surprise Holly, so she didn't worry when he trots off away from the singing, but still close enough to see her.  Holly simply keeps pace with Snow and Mord, and doesn't join in the singing as she doesn't know all the words, and isn't that good a singer.  Letting Snow take the lead on this seemed the sensible thing to do.  She does ensure her sling is within reach, but doesn't prepare it.

Musically, everything comes together.  The song is smooth and  well played with each instrument filling its roll the way that only a group of highly skilled musicians can.  Although, it is a bit disconcerting that the minstrels are nowhere to be seen.  Snow joins the music with soulfully accompanied lyrics.  You're all surprised and impressed at how good her singing is.

The floating, giant, disembodied eye wanders up into your midst.  Its presence gives the whole scene a surreal quality.  Otherwise this would be a sublime musical moment.  It is hard to judge any sort of expression from the eye, but it does not seem to be doing anything harmful or aggressive.

Glumr realizes he has been seen by the floating eye.  He's not sure what to make of it.  He mentally prepares for any danger, thinking about how fast he could draw bow, notch and arrow, and then fire.  Not wanting to provoke an aggressive response, he gives the eye and acknowledging nod and retains a passive stance, palms outward and fingers down to show non-aggression.

Glumr's eyes flash blue green, telling that he is as nervous as he is excited.

He watches as the eye approaches his party.  He wonders what the eye is and what it means.  The music is enjoyable and Glumr feels it doesn't foreshadow danger.  Still not knowing what they are up against he doesnt want to let his guard down.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:39, Tue 07 July 2009.

Snow finishes up the the song with the eye, personally pleased by her performance, she hadnt thought of the song in ages, and was pleased that her memory of the lyrics was stilll good.  When the song draws to a close, Snow holds out her right hand palm up and open.  Her right hand keeps a grip on her staff, held in vertical/walking stick stance.

"My name is Snow Frostwind Triplefang.  I bid you greetings and would hear what business brings you to lands my clan calls its own."

I give a deep bass "Yeah" to the Eye at Snow's request (think jail scene with eddie murphy in Trading Places)

Now that the song is over the wandering minstrel eye is quiet.   It looks around casually at each of the Triplefang, focussing on Snow when she talks.  However, there is no response from the eye.  It's possible that the eye, having no mouth, cannot talk.  It would stand to reason than it can hear somehow, since it responded to Snow's (and Mord's) greeting.  Then again, maybe is just saw their mouths move.  Can the eye read lips?

Snow knew that some divination spells, very powerful ones, made use of eyes to allow casters to see remotely.  Why would anyone want to spy on them though?

Snow makes a shooing motion with her free hand, "If you have no business in the Triplefang lands, then i would have to bid you to be on your way."

Snow points away from Triplefang territory, "That way would be fine.", she suggests.

Glumr moves, in a non-threatening manner, and moves closer to the eye and his friends.  He keeps a bit of distance between him and his friends, putting himself on the flank of the eye, ready just incase something is about to go down.

In reply to Glumr (msg #55):

Waiting on further reactions from the eye...   If it moves somewhere other than Snow suggested, I think we should follow it for a bit.  That might prompt a more revealing reaction.

The eye gazes at Snow and blinks.  Then it looks around at the other Triplefang.  It blinks again and starts drifting back the way it came, still looking your direction.  You can follow if you'd like, but you doubt you can do it without being noticed.  The thing is just one big eye.  It has nothing better to do than watch if you're follow or not.

"So do we follow?  It seems harmless enough.  I've never heard of anything like it from tales.  Doesn't seem to have any ways to attack us, and I'd like to find out more about it."  Holly says, intrigued on what it is, and why it is here.

She tries to see if she has heard of anything like it in her teachings.  Nothing immediately spring to mind, other than the horrors called "Beholders".

"I dunno Holly, just cause it's an 'eye' doesnt mean it's harmless.  I've read stories of some very dangerous eye things, it could also be a magical spy of sorts.  I admit it's encouraging that it didnt just zap me dead, that hardly means it's harmless though."

Snow starts to follow the big eye, it's technically still in triplefang territory.  Works a fairly simple incantation as she walks, trying to keep the eye in range.

In reply to Snow (msg #59):

It came from the west, so its heading back west.  We're pretty sure the idol snatchers are still north of us by half a day.  I'll follow it west for about 10 minutes, but if nothing else happens, Mord's interest is going to fade pretty fast.   He's planning on heading back to camp for food/rest until we're ready to move out for the day.

"And just because it doesn't talk to us, and has never been seen before, doesn't mean every creature we meet is a threat, Sister!"  Holly for one would like to find out more about it, but if they can't talk to it, or find out if it 'belongs' to anyone, she knows they'll have to leave it and get back to the task in hand.

Moving a bit closer to it, with her hands outstretched, she asks it politely, "My name is Holly, Hollykahn Shipsail.  Can you understand me?  Blink once for No, and twice for yes."  To show the difference between one and two, she holds up one finger and then two fingers.  Turning to glance at the others, she adds, "No harm in trying", and then turns back again.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Thu 09 July 2009.

Snow finishes her spells and concentrates on the Floating Eye.

Snow wonders what Holly will do if it blinks once...

Back at the camp, it might be noticed, that Snow was in the midst of preparing breakfast.  Some water is warming by the fire in Snow's bowl.

After Snow Shoos the eye away it begins to float off, but strangely everyone but Glumr follows it.  Never let it be said that the Triplefang had no curiosity.  Snow casts some sort of spell with no obvious effects and Holly steps up to communicate with the eye which is retreating too slowly to outpace it followers.



The eye blinks twice and bobs in place, no longer moving away.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #63):

If it can understand us, I wonder if it has seen the idol or knows where it is.  I will ask those two "yes/no questions".  If yes to either, I will ask if it will lead us to the idol?

Happy to tell the eye we are looking for caravan transporting it and to sketch the shape of the idol in the dirt, or show it any sketches we have from the village.  Please chime in if you've got some art skill.... best i can do is hangman stick figures most days.

Holly is miffed when Mord steps forward and tries to take control.  She gently places her hand on his arm as he gets beside her, and says to him, "This is my domain great warrior.  Let us girlies find out what is happening."

Looking over at Snow for support, Holly takes a little step forward, and asks the eye, "Have you seen anyone else in the since the last sunrise?" and then adds, "We seek a cart with people and horses.  Have you seen it?".

[OOC - If we start getting answers, I'd suggest asking things like:
"Can you look in the direction they were?"
"Can you look in the direction they were going?"
"Blink how many men and women there were when you saw them."
"Are you a wanderer?"
"Do you seek someone or something."  "Someone?" "What direction?"
"Are you with anyone?"  "Can others see through you?" etc...]

Snow has a pretty serious look of concentration about her at the moment, she's not really talkative at least for the moment.  Holly seems to be doing well enough that Snow doesnt feel the urge to blurt in and interupt.  Never let it be said that Snow's an attention hog (at least not this time).

Glumr moves with the party and the eye, staying on the east flank.  He's not sure what to make of it, but is amazed when it seems that Holly is able to communicate with it.

Holly and Mord question the eye a little.  Apparently it hasn't seen the cart and/or idol.  If you want to ask more of those questions you are welcome to do so.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #68):

Mord debates whether Holly should get her first wedgie, but restrains himself for the moment.

Since the eye is not overtly threatening us and doesn't seem to know anything about the idol, Mord's attention shifts to breakfast and breaking camp for the days travel north.

Snow frowns, the eye is a curious thing, though it doesnt seem particularly hostile.  An elder's advice might be useful about now, though they've been charged with a 'mission' already and the eye will have to wait.

Snow's tummy took a moment to grumble and she took note that Mord was about to make a mess of her breakfast preparation.

"Let me know if you learn anything useful Holly, I have to make sure Mord doesnt ruin breakfast!"

Snow was in the midst of boiling some water to make a morning stew out of the smoked beef, and dried fruit they had bought for trail rations.  Some fine seasoning with some spices she bought, and bits of fresh vegtables she had gathered from the walk yesterday should make for a tasty breakfast.

Snow's got everyone's mess bowl/plate on the fire and is making breakfast it seems on her watch.  It smells good...

Snow... Before we dismiss this eye, can you try singing to it again?  Maybe a similar piece to the one it was playing?

Glumr wonders about the significance of this eye and wonders how it made it all this way without being challenged.

Looking at the direction the eye was traveling in, can we estimate its destination at all?   I.E.  Is it making a direct path for any established settlements?

He also wonders where the eye is going and if it would be a good idea to 'keep an eye on it'. He chuckles to himself with that one.

"It seems pretty harmless... I need to tend to breakfast or Mord will eat it all when were not looking.  You sing to it, it doesnt seem to mind who or what you sing to it, Holly seems to be doing fine with out song."

Holly... Ask the eye if it needs assistance or if it is seeking someone specific.


Glumr tries to sing to see if it invokes some type of reaction in the eye.  He selects an old song his mother used to sing him about Ehlonna and the balance she brings to the world.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Mon 13 July 2009.

Glumr and Holly ask the eye a couple of simple questions and determine that it's not on any sort of mission.  It looks like this eye is just wandering.  Glumr sings a common Triplefang song and after it picks up on it, the eye joins in with full instrumental accompaniment.

Breakfast is eaten and it's good.  You're ready to journey onward.  I believe the plan was to continue heading due north.

Glumr readies himself for the road.  He packs his bedroll and puts the rest of his gear in his pack.  Unsure of what the eye represented, he tries to shrug it off and put his mind back to the current hunt, still humming the song he and the eye sung together.

Good luck to you sir!  Glumr says to the eye, giving it a wave good bye.

While the others are breaking camp, he checks his bow and arrows, making sure they are ready for any danger that may arise from the task at hand (or otherwise).

When you resume your journey the eye follows along.  It has been getting mixed messages about how welcome it is to tag along with the group.  If you want to get rid of it, now is the time to decide that as a group.

Later in the day you will also need to make some rolls to find and recognize the tracks.    Since you guys are a smart bunch, we'll assume you stick to low lands with damper, softer soil - the best place to pick up the trail.  DC 10 for soft ground, +5 for traveling normal speed, -3 for the size and distinct weight of the idol-laden cart.  The final DC for Glumr is 12.  Others may also roll either survival or search to notice and identify the tracks, but your DC is 17.  If you have not chased off the eye it will also get a search roll.

The sky is clouding up this morning and rain would mean bad things for future tracking.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:42, Wed 15 July 2009.

Snow thinks it's a little creepy but isnt made a liar since they're leaving triple fang territory it's okay for it to tag along.  If it follows them home, hopefully an elder will know what to do with it.  For all Snow knows the eye could have been sent to help them.

Snow watches for tracks like everyone else.  She wasnt much of a tracker but it was hard to miss wagon ruts in the soil.  That would be more luck than anything else to spot.

During one of the breaks, Snow sips some water from her water skin and tuck some hair behind her ear as she looks over the grounds thoughtfully.  If it was a wagon, it would tend to stick to more level ground, avoiding obvious ditches and obstacles.  Traveling away from the temple... would have the tracks going... that way... and the most level and obvious ground would be this way...

(Snow starts to wander off with a thoughtful look about her.)

Holly is happy enough when the eye wants to tag along, as it feels like she has another companion like Moonlight.  That Moonlight still keeps his distance doesn't worry Holly too much, as the horse is usually wary of new things.  That she has known Glumr, Mord and Snow for many years is the only reason Moonlight is happy to stay in the camp at all.

Holly lets Glumr track, as he is better trained, but she still keeps a watch out for anything unusual. As she goes, she asks the eye further questions as she thinks of them.

"Are you looking for our help?"
"Are you looking for someone?"
"Are you with anyone?"
"Can others see through your eye?"
"Do you need to eat?"
"Can you see in the dark?"
"Can you fly any higher?"
"Can you carry anyone?"

Seeing Snow begin to wander off, she considers for a moment, and then lets her go.  Snow knew enough not to get herself into trouble...

I think we should let the Eye tag along... It's made it this far on it's own and it seems not threatening... more so, it seems friendly enough with it's music.

Glumr notices Snow wander off..  Not sure if he should let her go or not as she's not familiar with traveling in the wilds.

Snow!  You think we should stick together?  He calls after her.

Not too worried about her, Glumr starts trying to track the idol as they march onward.  He too is looking for possible paths the cart could take and ground that may give up some secrets.  He also takes note of the weather, hoping it holds off until they have an idea where their quarry is.

Hello there...  Glumr waves at the eye  We are trying to find a cart with a large idol being pulled by men and horses.  Please um... let us know if you think we have missed something.

(Presumed to have been asked somewhere along the way, since at the moment Snow is wandering away a little)

"Mr. Eye... have you always been a floating eye or were you once something else, perhaps... human?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Back to the present)

We're these tracks?  Finding tracks and determining what they meant were two vastly different things.

"Glumr... I think i found something.  Come have a look and let me know if they're what were looking for?"

I'm not that comfortable with the Eye so I am keeping my guard up around it.  When we move,  I will follow behind it if it moves with us, so that it remains in my field of view.    Who knows, the others may learn something useful from it.

I spot some tracks at some point at confer with Glumr.

Quizzing the eye:

"Are you looking for our help?"     No
"Are you looking for someone?"      No
"Are you with anyone?"              No
"Can others see through your eye?"  No
"Do you need to eat?"               No
"Can you see in the dark?"          No
"Can you fly any higher?"           No
"Can you carry anyone?"             No

Clean sweep!

"Mr. Eye... have you always been a floating eye or were you once something else, perhaps... human?"            ???

You're not sure if the eye is unable or unwilling to answer.  Perhaps the answer is more complicated than yes or no.

The young Triplefang adventurers totally nail the tracks.  You find numerous possibles, but Mord, with his critical success gets credit for the original find of the real tracks.  You all gather around and confirm that these are the tracks you're looking for.  There is no doubt.  The tracks take you off your northern path to a course between WNW and W.  You follow them for about 45 minutes.  They're only a little bit ahead of you.  You'd say 2 or 3 hours.  At your current rate you should catch them today, rain or no rain.  You also manage to piece together that there are 6 people with the cart, so you're very slightly outnumbered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:57, Wed 15 July 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #83):

"Haha, only 6? I don't like their odds!"

Glumr's eyes flash blue...

We must make sure we are ready... It looks like we are a couple hours behind them, but if they have stopped for any reason, they could be around the next bend.  So keep your eyes and ears open.

Glumr wonders how they are going to take the idol back from the group being out numbered two to one... remembering the elder said there was to be no killing.  Should be interesting.  He thinks once he sees them, the party will be able to figure out some type of opportunistic attack.

While they are walking, he has an idea and asks the eye "'Lo... Are you following us because you are in need of assistance?" and a follow up "Are you trying to assist us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Wed 15 July 2009.

Snow pursed her lips at the news of the odds, giving Mord a side long look, she thought to herself that she didnt like their odds either, though probably for different reasons.

Glancing at the floating eye, Snow thought to herself that it was rather impressive, would it be possible to use it to bluff a submission out of the theives?

"Mr. Eye... Would you perhaps be willing to help us recover some stolen goods from the theives?"

Glumr likes Snow's line of thinking... He gives her a nod in agreement of her idea.

Holly looked over in horror as she realised what Snow was proposing.  Moving to stand beside her she whispers, "I'll not allow you to use a creature, which might put it into danger!  We know nothing about it, or its culture.  If it is hurt, the Tribe might be punished."

Holly puts on her stubborn face, knowing that Snow has seen her in this mood before, and that it would take a lot to move her from this view.

"First it's not a 'creature', it's got a clear understanding of being able to communicate and think rationally for itself.  Secondly, I'm not 'making' it do anything.  I'm asking it nicely and it can say 'no' and that will be that.  It seems quite capable to communicate it's desires itself to us, and i dont see why you should feel the need to intercede your views on it's desires.  It's true... we dont know what it is, but, that means they wont too which makes using it to intimidate them that much easier?"

Snow has an easy going smooth matter of fact manner, that seems to cut things in such a manner to have her view seem very logical.

More blinkin' questions:

"Are you following us because you are in need of assistance?"  No

The wandering minstrel eye doesn't seem to mind answering questions you've already asked him.  ("Are you looking for our help?"     No)

"Are you trying to assist us?"

There's a long pause before the eye answers.  At first you assume you've gotten another ??? answer, but then it answers Yes.

"Mr. Eye... Would you perhaps be willing to help us recover some stolen goods from the theives?"   Yes

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #90):

I dont care if we "use" it to help us or not, but since it came from the West and WNW is where we are headed now, consider whether it may still be in league with whoever we are following.  There's no way to verify any of its "blinks".  What a joke it would be if some wizard in their group has just been snookering us the whole time.

At best, we might try  to convince them that the eye is linked back to Tripelfang's temple and showing them exactly who stole the idol... something like "we may be the first to pursue, but we certainly won't be the last and now everyone knows exactly who and where you are.  Hand it over before things get serious"  It certainly wont work if the eye is theirs.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Thu 16 July 2009.

Mord is correct that the eye could've come from wherever the thieves are heading.  However, the idol thieves would not have been in that direction yet at the time you met the eye.

I think the eye has nothing to do with the theives...  As we would have heard of it in the report..  Likewise, it's done nothing for us not to trust it.

Maybe we could use the eye to trick them into thinking it can destroy them if they do not return the idol.

Glurm turns his attention to the eye.  Do you have abilities that can aid us?

(and if the eye blinks yes, the follow up) Can you show off your abilities?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Thu 16 July 2009.

In reply to Glumr (msg #93):

Maybe it knows how to jam some old-skool Pantera ;)

Do you have abilities that can aid us?

Can you show off your abilities?

It's not Pantera, but the eye does answer these questions with music.  It's more like Battle Without Honor or Humanity - a high energy, inspirational instrumental.  It sounds cool, but you're not sure how that'll help.

Snow frowns, "I dont think we should be asking for demonstrations.  That is can play music might be enough.  If we can bluff them into thinking it's dangerous then we dont need Mr. Eye to do more.  Remember, were not suppose to have anyone hurt, especially us.  If we injure one of them badly, im pretty sure their compatriots wont take it kindly and will seek to 'settle the score'.  It wants to help, i say let it."

The wandering minstrel eye plays its tune as the group crests a hill.

"Hey!  There they are!" Mord shouts, pointing north.

Sure enough.  Down the other side of the hill and through some trees is a wagon and 6 thugs.  What's more, you recognize them.  Members of the nomadic Beasttamer clan - Holbart, Duncan, Mila, Krone, and two others you don't know.

"Look what we have here, boys," shouts back Holbart.  "It's the Triplefang.  Did you come to take back your idol?"

He spits on the ground, and sweeps his leg in front of himself in a gesture that you'll go no further.

"It's GO time!"


With that the battle has begun, but your task to defeat them without killing anyone has become much clearer in everyone's mind.  You know these warriors.  This isn't a life or death fight.  It will be a Faol Batte - a non-lethal style of fight where you surrender once seriously injured instead of fighting onward.

Faol Batte  (Wolf Fighting)

Faol Batte is a style of non-lethal fighting with lethal weapons.  It is well known among the clans and avoids most deaths in conflicts between clans that are not at war.  The rules are quite simple.  Attack and defense are just as they would be in a normal fight, but a seriously wounded fighter falls and surrenders before he receives mortal wounds.  Since both sides are using their full skill and power the outcome of Faol Batte is said to be the same as a full fledged fight.
After a Faol Batte the losing side is left with their weapons, armor, and other belongings including food and water.  They must, however, leave the area and not return until they have fully healed.  (It is presumed that this recovery takes place normally over about a week or longer, not by magic.  Thus, you cannot be defeated and return quickly after quaffing potions or receiving clerical healing.)  The winning side is allowed to take certain spoils and trophies, but this is poorly defined.  Suffice it to say that the losers are typically in no condition to argue without escalating to lethal combat.
Breaking the honor based rules of Faol Batte will certainly put a black mark on an individual's reputation.  They can even become outcast by their own clan.  If an entire group is seen to break the rules, this will strain relations between the clans and could even be an excuse for clan warfare.

Game rules:
When you get to half HP or below you have been seriously injured and must drop your weapons and drop to the ground.  (Exception - Mord may battle until he drops below 5 HP including temporary hit points from raging.)  You have surrendered and may subsequently leave the battlefield after lying in place for 5 second or more.  You also may surrender before you reach half HP if you so choose.  If you are knocked down or fall over due to clumsiness or bad luck you may recover with a DC 12 tumbling roll.  Otherwise you should accept your situation instead of risking accusations of false surrender.  Though the battle continues, opponents may not attack someone who is treating a unconscious warrior.  Certain deadly attacks such as rogues' Sneak Attacks, fighters' Power Attacks, use of poisoned weapons, and critical hits are not allowed.  All critical hits except for 20-20 rolls are ignored other than being an automatic hit.  Some very confident warrior use only subdual attacks in Faol Batte.  This will not cause serious injury and opponents will usually battle until knocked out.

Init rolls:
Snow 21 (critical success)
Glumr 20
Mord 15
Holly 10
Beasttamers 9
eye 5

Due to her critical success, Snow will get one free round with Beasttamers flatfooted.  Then you will all act in initiative order, so Snow will get two rounds of action.  Please note that you do not have to post in initiative order.

Here is the battle map:

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg

It can also be found by going to the game map and clicking on game links.

Each square is 5 feet.  For now you have the high ground on your opponents.  This is good for a +1 to hit.  If your line of fire goes through trees and/or the wagon, your target will have cover.

"Well so much for diplomacy, they always were a bunch of bullies... okay fangs, lets show them what were made of!", Snow had hoped for diplomacy or guile though it looked as if they were beyond that.  She'd lead them into battle if no one else took the intiative.  Quick light feet bring her forward where she picks out a target with her sling and lets it fly.

The startled theives barely react helping Snow's aim as the sling bullet raps off one of the oafish beast tamer.


Game Mechanics:
Presuming I'm allowed to pick what i have ready, it wont be my staff, i'll have a sling and bullet out and ready.

Move Action 30' North to T21 (That puts H and K at 50' for Snow)

Std Action Sling attack the one in less armor.
10:28, Today: Snow rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Sling Attack at thieves (least armored).

Presuming they're flat footed, and hoping their showing AC isnt higher than 4, i'll presume a hit.
10:32, Today: Snow rolled 2 using 1d4. Sling Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Sun 19 July 2009.

The beast tamers seemed to have been startled by Snow's audacity as they stood there dumbfounded.  They had probably been eyeing mord and ignoring her... again.  Snow hated when she was discounted as useless and channeled her anger into the next sling bullet.  It was probably a mistake, she slung it harder, but gave up accuracy for the effort.

"HEY!  Are you so stupid as to think you can talk us into submission!"

Game Mechanics:
Snow will target the same Beast Tamer, unless he went down on her last attack.  (If he did, his handy friend next to him is her next target).

10:37, Today: Snow rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Second Sling attack.
Not a good roll, he'd have to be in cloth to be hit, still he's flat footed an only has armor adjustments so he might be hit, if he is...

10:37, Today: Snow rolled 3 using 1d4. Potential damage.
It'll hurt more than the last one.

Glumr tells the party "I will move to their right flank and make them feel the sting of my arrows!  Mr Eye, can you play us a tune to inspire us in battle?", his eyes flashing blue.

Glumr takes a step (moves to V27) and selects his target.  He notches an arrow, takes aim, and fires at the closest Beasttamer clansman (K on map).

Glumr rolled 8 using 1d20+5 (shot, probably was a miss)

He grimaces... visibly upset with himself for missing the shot. "By Ehlonna, luck is not with me today".

(Ready the weapon takes my move, so I will ready and fire, also taking my one 5' step.  If we are weapon ready, then I moved to W24)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Sun 19 July 2009.

Quick note: The eye was in the middle of a dramatic instrumental when you came upon the Beasttamer clan warriors.  It will get a chance to change its tune on its initiative, which is just after the Beasttamers' actions.

Also a note on ranged attacks:  Keep your range increment in mind.  For a sling it is 50 feet and for a short bow 60 feet.  For each increment away your target is, that's an additional -2 to hit.  Snow's player is well versed in D&D tactics and used her full 30 foot move to close within her first range increment, and thus received no penalty.  Glumr was still outside his range increment when he moved to W24, so he would suffer a -2 to hit from there.   Also Glumr, you forgot to add the +1 for being on higher ground.  Your BAB is +1, your DEX bonus is +4, you get a +1 for high ground, and -2 for range = +4.  You'll be at +6 if you move a little closer for your next shot.  Who said this game was simple?

Getting the attack bonus right is tricky.  I still screw it up a lot.  You'll probably see me screw it up in this game several times.  Keep a close eye on me (not the minstrel eye) and feel free to question my numbers.  Between the DM and the players we'll probably get it right.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Mon 20 July 2009.

moving to S20 for me, greatclub raised for some beatdown

Holly is enjoying the music, wondering what other questions the Eye might be able to answer, when the call goes out.  Seeing familiar faces, she watches as Mord and Snow race forward, and Glumr lets loose with his bow.  For her, she intends to reduce the odds into their favour, and calls upon Obad-Hai to call the plants and trees around the wagon to rise up and take a grip of the enemy.  From the ground itself and the trees either side, the thieves of the beasttamers are soon being entangled in grass, vine and root.

[Holly casts Entangle centred on N9.  40ft radius, catching all enemy.
"Grasses, weeds, bushes, and even trees wrap, twist, and entwine about creatures in the area or those that enter the area, holding them fast and causing them to become entangled. The creature can break free and move half its normal speed by using a full-round action to make a DC 20 Strength check or a DC 20 Escape Artist check. A creature that succeeds on a Reflex save is not entangled but can still move at only half speed through the area. Each round on your turn, the plants once again attempt to entangle all creatures that have avoided or escaped entanglement. "]

Holly then rushes forward to stand be by the others, and slips the sling into her hand, ready to advance and strike from a position of power.
[Advance to R21]

"Want to give up now or wait till we pelt you black and blue with stones first?", Snow hollars out at the beast tamers.

In reply to Snow (msg #106):

On the next combat round, I intend to move forward to intercept the closest idol thief.  I dont believe I will be in melee range yet unless one of them breaks free of the entangle spell and advances.  Any attack I can make will be against a shield and legs if they have a shield or weapon arm and legs if they don't.  I might not get to kill anybody, but they are going to be sore as hell tomorrow.  I'll take whatever penalties come with the reduced targets, but I don't want to risk a crit killing one of these bozos--maiming is just fine ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Mon 20 July 2009.

The very grass and low scrub they stand in rises up to entangle the Beasttamers' legs and feet.

"What sorcery is this?!?" cries out Mila as she battles the weeds in vain.

The Beasttamers do not fare well against this unexpected assault.  The furthest from you loses his footing while trying to hop into the wagon and is dragged down.  By the rules of Faol Batte he is considered surrendered.  With the exception of the barbarian on the wagon, who is unaffected by the grappling plants, the Beasttamers all struggle to escape.  Only Krone (who was hit by Snow's first stone) is able to break free.  He makes his way to safety, ready to fight.
The barbarian in the cart readies a sling and looses a shot at Holly, the shot is deflected by a chance collision with a tree branch.  (+4 to Holly's AC for firing through cover)

The eye lags behind, but its song grows in intensity and drama.  The crescendo washes over you, infusing you with a tingle of excitement and a bold feeling of confidence.  There is a noticeable surge in your morale.  Future to hit and damage rolls made by the Triplefang will be at +1.

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg

The Beasttamers are equipped with battle axes and slings.  They are not carrying shields and are wearing light (quite the nomad chic) leather armor.

Mord, you can move 30 feet and wait.  If an opponent closes to melee range you can pound them.  If not, you standard action will just go unused.  You don't need to worry much about critical hits.  In this fight they only occur 1 in 400 attacks.  However, your normal attack could be quite deadly, doing up to 16 points of damage!  You have a few options.

* You can choose to do subdual damage.  Simply attack at -4 to hit.  This will nicely simulated your leg smashing idea.  The damage will only stagger them or knock them out.  However, since they will not be seriously injured, they will fight until they receive their full HP in subdual damage instead of half.

* You can attack normally, but without adding you STR bonus to the damage.

* You can just pound away and hope for the best.

Remember, Krone is already injured, but not very badly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:25, Mon 20 July 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #109):

Moving towards Krone... if he comes in range I will attack for subdual damage.

Holly automatically ducks as she hears the stone ping off the tree, and says a silent thanks to Obad-Hai for his intervention.  She then thinks the others could do with a little more protection from the slingers, and calls again upon her patron to aid her, and to hide her friends.  "Concentrate on others, I'll hide us."

With that Holly walks forward into the area close to the entangle spell, and casts her spell.  The mist quickly forms around her, and she hopes it hides her friends from the dangers of the slingers.  At least she can move out of it, and support Mord and Snow.

[Holly moves to P18, just outside the Entangle Spell, and casts Obscuring Mist.  This should leave Mord on the edge, if he doesn't move, and protects the group from those near the wagon.
Effect: Cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius from you, 20 ft. high - Duration: 1 min./level ]

The plants rising up to root the beast tamers were quite a sight, Snow wasnt paying as much attention as she should have, and seated the stone a little off center in her sling.  As she took a step forward to let fly with the sling, the seating will throw the stone just a little off to miss Holbart.

"Darn."

Game Mechanics
Free Action ~ 5' move north
Move Action ~ Load Sling
Stand Action ~ Sling Attack 'H'
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Tue 21 July 2009.

Glumr runs forward, putting him near the edge of the hilltop.  He eyes the Beasttamers, selecting his shot.

Moves as far forward as possible, which is W18 if I'm understanding correctly.

He chooses the man on the cart, since he is uninjured and not surrendered.

Elhonna guide my arrow he says under his breath as he notches and arrow and draws back.

Glumr fires his bow.

Target is withing 10 range increments, so no penalty for range.  (If I'm thinkinng right)
+1 for high ground, +1 for minstrel eye's song, + 4 dex bonus, + 1 BAB
09:38, Today: Glumr rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Fires at man on cart.

The arrow misses the target...   Elhonna, why is my luck cursed today?.  Glumr seriously reconsiders his choice of weapons, wondering if he could hit a longhouse if he was directly in front of it.  He hopes his next shot will land true.

Krone bounds up the hill as Mord charges downwards.  The two meet and fight each other to a standstill, neither doing any damage.

Mila and Duncan continue to struggle futilely against the might of nature.

Holbart and the Beasttamer on the wagon fire sling stones.  Holbart's shot on Glumr is dead on, tagging him right on the brow.  4 points of damage is just enough to take him to half HP and out of the fight.  Glumr is expected to drop his weapons and drop to the ground next round.  The shot on Mord is foiled by foliage.

The eye floats northwest to try to get a look at what's going on.  The music is still playing quite dramatically.  It sounds like this song is heavy on the horns.

Due to Mord's wait maneuver, there's a slightly different initiative order now.

Snow 21
Glumr 20
Holly 10
Mord 9
Beasttamers 9
eye 5

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:07, Tue 21 July 2009.

"Glumr!  Are you okay???", Snow saw Glumr go down but wasnt totally sure what had happened with all that was happening.  Dropping the sling, she ran to stand beside him, to make sure he was okay.  He had a forelorn look, but seemed okay.  His pride was probably hurt more than he was.

"You bastards and bitches of assorted farm animals!  You dont mess with my cousins like this and get away with it."

Making a plucking motion with her right hand, Snow seemed to pick a snowball out of the air to hurl at the closest target of opportunity, Holbert.  The workings of magic was difficult at the best of times, working sorcery in a highly emotional state was never a good starting point when working spellcraft.  Snow's concentration slips just for a moment with unexpected results.

Game mechanics
Free Action ~ Drop Sling
Move Action ~ 15' to V18 then 15' to T16 (Should stil have obscure cover from alot of the beast tamers)
Std Action ~ Cast Snowball at Holbert
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Tue 21 July 2009.

The snowball forms perfectly in your hand but when you go into your throwing motion the ball flies apart.  A soft, chilly shower of powdery snow falls in a curtain before you.  You wave your arms in a moment of panic to clear the air, but there seems to be no harm done.

"Soft powdery snow... *kaff kaff*... I hate when that happens."

Holly begins to track back the way she came, determined that now she could use her sling to good effect.  Yet as she exits the mist after travelling back up hill, she hears and then sees Snow racing off to Glumr, and you can see the blood on his face.  From her new position, Holly moves around the mistiness, ignoring Snow's rant, and lets loose with her shot.  She sees it hit Holbart squarely, and wonders if it does enough for him to lie down into Obad-Hai's grasp, and calls out to Snow and Glumr.  "Concentrate Snow, we need to deal with them one at a time, while Mord slaps heads!"  She glances at Mord, and notices he seems to be using the side of his blade, and smiles.  He had listened, and she knew his potential would save someones life today, if they survived at all...

[Holly moves to U19, and slings a stone at Holbart.  She rolls 15 in total to hit, and 5 damage in total.]

Glumr is hit squarly in the forhead by the rock fired from the Beasttamer's sling.  It hurts kind of bad.  He feels the hot damp release and knows his blood is trickling down his face.  Dazed by the blow, his knees give out and he lands heavily on his read end.

After a moment, he realizes that he's out of the foal battle.  Pissed at himself, he wonders if his triplfang archery competition victory years ago was a fluke, or if the excitement is just causing him to loose focus.  As he sits and thinks about shooting at vermin out in the wilds and thinks is has to be the latter.

Glumr sits, holding his forehead, and waits for the battle to play out; his eyes hinting a dark brown.

Holly's sling stone cracks Holbart in the collarbone.  He howls and drops his sling, dropping to the ground.

Mord continues to be frustrated in his attempts to disable Krone without killing him with the massive war club.  Krone, however, has no compunctions  attacking Mord with full deadliness.  He sinks his battleaxe deep into Mord's side.  The blow would've surely dropped a lesser man, but Mord is one seriously tough customer.  He battles on.

"You may be big, Mord Triplefang, but I know how to chop you down to size," growls Krone.

Mila and Duncan, both frustrated by the magically grappling undergrowth, fly into rages with power battle cries.  This seems to do the trick.  With their added might they both slog closer to the edge of the spell.

The guy on the cart fires at snow, but has no more luck than on his previous attacks.

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg

Seeing Holbart lie down, and seeing Duncan moving out of the confines of her entangling spell, she concentrates her shot on him next.  As she loads her sling, she calls over to Mord, "Stop playing with him Mord, take him out.  I'll stop him dying."  With that she swings her arm gracefully and lets the stone fly.  She smiles as the stone hits Duncan squarely, and hopes it has a similar effect as it did on Holbart.

[Holly stays still, and shoots sling at Duncan, rolling total of 18 to hit, and 5 for damage.]

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #120):

Right!

If that's how he wants it, thats how he gets it.  My next attacks will be at deadly force. We'll see how much is left for Holly to heal

Game Mechanic
Std act - Cast Snowball and miss.
Mov act - Move to V17 and pick up Glumr's Shortbow.

Holly's well placed sling stone hits Duncan in the breast bone.  He wheezes and falls to the ground.

Mord dispenses with his cripple-the-legs technique and takes a mighty swing at Krone's head and shoulders.  Krone ducks the massive swing and counter attacks.  Mord parries the blow, knocking the much smaller weapon aside.

Mila loses just enough momentum that the grasses are able to re-tange her legs.

The cart riding barbarian finally gets a shot through the edge of the trees, hitting Snow in the chin.  The blow hurts, but is not serious enough to take her out of the fight. (2 points)  (This would've normally been a critical hit, but in Faol Batte only 20-20s are critical hits.)  She now has Glumr's bow and can pluck an arrow from his quiver, ready the bow, and attack in the upcoming turn.  One note: From where Snow is now, firing at the guy on the cart would go through Q12, which is the tree square that has been providing cover against his attacks.  This cover works both ways.

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg

Seeing that none of the enemy are in view of her sling, and that Mord hasn't yet taken out his foe, Holly slips the sling into her left hand and draws out her sickle.  Moving to stand behind Krone, she is about to use the blade across his back when she has to duck under a blow from Mord.  Slipping a little,  she has to recover before making an attack.

[Holly draws her Sickle (Move action), and moves to V14, and cannot attack.  Mord will now have Flanking bonus (+2) on his hitting.]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:33, Fri 24 July 2009.

"Glumr, you wont hold it against me if i hit better than you today?  I mean Ehlonna can be a fickle sort on who she smiles on, right?"

Snow was pretty content to stay where she was and return fire at the tamer in the cart.  She wasnt able to pull the bow as taut as the others might, but her form was good, and for the moment the arrow flew true.

"That was for bruising my chin...", she mutters to herself.  As she plucked another arrow from Glumr's quiver.

The tide of the battle turns on this round.  Snow's shot hits the Beasttamer on the wagon in the guts, taking him safely out of the fight.  Holly distracts Krone enough that Mord is able to step to the side and unleash a bone crushing blow across Krone's shoulder blades.  The already injured warrior goes down hard, blood trickling from between his lips.

Only Mila remains active for the Beasttamers.  Howling with anger and frustration, she struggles, but cannot get free of the animated plants.

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:23, Mon 27 July 2009.

Holly slips forward and kneels, as she lays her hands upon Krone's body, hoping he is still alive.  Pulling in the power of the world through her contact with the earth, she sends some healing energy into the body to stop the bleeding.  She knows her back is to the enemy, but assumes that with Mord and Snow still up, she won't be the first target of choice.

As the energy passes through her, she quickly runs her skilled hands over the body, checking on how badly he is hurt, and how much she needs to do to stop him dying.

[Holly casts CMW to stop bleeding, and then checks on Krone's health.  Stays in V14]

You are also protected by the rules of Faol Batte which do not allow attacks on those tending to unconscious warriors.

It is difficult to be absolutely sure in the heat of combat, but you feel somewhat confident that Krone is stable now.  He's is hearty and young, and made of durable stock.  You may stay and apply your healing skill for a more exact diagnosis (DC 10), though this would probably take you out of action for the remainder of the fight, or you may return to battle next round.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #127):

Moving toward Mila via most direct path after dropping Krone, Mord yells at her "Surrender now if you know whats good for you"  (Rolling on intimidate skill check)

Glumr winks at snow in response to her question about the bow.  He then smiles as the tide of the battle turns.  With only one opponent remaining in the battle against the 3 remaining from his party, he feels victory will soon be theirs.

Snow give Glumr an impish grin as she grabs a handful of arrows (4 arrows).  (Presuming grabbing arrows are a free action?)

Snow hops of away from Glumr North to seek better positioning (w10) to deal with Mia.

Game Mechanics
Free Action (Grab some arrows)
Move and Standard Action ~ Move 37.5' to w10
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Mon 27 July 2009.

Are you sure you want to charge into the Entangle spell?  You will have to slog along at 15 feet per round.  And that's only if you can make a DC20 STR roll.  What's your chance of making one of those rolls?  20%  And you have to make that roll for every 15 feet you move.

You could try standing at the perimeter and attempt an intimidate.  The only problem with intimidate is there's not much of an "or else" since you guys are engaged in non-lethal combat.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #133):

I dont intend to move into the entangle spell, but she is near an edge i can move to unhindered.  Non-lethal is irrelevant--the "or else" is a whack or two from my club... does she want some lumps or no lumps?

Snow grabs a handful of arrows  (PHB page 141 - Pick up and item = move equivalent action) and moves to get a clearer shot on Mila.

Mord wades into the mist shouting at Mila to surrender, but the Beasttamer gets a surge of confidence when she finally breaks free of the confounding entanglement spell.

"Now that I'm free of your witch's spell, I'm going to tear you in half, Mord Triplefang!" she taunts.

It must be noted that Snow is close to losing sight of Mila, and that neither Mila or Mord can see each other due to the mist.  Luckily they're yelling at each other so they still now where the other is.

http://zachery.path.med.umich..../idol_battle_map.jpg

Holly ignores the others, knowing that for the moment she needs to ensure that Krone stays alive.  With Mord off shouting against Mila, Holly runs over Krone's body checking for other signs of injury.  Her hand then hesitates as she realises he's actually a rather good looking man, before concentrating again and determining that he'll live.  Tempted to use another spell to help him, she decides that until Mord can finish the fight, she needs to wait.

Holly finally stands up and looks around, spotting Snow moving with Glumr's bow, and Mord in or behind the mist.  Holly knew neither spell would last much longer, but wanted to be ready when the mist dispelled, so prepared her sling again.

]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Tue 28 July 2009.

"It will take bigger arms than yours, foul wench!"

Snow made a soft growling sound as she noticed Mila was on the move and away from her.  "Drat"

Snow's lips curl in a fustrated pout.  Things could be worse

Snow fires through the trees, which block yet another shot.

Mord strides out of the mist and meets Mila on the battlefield.  One swing is all it takes for him to drop the raging barbarian.  Thus ending the combat.

Holly stands up and prepares to return to battle, but it looks like the battle is over, so she goes back to examining Krone.   She determines that he has a few cracked ribs in his upper back as well as some pretty serious shoulder damage.  One of the ribs might have pierced something internally.  Her knowledge of the inner working of the body is limited.  She specializes in herbal remedies.  There's no danger right now.  His bleeding has stopped and his breathing is normal though he's knocked out.  Holly feels that the wound will heal badly if left to nature.  Divine healing would do the trick.  However, Mord's axe wound might be equally serious.

The battle is over and the Beasttamers admit defeat.

The choice is a simple one for Holly, and she quickly pulls the stopper on her one potion to dribble the liquid into Krone's mouth.  She knew some would say a waste, but she would rather leave the enemy without any reason to fight her, than to leave a man crippled when she could help.  When the last of the liquid was in his mouth, she stroked his throat to get him ot swallow it all, even in his unconcious state, and waited for the effects to heal him as she replaced the potion bottle back into her pocket to be used again.

"Careful Krone, let Obad-Hai's healing magic work, and then you can get up.  It is over anyway."  She says as he begins to recover.

The potion works its magic.

Much of Krone's wounds magically mend themselves.  He awakens and gets to his feet.  Once he regains his bearings he says

"Thank you Holly.  We do have our own healer, but the clutz is still pinned down by your infernal weeds."

As if on cue the entangle spell expires just then.

Glumr walks over by Holly and spits on the ground.

Why are you wasting your potions on the likes of them.  Thieves get what they deserve.  Let the Beasttamers spend their resources on fixing their wounded.  They deserve nothing better.

Glumr checks out the scene post battle.  GM: will you give us a view of the current setting.

He eye's Snow and gives her the 'What's up' gesture, wanting to get his bow back and his gear re-equipped.  He also looks around for any arrows that were fired to see if they are intact.  GM: I have a 50% chance of recovering the two I fired intact and should get the remaining from Snow.

Snow hands the bow back along with the unused arrows, "I think you need more practice a ducking rocks and shooting on the move.", Snow gives him a playful grin to take the sting out of the comment.

Snow doesnt question Holly's motives though using a spell on Krone, and the potion, if Mord needed it after the fact might have been  better use of her resources.  Still they were Holly's belongings to dole out as she saw fit, so Snow said nothing, it was never a good thing to display dirty laundry infront of others.

Snow recovers her sling and staff and keeps an eye on the tamers to make sure they're going to abide by the loss they've been dealt and not seek a rematch today.  Wandering over to Mord she stands beside him glancing up to look him over, "You okay there big guy?"

Right now there's quite a lull.  The Beasttamers are mostly standing or milling around.  The exception is Holbert who is just sitting where he fell.  The mist fades.  The eye sounds a triumphant fanfare to wrap up its song.

No one seems too upset about the outcome of the fight.  To put the situation into anachronistic american terms we can more easily related to it's like the Beasttamers were members of a fraternity who kidnapped their rival college's mascot as a prank and then lost a game of touch football and must now return the mascot.  They would've rather gotten away with it or won the battle, but they're still excited to have pulled off the heist in the first place.

It's mid afternoon, overcast, and threatening rain.  There's a cool wind that wasn't strong enough to scatter the mist.

Glumr takes charge...

Beasttamers, he announces to get their attention.  You have been bested by the Triplefang.  As penance for your thieving of the idol, we will take your cart and the animals to pull it.  We will also each take one of your possessions as our reward and your punishment.  Do not worry, for we will not leave you unarmed nor unfed for your travel back to Beasttamer lands.

Gather together here and place your possessions on the ground in front of you for our inspection. 

Glumr draws a line on the ground with his foot and gestures for the Beasttamers to form a line and place their items.

Snow thinks Glumr is laying it on a bit thick but again, doesnt air dirty laundry infront of the tamers.  Hopefully the tamers wont take the demands too harsh and throw us into another fight.  She takes a little solace from the fact that if a fight breaks out, she'll get to hide behind Mord.

Holly pointedly ignores Glumr's rant against her using her magic as she saw fit.  She assumes it was the fact he was the only one of them to suffer a bad enough hit to put him out of the battle.  Instead she says to Krone, "I have no want for harm, but fight the battles as the Clan dictates.  Once the battle is over, my following of Obad-hai takes presidence."  She was about to ask about why they had stolen the idol, when Glumr had started to shout orders about lining up and emptying their pockets.

Holly looked over at Mord, wondering if he'd let Glumr take control, and then thought that perhaps this was what was needed.  They needed to show that the Triplefang ruled here, and therefore she kept quiet.  Now, she began to move around to take control of the horse and cart.  Hearing a whinny, she looked over her shoulder to see Moonlight come trotting over the hill behind them, and make a wide berth of the eye.  Holly whistled, and the horse shook its head as it moved forward.

I let Glumr know I have no wants for any of their gear.  The cart and animals to pull it is fair penance in my opinion and will forgo collecting any trinkets.  It was good to have a chance to battle honorably.  Lets get a move on so we can make some progress back toward home today.

Since their armor, clothing, main melee weapons, and slings (you may take some of their 50 or so bullets) are off limits, you have your choice of the following loot.

Standard Beasttamer equipment
There is plenty of this stuff.  Most of them are carrying each of the following items:
  backpack
  waterskin
  bedroll
  sack
  flint and steel
  large knife
  belt pouch

The healer has some slightly different items:
  6 torches
  2 vials of holy water
  wooden holy symbol of Harix (not willing to part with)
  hammer

Unique personal items:
  41 gp, 61 sp
  silver ring
  2 brass rings
  wildcat tooth necklace
  steel mirror
  2 whetstones
  6 fishing hooks
  ornate belt

On the wagon:
  idol
  chest of gold (broken lock)
  leather tapestry baring symbol of Pelor
  18 days worth of food (It would be advisable to leave them with at least 6 days, one day per person)
  50 ft hemp rope
  crate containing 6 bottles (two empty)

Krone pats Holly on the shoulder.

"I am glad it was not your temple.  I will favor Obad-hai on your behalf for some time," he says.


While you're considering their gear, what to take and what to leave, Holbert conversationally claims,

"We would've beaten you, you know, had it not been for your goblin magic and strange floating abomination."

A few of the other's nod and grunt in agreement.  You notice that the eye has kept a safe distance from the goings on of the post-battle, not venturing any closer than 40 feet or so.

It smells like it's about to rain.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:36, Wed 29 July 2009.

Snow was examining the belt and mirror, it was nice, but she didnt want to just 'take' it.  Who's belt was it?  She scowls at the comments being made.

"We beat you fair and square.  There are six of you and four of us, and i dont recall you offering to reduce your numbers in the name of 'fairness' and Holly is NOT a goblin."

Snow scowls at the last bit.  She had expected a certain amount of grumbling at the loss, no one likes to lose, but she wasnt going to have a bunch of losers ill calling any of the triplefangs.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Wed 29 July 2009.

Goblin magic?  Glumr says to the Beasttamers.  You mean the power of Obad-Hai and a bit of music from our friend there?  He grins at this disdain.

Glumr gestures to the others to come close.   He says to them in a low voice, so the Beasttamers cannot hear "I do not whish to rob them blind.  I expect the items on the cart will have to be returned to the temple and I simply wanted us to have an item to keep as part of our victory. Maybe the loss of a personal item will sting a bit and have them think twice next time the move against Triplefang.   Are ye for or against this idea?"

GM: Is the chest of gold with the broken lock broken shut?

I say we take all that is on the cart less the food, for we are in Triplefang land and we will not go hungry.   I would also take the silver ring for myself.  We should each take an item and send them off with a warning that next time it will not be as nice of a sendoff.

Glumr looks to the others to see what they think of his plan.

We should make our choices soon and be off...  I'm thinking it will rain in a bit.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Wed 29 July 2009.

"Krone, dont think badly of us.  We just want what you took returned, and a token to remember this victory by.  We're not the empire, theres no reason we cant be civil about this now that the battle is decided.  Today we win, who knows what tommorow fortune will smile on.  If you want you can come back with us to temple and i'll buy the first round to toast to tommorow."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Wed 29 July 2009.

The belt is (was?) Mila's.

The chest is shut, but could be easily opened.  This chest has two handles and can easily be carried by one person using two hand.  It's mostly wood, only reinforced with metal at the corners and certain edges.

So, the plan is to take the horse, wagon, wagon contents minus the food, silver ring, maybe the mirror or belt...

Anything else?

Holly moves to besides the horse and cart, and begins to talk in a low voice to the horse.  It seems to be recovering from the entanglement it had suffered.  It talked to Moonlight, who answered, but Holly couldn't understand what was being said.  Shaking her head, she puts her hand out to let it sniff her, and then strokes its neck, knowing that she'd have to do the same to Moonlight later to prove he was still more important to her.  Animal politics sometimes were more challenging than human politics, she remembered one of her teachers once telling her.  "Now, now, fine fellow.  I'm just going to check you out."  With that, she ran her hands over its body to check for nicks and injuries.


With the horse now happy to know her, she moved back to the group, and from the items she picks a fishing hook.  She then moves over to Mila, and asks if there is anything Obad-Hai and herself can do before they left.  She then moves back to Krone, and wishes him a full recovery.

Snow takes the ornate belt, but offers Mila a long strip of cloth, that can be used as a sash, or a scarf.  Snow has red, black, or white to choose from for colors.

Alternately, Snow can offer one of her many hair ribbons, that she uses to tie her hair back with.

If asked why she was offering her something in return.

"You were the last Tamer standing and didnt yield to three to one odds, four if you count Mord twice.  That's a personal victory of sorts.  I figure you'd want something to remember the fight."

My point has already been made regarding items.  I will make sure the idol is secured properly inside the cart as best we can to avoid any damage and prepare to depart.

Glumr says to his party, "If we are all satisfied, let us send the Beasttamers back home and start our trek back with the idol.  Do you have any qualms about inviting our friend the eye to come with us?"

Glumr takes the silver ring and puts it on and examines it more closely.

GM: what does the ring look like?  Does Glumr notice anything special?  What would I roll for that?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Thu 30 July 2009.

During a quiet moment of reflection of what to select, Snow works a spell to see what around is magical.

(you ask the druid or sorceress to do it silly)

The Beasttamers gather up their gear, pack away the extra food, and depart westward.

Holly examines the horse.  It's an adequate cart horse, which is to say it would be a poor quality riding horse.  It's kinda old, but in decent health.

Holly gets the cart turned around and you all head back southeast.

The ring is made of tarnished silver.  It's wide as rings go and has a wolf's head shape on one side.  The ring is too loose to fit on your fingers, but you can wear it on your thump if you like.  You could also just keep it in you pack.  Appraise is the skill you would use to judge its quality and value.  Even though appraise is one of those skills you can use untrained, without at least a rank in it the appraisal would be vague at best.

Glumr says to the group "Now that we've gotten the idol back, are we supposed to take it back to Volge or Goldenpoint?"

Glumr hops up on the cart and goes about opening the trunk to see what's inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Thu 30 July 2009.

"Back to the temple I'm sure.  And we might think about moving quickly.  I for one will be glad to get this mission out of the way." Holly says as she walks alongside the cart.  She can see Moonlight chasing his tail, and would like to speed off and join him, but for the moment she wants to ensure the others are ok.  She still has some of Obad-Hai help to give, and suggests, "I'll heal a little more for those who want it when we set up for the night.  I'll then prepare some spells for the new day."  With that Holly whistles out to Moonlight, and walks a little way away from the cart to think through her thoughts on the day so far.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Thu 30 July 2009.

Snow walks along side the cart, not wanting to add to the load needlessly.  Now that the adrenaline of the fight is over she's sorta quiet and pensive.  She's actually wearing the ornate belt, to get a feel for it and to see if she likes it enough to use it.

The hood of her cloak is pulled up and over obscuring most of her head and face in it's shadowy folds.  Snow's less chatty and a little withdrawn at this point.

"I agree with Holly, we should return the stolen goods soonest.  Perhaps the folk at temple know something about the eye.  If not the elders at home will know what to do with it."

Snow brushes at her chin gingerly it hurts but it's mostly just a scratch, "My chin will sting a little for a day or two but, but i'll live.  I'd worry more about Mord, I think Krone gave him a good whack didnt he?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Thu 30 July 2009.

Now that you have the idol and the cart there is no way to to travel quickly.  You can cover 15 miles a day over good terrain (it's all good terrain from here to the temple).  At that rate you should be there some time early on the day after tomorrow.

Mord could use a little healing now if you can spare it.  The gash in his side is several inches deep and is still bleeding freely.  Mord winces occasionally when he moves, but he's not complaining.  Even though you know he's tough you're still amazed that he's able to walk around.

The chest contains hundreds of gold pieces.

The gold isnt theirs and Snow wont even consider pilfering any of it.  If anyone tries to steal it, they best do it while Snow is busy.

Snow keeps a wary eye out for herbs or other edibles that might make for useful edibles for a meal.  She's not keen on being on the road and looks over her shoulder more than a few times to be certain the beast tamers arent following.

If offered, Snow has no problems with going to bed early and waking later to get uninterupted rest.  She will tend to cooking and examine her new belt a little during quiet moments but is otherwise a little quiet and withdrawn.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Thu 30 July 2009.

Holly sees to Mord, casting a spell to close up the worst of the wound, and then asks him to consider using his own potion.  "After all, thats what it is for", she said as she moves away.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Thu 30 July 2009.

About twenty minutes into you return to Goldenpoint a light rain begins to fall.  This doesn't bother you or slow your travel any.  You merely adjust your path a little to stay on slightly higher ground.  It drizzles on and off throughout the evening.  You find a good campsite on a mild slope and set up for the night.

Holly can use her remaining spells (in this case spell) for the day before doing her nightly rituals and applying more serious healing.  Mord has the worst injury.  Glumr and Holly both have head injuries, but only Glumr's was serious enough to take him out of the fight.

I'm assuming your watch schedule is the same as before.  The wandering minstrel eye plays you all a soft tune as you climb into your bedrolls.  Holly, who has first watch, is mildly disconcerted by the eye.  It's closed, but still hovering unaturally.  It bobs ever so slightly up and down as it sleeps.  It would be a lot creepier if the eye stayed open all night.  Other than two harder downpours, the night is uneventful.  By morning the rain has cleared up, but it's still cloudy.  The wind has also changed direction, now blowing more from the south.

Snow isnt a fan of the rain, it's horrible to sleep in, makes everything damp, and means it'll all have to be washed at some point.  She wakes feeling pretty refreshed though and tackles the concept of breakfast with some enthusism that she didnt have for last nights dinner.

Over breakfast she mulls over the belt a little more trying to determine it's suitability for enchantment.  Snow had been mulling over an enchantment project but had yet a chance to make any such investments in time, she was still very young at this arcane magic stuff.

The other triple fangs should wake to the aroma of a tasty breakfast.

The belt is nice, but doesn't really go with your clothes.  It's a thick leather with iron accents.  There is a thorns and fire pattern of lines etched into the leather and stained a bit darker and redder than the rest.  It would probably look better over armor with a weapon or two slung from it.  It's hard to tell if the craftsmanship is good enough to hold an enchantment, but it's close.  Maybe you could have someone more experienced look it over.  It was certainly the most interesting thing the Beasttamers had.

Holly is glad when they make camp, and although she doesn't enjoy the rain, she is more at home in it than Snow she can see.  Taking the time to cast another small healing spell on Mord, she settles into her routine for the evening and prepares her spells for the next day.

In the morning, with the smell of breakfast in the air, Holly thanks Snow for her food, and wanders off a little way to see if Moonlight would come to her away from the Eye.  She could see him cropping the grass for his morning meal.

Glumr wakes in the morning to the smells of breakfast.  He feels good about the day and the previous days victory.  He smiles at the eye, appreciating it's accompaniment in battle.

GM:  Was the nights rest sufficient to heal at our level rate?

Friends...  Have you looked in the chest? Hundreds of gold coin.  Do you think this is the temples or perhaps someone elses?  It would make sens that it came from the temple as it was with the idol, but we have no way of knowing.  I say that we ask what was stolen lest we return the chest to the improper owner.

Glumr thinks about all the items that could be purchased with the coin...  A long bow, a nice cloak to cover his leathers, some new clothes and trinkets for his mother.  He shakes his head and pushes the thoughts away.  He and his friends have no claim to the ownership as they were called the the quest by the elders.  He will sleep much better once he knows the idol and the gold have been returned.

Glumr smiles at his companions and sits down to eat some Breakfast.  He gives Snow a wink in thanks for her preparation of the meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Fri 31 July 2009.

"Do you know why i sleep so lightly Glumr?  It's cause i'm afraid you'd sell me into slavery to buy a new longbow.", Snow shakes her head looking distressed and forelorn, though there's mirth in her voice.

"The chest and the gold is the temples Glumr.  Think about it.  What would the tamers be doing with a chest of gold while on a mission to raid a temple's relic?  The only reason they would have it, was because it was part of the temple's raid.  Theres no reason for them to steal it as a matter of course to slow them down while on a raid?  Why do you always have delusions of grandiore?  Does the clan not provide for your needs?  Feed you, shelter you, even provide you with a bow that's clearly beyond your means to afford?"

What makes you think I would get enough for a long bow?  Glúmr says with a smirk and another wink at Snow.

Snow, technically you commented on something Glumr was thinking, but we'll let it slide. ;)

However I see your point snow.  But that being said, it cant hurt to ask what all was taken before we blindly hand things over.  Maybe I'm just not trusting enough in the people of the world.

As for delusions of grandeur? I don't see it as such.  My mother never let me participate in things she considered dangerous, so I've spent my days gathering herbs in the wilds and tending horses.  I was provided the bow and leathers for protection while I was alone in the wilds.  I've tracked many goblin, but any I've come across were scared off before I could fire my bow.  So while I may not have had the coin to pay for the items, I've paid it from my duties I held for the clan up to the point the elders called on us.

Since I was a pup, I've been listening to stories in the longhouse of adventures and things in the world and I feel like my time has finally come to experience it.  Forgive me, but while I'm traveling in the world, I would like to be properly prepared as the stories I've heard tell it as an unfriendly and unforgiving world.

Glúmr is a bit upset that Snow is painting him this way.  He's not happy to be complacant at home to tend horses and pick herbs.  He longs to see the rest of the lands and the people who inhabit them.

Maybe I'm just not content living back in our clan's home and doing meaningless tasks until I'm old.

Glumr looks a bit hurt.  He finishes breakfast, excuses himself and goes to tend the cart horse.  He gives the horse a handful of some sweet grasses and rubs his hand across it's mane and back, whispering gently in it's ear.  He looks in the wagon and notices the bottles and rope.

Would anyone mind if I put this rope in my pack?  I'd like to have it should we ever need it?  He shouts over to his clanmates.

While waiting for their answer, he checks the bottles to see if he can figure out what is in the 4 of the 6 bottles.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Fri 31 July 2009.

"We all pull our weight with the clan Glumr.", that's all Snow says on the topic.  Her lips thin into a slight frown as she regards Glumr.

"Some day when i can turn fools into toads, I'll get some respect...", Snow mutters in Draconic, which probably sounds like a string of hissing and gutteral growling to the average person.

ooc ~
Yes, youre right i made a bad.  Snow's good at reading people though, so I made a roll to sense motive.

11:20, Today: Snow rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Sense motive (Glumr).

So we can presume that Snow had an inkling of Glumr's motives/thoughts to extrapolate where he was going with it.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Fri 31 July 2009.

The bottles are dark green glass sealed shut with wax.  They look like they hold a little over a quart.  There's no label, so it's hard to tell what's inside without breaking the seal.   The empty ones, on the other hand, do yield a clue.  They smell faintly of alcohol.

Current injuries:
Glumr  3
Holly  0
Mord   7
Snow   1

Is there anything special that people want to do today other than travel and camp?

My wound is starting to get on my nerves; Obad-Hai's magic didn't help much.  Can't really rest very well, so I decide to drink my potion as was suggested.

I don't blame Obad-Hai... with as long as it took to flatten that upstart Beasttamer, I didn't earn much of his sympathy.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Fri 31 July 2009.

Snow forages a little looking for fresh fruits and vegtables that might help easy the trail rations.  If we make it to the end of the day with out incident, everyone will find their gear 'cleaned up' and dry, before they settle in for the night.

We are pretty close to temple by the end of the night, instead of arriving early the next day, we can push a little harder to try and make it there some time during the night and bed down some place dry with a roof.  Unless were worried about getting lost traveling at night.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Fri 31 July 2009.

Hey you guys... I think this is alcohol in these bottles.  Glumr holds one of the bottles up for the others to see.  Temples have wine dont they?

He sets the bottle back down, grabs the rope and slides that into his pack.  This will come in handy he says to himself.  With that he walks over to Holly, rubbing the side of his head.

Hey Holly...  This lump on my head where they hit me is literally giving me a headache.  Any chance you can use some healing on me so I can save my potion for dire situations?

Many times growing up you have heard adults say "fresh as a spring rain."   This rain, however, left you all damp and musty.  Working up a sweat from the fight didn't help either.  After the rain breaks and the day dries up a little Snow uses her arcane powers to freshen and clean your clothes and gear.  Now you all smell fresh as...  well, a lot more fresh than you did.  The young Triplefang adventurers will be quite presentable when they reach Goldenpoint.

You reach the road between Pliffa and Goldenpoint when the sun is setting and decide to camp within sight of the road.  A pair of travelers on their way south happen by just after dark.  Holly hasn't offically begun her watch yet and everyone is still awake.

"Ho, what is this my eyes strain to see?  Is it a litter of whelps as foolish as you and I, Vidar!" bellows one of the travelers.

They're armored in reinforced, boiled leather and carrying longbows.  (jealous, Glumr?)  Your guess is they're both Triplefang archers.

"The days are either deceptively short, or this road has gotten longer.  We expected to be sleeping at Goldenpoint tonight, but these plans are like sand through our fingers now.  Luckily for us it looks like you have a miniature shrine prepared for us.  It's just too bad you haven't built a proper bunkhouse to go with it.  We've grown accustom to certain comforts," continues the more vocal of the two when they come closer.

"What in the world is that?"  Vidar asks, pointing at the eye.

Snow tilts her head slightly and regards them, they look like triplefang archers but she doesnt recognize them.


"We're on the way back to temple to return stolen goods to them.  Are you from the triplefang clan?  I dont recognize you."

Snow glances at the others, Glumr in particular to see if they have a clue as to who we've encountered.

"What's this?!?  There are lovely ladies about who do not yet know us?  Fate has surely been kind, allowing us to remedy this terrible situation.  I am Rolf Triplefang and this is my brother in arms, Vidar," Rolf says bowing, then gesturing to his friend.  "We are on our way to Silvergate on not-very-pressing business.  Now strangers, what might your names be?"

"Rolf, that thing gives me the creeps.  It's staring at me."

The eye is indeed looking directly at Vidar, who is in return looking directly at the eye.

"Is it putting a hex on me?" he asks, a bit of panic in his voice.

Glumr shrugs back at Snow.  He's never heard of these guys.  Neither have Holly or Mord.  Then again none of you have met more than a few people from Pliffa.  Pliffa is the northernmost village in the Triplefang lands.  Beyond it to the north are dwarven cities and beyond those lies The Land of The Giants, or so you've heard.

"My name is Snow Frostwynd Triplefang, of Volge.  Elana is our elder.  Kin is always a welcome sight.  Where are you from then?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:49, Mon 03 Aug 2009.

"Why, we're from Pliffa of course.  Who else would travel this road?  It's in terrible condition.  We follow it mostly to keep from getting lost.  Vidar and I are more concerned with the destination that the journey, if you know what I mean.  Ah yes, Elana.  She's Heinrich's favorite.  Got his ear, is what I say."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:32, Mon 03 Aug 2009.

"If you're kin, and you have business in Pliffa Goldenpoint youre welcome to share our fire and camp with us.  The temple isnt too much further, but the cart is slow, so we've decided to call it a night early and camp early."

Snow contemplates the meal preparations she had planed.  Originally she had three days of rations though she's been doing some gathering as they went.  She's not sure how much food the others have, though she's running low.  We left the tamers with food, though that doesnt mean we left it all.  We should have enough common sense to have enough food to get us comfortably home.

"We have ample provisions at the moment, and two more plates arent that much more of a hardship to prepare, if you're hungry that is.", Snow make an uncommited gesture.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:34, Mon 03 Aug 2009.

"Well met Rolf/Vidar.  I am Mord, son of Arad Ironfist, from the Triplefang at Volge.  We aren't sure where this strange eye comes from, but it has a wondrous gift for music.  Its battle hymn fired the blood in our hearts this very day as we clashed with the Beasttamers who had stolen this idol from Goldenpoint."

If they do stay with us for dinner/camp, I will tell the tale of the days battle (embellished of course) and ask the Eye to give us some music to enrich the telling.

"My name is Hollykahn Shipsail.  Adopted daughter from Volge, and Druidess of Obad-Hai.  Most people call me Holly.  The Eye seems to like our company, but means no harm I believe.  It takes a while, but you get used to it.  Our Sister cooks well if you will join us."  Holly is wary, but they seem to carry the right signs for the clan, and having never been that far from home except in the company of her teachers, she has met few people outside Volge.

Staying for a while as everyone settles in, Holly then moves off with Moonlight to rub him down and spend some time with him before it gets too dark.  To try and ease the situation, she also begins to hum a sea shanty her mother had sung to her, to hopefully entice the Eye to follow her.  She'd like a chance to ask it more questions if it followed.

"Hello friends", Glumr says to the two new comers.  "My name is Glumr, son of Hólmfastr Triplefang.   It is nice to meet fellow Triplefang on the road.  Might you tell us a bit the story that brings you out on the road away from the comforts of home?"

Glumr smiles at the two, trying to make them feel comfortable.  He's not sure what to make of them and there's something about them that just doesnt sit well.  Not sure exactly what that is, Glumr tries to get them to talk more hoping that he will be able to get an idea of their intentions.

Rolf and Vidar give each other a look when you say "Druidess".  You get the feeling that they don't approve.  There are mixed feelings in the land for the druids.  They have a reputation for having their own agenda which comes before clan wishes.  This is partially true.  The Druids have their own secretive circle of elders.  They are a wise guiding hand, but they rarely let their motives be known.  For this reason they are seen as sinister by some.



"I wouldn't call it a story so much as a purpose.  We're on our way to Silvergate to buy some fine Empire goods unheard of in our lands.  I wouldn't normally be so free in stating that, being as it implies our pockets are filled with coin and gems, but I've a good felling that I can trust you not to rob us blind.  Or at the very least, I feel I could have you whelps hunted down if you did rob us,"  Rolf says with a confident look. "I know when to hold my tongue about such things.  Besides, I'm not the sort to worry."

"I do the worrying for him," adds Vidar.

"Oh come now, Vidar.  These pups are the sort that bring back a stolen idol, not the sort who steal it."

The archers except your offer to stay.  They thoroughly enjoy Mord's tale of battle and the musical accompaniment.  When they're done Holly waves the eye off to question it.  When you start discussing watch schedule Rolf scoffs.

"Watch for what?  We're so close to Goldenpoint the sun nearly shines at midnight!  We're nearly as safe, the six, er... seven of us, as we would be within the walls.  Do you whelps post watches in the common room of the inn when you travel too?  Ah youth.  Once you get a few journeys behind you you'll learn to relax a little.  The world just ain't as dangerous as you fear, and when it does have it in for you it's likely that there's nothing you can do to change it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:08, Mon 03 Aug 2009.

Glumr nods at them.  I understand your point.  That being said, while we have been charged with out task, we will continue to carry our watch out until its end.  Maybe we are fresh on the road and a bit too untrusting to fully relax, but take advantage of our error and rest soundly as we will have eyes watching our camp though the night.  Glumr smiles, trying to place the reason for tonights watch on preparedness over the distrust he has for Rolf and Vidar.

I see you both put your trust in the bow.  Do you have any advice for a young adventurer doing the same?  Glumr moves the conversation elsewhere to distract the two from his thoughts.  He has no intentions on letting these two be unsupervised anywhere near the cart and the items on it.  He will see the cart returned with all the items that were removed.

While conversing, he noticed the eye and Holly walk off together.  Fascinated by the eye, he wonders how their "conversation" is going.

"If you're hunting game, take your time.  You're only going to get one shot, so make it a good one.  Now if it's people you're shooting at you're better off either being very far away, that's your best bet, or you'd be best served learning to fire a whole mess of arrows fast.  There aren't too many warriors who go down with the first shot, unless it's a lucky one, that is."

Rolf chews some food while his words of wisdom sink in.

"You can't all be archers all the time either.  If you've got a bunch of archers like myself, about half of us have to set down the bows and play infantry for a while.  Otherwise everyone just gets swarmed under, you know?"

Glumr nods at Rolf.  Letting him talk as the wise hardened adventurer he takes himself as.  "That's good advice" Glumr says.  Obvious as my nose, but good never the less he thinks to himself.

Glumr sits and doodles in the sand with one of his arrows while waiting for bed time to near.  He relaxes, just watching everyone in camp, taking everything in, trying to get a read on the two travelers they just met.

"We had to beat off a bunch of Tamer's for this.  They might be embarassed and looking for a rematch.  It doesnt hurt to be watchful till the temples property is returned.  It would be foolish to be taken unaware this close to the completion of our assigned task."

I'm not forgetting that Holly went off to question the eye, but I'm going to skip ahead for now and come back to it when Holly posts.

Standard watch order - Holly, Glumr, Mord, Snow.  The cart horse is restless and requires calming to be still and sleep.  Luckily, Holly is the perfect one for the task.  It distracts her from her watch a bit, but there isn't much going on.  Everyone else fell asleep promptly.  Glumr keeps as much an eye on Rolf and Vidar as for other threats during his watch.  However, the night passes uneventfully.  About half way through Snow's shift, Rolf and Vidar wake up.  They must be early risers.  The eye is also awake shortly after dawn.  It stays clear of Snow and the archers for the most part.  Rolf spends his time chatting Snow up.  He's got a a rather loud, projecting voice.  When Snow politely asks him to lower his voice to keep from waking those still sleeping, he does, but soon he's back to normal volume.  This happens several times, and he eventually wakes everyone but Mord.  It's a little earlier than they're used to, but Holly and Glumr got enough sleep.

Assuming that Holly bestowed a Cure Minor Wounds upon Glumr some time during the previous day, he will begin this day fully healed, thus negating the last of the group's injuries.

Golden point is an impressive sight.  Wide, tall, and strong, the best bridge in all the land spans the river here.  It can accommodate horses ridden four wide and can allow even the largest river craft to pass below.  The bridge alone would be remarkable, but the grounds are rich with well cultivated crops and gardens, and a majestic temple sit high on a hill by the river.  The sun glitters off the temple's gilded arches.

You have all been to Goldenpoint at some time or another.  It is the heart of the Triplefang lands.  Not only is it centrally located, but Pelor has more followers, by far, among the Triplefang than any of the other deities.  It is a bit surprising that none of you are followers of Pelor.  Shame on you.

The eye stays a good distance from the temple, not even crossing the river with you.  Rolf and Vidar stop of at one of the lower halls.  They'll have a bite to eat and bide their time (maybe do a little shopping) while you are up at the temple returning the idol, and rejoin you when you're ready to continue on toward Volge.

A well maintained trail winds gradually up the far side of the hill and snakes back around to the temple entrance.  It's shortly before noon.  Over two score of people have gathered in the central room of the temple for the mid-day rituals and prayers.  Halfgan, the high priest, is busy preparing, so you speak with another priest - Bardi Triplefang.

"Oh!  You've brought back the idol.  How wonderful.  And at such an auspicious time.  Halfgan was right to enlist Elana's help.  She has picked out four fine young heroes.  Please tell me your names so I can spread the word," gushes the grateful holy man.

Snow usually spends most of her watch arranging breakfast for the others to make for a quicker departure once everyone is awake (at least at the moment she does since it's pretty safe territory).

She doesnt mind being conversational, she's curious about where they're from and likes to hear tidbits of news and trivia as opportunities allow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later at the temple, she's pretty shy about being in the lime light.  She'll let Glumr or Holly do the chit chat with them.  She was pretty sure Mord would be the big silent sort during the  big hooplah.  He was actually pretty hand to stand beside or behind to avoid attention.  It was easy to be un noticed when standing in his shadow (at least that's what she thought.)

I did not realize that the two travelers intended on traveling with us to Goldenpoint and then to Volge on their way to Silverpoint.


Glúmr steps forward to represent the group.  He bows to the priest who greets them.

Good morrow Bardi Triplefang.  Thank you for your praise.

I am Glúmr, son of Hólmfastr Triplefang of Volge.

Accompanying me are Mord, son of Arad Ironfist of Volge; Snow Frostwynd Triplefang of Volge;  and Hollykahn Shipsail, adopted daughter of Volge.

We are pleased to confirm that we have indeed found the idol and returned it to your temple.  We tracked a group of Beasttamers who had been the ones who stole the idol and defeated them in a foal battle.  They were bested and left with honor, leaving us with the idol on cart and a few other items.  Can you account what was taken that we may be sure all is returned?  We want to be sure that everything that was taken has been returned home. 

Glumr grins, his eyes flash a hint of Blue.  He is happy that they have succeeded in their duties. Ideally he would like to satisfy the needs of the temple and have some time to spend in the city before the depart back to Volge with the their two new companions and minstrel eye.

The idol has been returned.  This part of the adventure has been successfully completed.  I'll post Experience points here soon.  The adventure will continue on the Arkus - Champion of Goldenpoint thread.

Wait, we get experience points???

Did a memo go out and i missed it?

Each PC is awarded:

225 exp for fighting the Beasttamers
250 exp for returning the idol and all other rightful property to Goldenpoint
---
475 exp