OOC: This is the new IC thread after the meeting with the departure of Tobin, Pegasus-friend and the Pegasus.

With the departure of the Pegasus rider, once again the campsite quiets down.  The food is done, and everyone starts to settle down for the night.

-K

After their meal Zar'Da makes his way to the furthest edge of the campsite where his eyes shift to the nightsite spectrum granted him by his cursed birthright. It had been a long strange journey since he first glimpsed the world above, and he thought to himself this is but the beginning. With that he settles into his own inner contimplation while keeping a watchful guard over his new companions.

Talvaroff slowly began removing his armor, piece by piece, revealing a dirty woolen tunic and trousers below the metal and the padding.  It had been worn for days, under heavy armor.  He took good care to keep downwind of the party as he took a rock and a larger rock and began banging the small dents out of his armor.  His tapping makes a gentle rythym, and he seems to hum along.  tap. tap.  TAP.  TAP.  tap. tap.

Thamol settles down next to ruff and starlight.
He turn to rest of the group.
"I need to sleep well to regain my spells.  If let me do so I be able to heal the group quickly.  I leave you to watch over me."
Thamol looks in Tarmes direction.  It quite clear she be welcome to curl up with him but his time with her mean he know he can't suggest it as she seem take such things the wrong way.

The food hadn't been great but it was better than trying to sleep on an empty stomach. The pretty blonde girl let out a belch of satisfaction afterward and then laughed at the looks the others gave her. "Better out than in. That's what my pa always says." Thamol and his wolf get ready to sleep but his comment about watching over him reminds Tarmes that the group is still in a dangerous situation. "SO, we are camped outside the bleeding collapsed mine of a currish pignut necromancer and there's skeleton bones in piles nearby. I think we need a lookout. I will volunteer for first watch as I am not in the least bit sleepy." Tarmes caught the look from the druid but it was clear she was feeling rather chatty and still worked up from the day's events. She grabbed a log to toss on the fire.

From just outside the range of the firelight Zar'Da says,"I will take watch also, seeing as I can see in the dark."
The half drow began slipping out of his armor to try and clean up and inspect his still tender shoulder.

I would volunteer watch but I need to rest... I hope you don't mind. I was wondering if you would tell me of how you came together and discovered the necromancer? Sophia asks as she getts comfertable around the fire.

Talvaroff finished his crude rpairs on his armor, and said, bitterly,
"I can take a turn at the watch.  I've had enough damn sleep.  And I feel I need some distraction from what I've seen today in the form of conversation.  First, those with the best story."

My this time Thamol had drop of to sleep.  It seem he never has problem with falling a sleep.

Now that the fire was burning and crackling, Tarmes dropped to the ground and leaned up against a rock. She was back to sharpening one of her daggers with a stone. "Sophia, your name is Sophia right? There was nothing special about how me and Lexis and Zar'Da started out after that flaming arse Neconlius. I'd just wandered into a tavern and needed a job to put some coin in my pockets. Mundin, the dwarf over there, he needed some extra hands to resume his hunt for the ruddy black mage. Mundin said there'd be loot, so I volunteered." She spit on the rock and then started on the other side of the dagger. "The story's pretty much the same for Lexis and Zar'Da I think. Thamol was already with Mundin at the time. I know the dwarf wanted Neconlius 'cause he had short girl over there. The halfling...uh, Opal's her name. Bloody lucky that one is. Mundin thought she was already dead."

"Eloquently put, my dear." Zar'Da said from outside the fire light, a smile playing across his darkened face. He hated to admit it but he was growing a bit fond of the foul mouthed young human woman.

"Well, Sophia, Cashel and I all came by our various paths to the village of Barca's Hamlet.  My own path came from Impiltur.  I am a Warsword, of a branch called the Knights-Errant.  It was my duty, and wish, to travel the other countries of the North, and beyond, and spread the fame of Impiltur and its knights.  So, after a long time of travel, including through the pass we are to look for tomorrow, I found my way to Barca's Hamlet.  There I agreed to stay for a while, and help protect the people from the ravenous beasts that dwell here.  When Neclonius attacked, we were caught by surprise, of course.  I did my best to drive through his throng of skeletons and stop him, but they took me down, and held me in the magical sleep in which you found and rescued me." said Talvaroff.

After spending some time in quiet prayer and meditation, a very much refreshed Cashel rejoins the others around the campfire.

“I will watch after the ‘dark one’, my night vision is adequate, and I don’t need much sleep anyway after the long nap I had today,” the monk offers casually.

‘A very strange collection of companions,’ he reflects to himself as the lady warrior, Tarmes, tells her tale.

”Impiltur? Light! You’re as far from home as I am, knight. My parents and most of my brothers is back in Ilmwatch. All except for Tabbistan. That wooden head is wandering somewhere between here and home as a caravan guard.” Tarmes spit on the rock again as she pulled another dagger from her hip to sharpen. She pushed her blonde bangs out of her face and turned her attention to Cashel. ”What about you, friend? Those don’t look much like winter clothes to me.” Apparently Tarmes had forgotten that she took off all of her own winter clothes a few days ago. She only wears a long sleeve shirt and leather vest to keep out the cold.

“Compared to the rest of you I guess you could consider me a local. I was raised high in the Earthspur Mountains to the south of here, I’ve grown quite used to the cold, though I’ve never even been bothered by it as much as some of the other monks. That might be because I was found abandoned as a babe, half buried in snow at the monastery gates. I suppose my body had the choice, either adapt or die, and my body chose to adapt. Then again, our prior is convinced, I’m not entirely human.”, Cashel explains with a grin.

Talvaroff listened in wonder at Cashel's tale.  He hadn't heard it in full before, and it was the stuff of a legend to him, and he said as much,
"By Tyr!  It seems our company is the stuff of hearth-tales before we even met!"

The night deepens quietly, with only the sound of old and new friends chattering.  Mundin tells the stories of what has happened since Opa was taken hostage in the Castle Perilous, and expression of longing surfaces especially when the dwarf mentions the departure of an Aasimar named Joey Sheppard.  Apparently Joey left for Thay and that's all they know.  Lexis remains particularly quiet amongst the many stories told over the campfire.

Overnight, most of the newcomers took the first watch, as they have just woke up from the long sleep, while most the original members of Chillbane slept with exaustion of long march, and even longer battles.  Bigby and Ruff howled over night, apparently enjoying each other's company, and dutily watching the camp along with Penville and Lexis.

The morning came quietly, and with a great deal of chill.  The overcast yesterday has turned into a slight flurry, and powder white dust is beginning to settle down on the ground.

OOC: Remember, everyone wounded will heal hit points equal to their character levels over night.

Everyone give me a Fort Save on the next post please...

-K

During the cold watches of the night, Talvaroff slept uneasily, still haunted by the nightmare-strewn slumber of the last two days.  Not to mention that his mind was troubled by the absence of his steed, which would slow everyone down on the journey to Bloodstone Gate.  Doktras had been a good horse, and Talvaroff hoped he hadn't been slain and eaten by the necromancer.
During his watch, Talvaroff went through the tedious process of putting his bronze-coloured armor again, and sat on the same rock he had hurled aside in his rage to free the entrapped villagers.  He had his weapons arrayed around him; his lance leaning on the back of his shoulder, his greatsword leaning on his hip, his hand-and-a-half sword naked on his knees, and his dagger casually being tossed and caught by the blade.  Talvaroff figured that this way, if he was to suddenly see something, the noise caused by all these arms falling would awaken everybody.

OOC: 08:51, Today: Talvaroff rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Fortitude Save.

The morning light fell on Tarmes and Thamol revealing at some point in the night the blonde had crawled into the druid's blankets. She lay with her back to him, snoring softly though she was still wearing all her clothes minus the leather armor and her heavy boots.

20:34, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Fortitidue save.

Zar'Da smiled at the constant chatter coming from those around the firelight. As the night progressed sleep finally took over. When it was his turn to take watch he left his bulky armor off and made his way around the perimeter, allowing his acute nighttime vision and his natural dextarity to help him glide around without making much noise. He chose to take the last watch simply to watch the sun rise. He had to squint as the bright globe crested the horizon, but he forced himself to drink in the bright light and subtle warmth produced, just in case this would be his last day. Even the dusting of snow did nothing to chill him as he watched the sun rise.

Cashel spends most of the night in watchful silence spent in a quiet restful meditation while at the same time keeping his senses attuned to his surroundings. He sits away from the others, some distance from the campfire, despite the cool chill in the air. As the first glimmers of dawn arise in the east, the monk spends some time in devotional prayer, after which he engages in a series of stretches and exercises to prepare his mind and body for the changes of the coming day.

16:46, Today: Cashel or-Kenset rolled 25 using 1d20+7. Fort save.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:57, Sat 08 Sept 2007.

Sophia wakes up with a grin. A new day, a new story! she thinks to herself as she gingerly greets the rest of the group. Sophia grabs a bit to eat before sitting down and taking out her spell book. She meditates quitly erasing her mind and slowly going into a deep meditation. After a while she opens her spellbook without opening her eyes she starts reading it by touch letting the rituals flow through her mind until she could hold no more. *Snap* she closes her book and puts it in her backpack. She stealthily creeps a bit away and throws a small snowball at Tarmes in an attempt to wake her up before throwing snowballs at the rest of the party.

16:57, Today: Sophia rolled 9 using 1d20+2. fort. save. YAY SNOW!!!!

Thamol sleeps threw the night.  The elf seems either not to worry or bother with taking a turn at watch.  He sleeps easy.  The cold never seems to bother him.  He also has the warmth of his friends.  He does wake up with the sun rise however.
As he get up he notice Tarmas beside him.  A big smile appears on his face.  He gets up and has some breakfast.  He then heads back to lay close to Tamas to keep her warm.

At Sophia waking and studing spells he watches her.  He seems interested in the way she studies.  After all her efforts he smiles a quite smile to himself.
When she throws a snowball at Tamas he does his best to protect her.  He then throws one back at Sophia.

12:32, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 19 using 1d20+5. fort save.

Talvaroff slowly began to awaken as well, the mere sound of flying and striking snow being enough to rouse him from his light sleep.  Having little more than his tunic and his trousers to keep himself warm after he left his blanket, Talvaroff began quickly putting on his armor.  THe heavy layers of padding and metal would help keep him warmer, but he kept his shield handy, in case a snowball came his way.  He was still sobered by the thought of what had occurred yesterday, and was in no mood to return fire.

"Light!" Despite Thamol's quickly mounted defense, a large clump of snow hits Tarmes squrely in the face making for the rudest as well as the fastest awakening she's ever experienced. "Burn you to ashes Sophia! Yer gonna bloody pay for that ruddy cuffing snowball!" She laughed and jumped up to shake the snow out of her face. In one movement she scooped up some snow and flung it at Sophia! It was clear from the glee on her face that Tarmes was playing, but apparently she likes to play rough. Another scoop of snow was already in her hands and ready to retaliate if anyone made a threatening move.

01:30, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Snowball attack!!!

::Splat!::

Tarmes' return fire finds the mark and the snowball smacks right in the face of Sophia's.  Penville joins the fray, and starts to lob the snowball himself, mounted on Bigby, who is obviously enjoying this fluffy snow as well.

After a few throws, it becomes quite obvious that no one can really match Tarmes' proficiency with the snowballs.  The accuracy of the throw is unmatched.  Her snowballs seem to find its mark everytime.  And she is also quicker than Sophia and and Thamol.  Penville, with his mobile snow-chucking platform, tries to keep up with Tarmes, but 4th snowball bullseye right in between the eyes of the halfling, and he falls out of Bigby and down to the ground thinly covered by the powder snow.

In the meanwhile, dwarves prepare some breakfast for everyone.  They also seem to be in a good mood and relaxed a little as the group is no longer on the chase.  The dwarven breakfast is wholesome, filling, but not fancy.  All through the morning the snow falls lightly and steadily.  Not enough to impede driving the wagon, but enough to make the landscape all white.

OOC: Survival rolls on the next post please…

-K

Talvaroff enjoyed the simple fare of the dwarves, and after he had eaten, he began morosely picking through the things on the cart, looking for something warm to wear.  He hated sorting through things that belonged to the dead, but he could feel in his bones that it might be a long, cold trip to Bloodstone Gate.

OOC: 12:02, Today: Talvaroff rolled 17 using 1d20. Survival Check.

The cart, unfortunately, is mostly stuffed with things deemed 'valuables'.  Silverware, artworks, jewelries, and so on, apparently taken from the villege and almost all of them are familiar to you. Also little bit of food and water supplies which is dwindling with more people to feed, and being consumed last couple of days. You found nothing that helps to stay warm.

-K

Zar'Da chuckled at the snowball fray playing out in front of him. He was pleased that even after the sullen victory of the day before the younger members of their little group could bring forth a light mood. He sat with the others and ate the hearty dwarven breakfast, chit chatting along with whatever conversations happened. After the meal, however, he found a nice clear area near by and drew forth his fine blade, walking though a few sword routines while his food digested.

Talvaroff, disappointed and depressed by his search through the wagon, turned away again, and asked loudly,
<orange>"When are we to go?"</yellow>

Tarmes’ spirits are quite high after besting everyone else in snow battle. She eats with gusto and tells Penville she’s surprised he’s hungry after eating so many of her snowballs. The knight’s question brings her back to business. ”No reason to hang about with the snow-covered skeletons. I say we leave soon as we get the gear packed. Anybody know some other reason to stay here? How far did that half-lieutenant say it is to the gate?”

15:13, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 15 using 1d20. Survival check.

"He didn't say, and I'm afraid I don't remember.  I went along the track to Barca's Hamlet, but I don't know how far I was carried off to this cave." Talvaroff answered.

Lexis answers, "It should be about 2 days.  There's a town of Darmshall about 1 day from here.  And the Gate is another day from Darmshall."


-K

Talvaroff looked to the plains to the west, looking at gathering steel grey storm clouds, and said,
"Then we'd better get moving right away.  I'm no ranger, who they say can foretell the weather, but I can feel it's going to be a cold, snowy day today.  We should try to get to Darmshall before nightfall, to get shelter."  So saying, he wasted no time to gather his weapons and put them in their proper places.  While the others were getting ready, he kneeled in front of the entrance, and began whispering prayers for the souls of the dead there.  He didn't stop until everyone was ready to go.

Sophia luaghs as she hides behind a tree as Tarmes continues to chuck snowballs. After the fight finished Sophia grabs a bit of everything, not scared to try something new. She eats lightly knowing a heavy stomach is bad for making a long trip. Hmm I agree, we should get moving.

10:01, Today: Sophia rolled 10 using 1d20+3. survival.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Sat 08 Sept 2007.

"What of Barca's Hamlet? Should we not check the village? Even though the necromancer has fled there may be survivors in need of assistance, and I'm sure their property is intended to be returned to their owners," Cashel inquires pointedly.

01:01, Today: Cashel or-Kenset rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Survival.

Thamol gets up and gets himself ready.  He happy to move on.  After getting ready he takes ruff to edge of group and looks out north.
The two of them look at each other then the wolf opens here mouth.
"Hoooooooooooooo"
The noise not what group would expect and it little unnerving to most.
What happens next is even more unnerving.
"Hoooooooooooo" Comes back.
Thamol get down and looks at ruff.  The wolf looks back.

Thamol thought he heard something, but that must have been sound of wind and snow.  There is no response.

-K

"How far away is Barca's Hmalet? If it is the village we passed through there is noone to return these items to unfortunetly."

Tarmes pulls her pack on her shoulders and checks recently acquired mace at her hip. ”Zar’Da tells the truth. The village where this wagon came from is a cinder now. We only saw one survivor and Thamol escorted her to the town where we set off from.” [OOC: I looked and couldn’t find the name of that larger town.] She turned toward the road and started off. ”Looks to me like Talvaroff is right about the ruddy snow. We should try for Darmshall before it gets too dark.”

The big gang of mish mush bunch slowly moves out of the stinky ground where the battles had taken the day before.  The ground is still in fairly good shape, with less than an inch of snow on the ground.  The landscape is beginning to become all white.

Driving the cart is manageable for now, but it has become a concern as the slope coming down from the mountain is still fairly sharp and only the fluffy, flesh snow is proving barely enough traction to move down without sliding and crushing down the slope.  You figure you will not be able to move anywhere outside of the mountain path, which most of you know is not very well maintained.


OOC: I think Zar'da is maneuvering the horse on the cart?  Who ever is driving the cart, give me a Handle Animal check and Survival check

Also, is everyone except Zar'da or whoever is driver (And Mundin and Penville, who have mount) on foot?

-K

OOC:  I am.  :glare:

Zar'Da took the reins of the cart once again. He found the going pretty tough, not used to driving a wagon let alone one in the snow.

Talvaroff tarried a little bit longer, chipping something into the rock he had sat on, and flung aside, using his fist and his dagger tip.  He carved, in Damaran,

Here lie the good people of the town once known as Barca's Hamlet, kidnapped by Neclonius II, and slain by his contrivance.  The Chillbane adventuring party swore at this place to bring about Neclonius' undoing at this place as well, and may those who wish peace and an end to monsters and necromancers wish them well.

After he finished carving, he hurried to catch up, his helm on his head and obscuring his face as he trotted steadily until he was walking alongside of the wagon.

Sophia walks alongside the cart. She pulls her hair back as it flies into her face. She starts whistling a small tune from her home.

Tarmes and Lexis had ridden in the cart most of the way to their current location with Zar'Da at the reins. But now that they had both a load of valuables in the cart as well as several more members in their traveling party. Tarmes decided she could walk.

"Hey knight, what were you about back there?" The blonde makes conversation to fill the oppressive silence of the snow covered hills. "If you wanted to carve stone you shouldda asked Mundin for help."

Thamol get all his items together and then get on the back of Starlight.
"I will ride scout." He says very loudly.
At that he move Starlight of.  Ruff follows and his little owl says rapped up on his shoulder out of the cold.
Thamol heads down the road.  Keeping an eye and ear out for trouble.  He also uses his skills of nature to spot any trouble.  Every so often he comes back to tell the group what ahead and if any nasty problems coming up.

Holding on for dear life, the last snowball didn't half hit him with a belter. He wondered if Tarmes had been using stones in the snowballs and that was why she could throw them so straight (as if a human could out stone-throw a halfling!) Still Bigby did his thing and kept the wobbling halfling (sighing loudly every so often and placing the back of his hand to his head in mock-near faintedness)

"You know, I might be better off on the ground for a bit" he said as he jumped down with the skill of experience. Walking longside he seems to have developed a quick step to keep up with the rest, certainly moving faster than most of his small statued kin.

"I'm a bit woozy of head, what was going on? I feel like I've just woken up from a long sleep?" Penville states, looking first to Bigby before realising he's looking at his dog and that never led to very conclusive discussions. Looking around he wondered what he may have missed, and started to rub his head in the hope it would bring back lost memories.

Talvaroff, in reply to Tarmes, shook his head.
"Merely a small memorial, the least I could do." He said tonelessly, as if he was trying to keep emotion down.

The gang sets off down the mountain trail.  Thamol leads the group ahead, looking for any problem areas of the road.  It's quiet around here, and cover of fresh snow makes the whole landscape featureless.  Those who passed through this area already know where the road has collapsed and broken off, and can easily be seen even with a little white cover of snow.  It does slow the progress, however, as Zar'da tries to navigate the cart around and the horse occasionally doesn't understand what he is trying to do.

Finally after hours, the group manages to get off the mountain and find themselves on the flat plain area and main road running north-south.

"We are running late.  We might not be able to get to Darmshall before the sundown.  The days are short this time of the year.", Lexis warns the group as you pick up the pace slightly.

It's also getting pretty chilly as well, with steady snowfall makes everything slightly wet.  At least, wind isn't picking up yet and snow doesn't seem to be piling up heavy either.  The road is now easier to travel.



OOC: Everyone give me second Fort Save on your next post. . .

-K

Cashel takes a deep breath of the chill air, letting it out slowly as he studies the endless gray sky above. "It doesn't look like it will be letting up any time soon, and dark falls suddenly in the mountains, it might be best to go ahead and seek out suitable shelter for the night," the monk advises, looking on the cold and tired faces of his companions.

10:33, Today: Cashel or-Kenset rolled 11 using 1d20+7. 2nd Fort save.

Iiitttsss ggeetttiinngg ccoolllddd.... Sophia says as her face starts turning white and she is obviously in a bit of pain becuase of the cold.

10:45, Today: Sophia rolled 15 using 1d20+1. fort save.

Zar'Da was completely exhausted from stress and aggrevation from their trek down the mountain pass. His hands were beginning to grow numb and his face ached slightly from the chill.
"I would agree. The evening is going to be apon us too quickly, we should settle in before we die from exposure. Sophia," the young half-drow said, as he removed his travelling cloak and held it out to her,"Take this, it should help with some of the chill.

Fort Save:10
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Fri 14 Sept 2007.

"Ah a bit of a chill, just like home eh?" he says nodding to Bigby below who had carried him so far.

Raawoof comes the reply, it appears to be a nod of agreement, whilst watching the condensation from the panting mouth become visible in the cold air.

Looking around with slightly weary eyes "Are we there yet?" says a tired Penville, trying to kick stones as he trundles past them.
Wawwoo
"What? No I'm not"
Wawwoo Grraff
"I'm NOT winging. I just want a blanket. I know you want one too"
Raaf
"I knew it, so lets keep our eyes out. Oooh wait I've a winter blanket" the halfling chirps, before unwrapping a large blanket, too bit for a halfling, but it seems to fit the pair well. A strange iceburg creature is left, with a tiny poking head and 4 legs down below.

Penville 16 fort save (+ whatever a winter blanket gives as it's not in the SRC)
Bigby 19 fort save (+ whatever a winter blanket gives as it's not in the SRC)

Penville! Hey short-stuff, glad to see you're back. I've been missing the comic relief in this game.


Tarmes stops for a moment and pulls off her pack. After rummaging for a moment she produces a thick winter coat that she hasn't worn since arriving in the north lands. "Here Sophia. Try this." Tarmes chucks the coat at the red haired woman with the same precision she had shown earlier that day. "How come you're out in the bloody winter cold with no coat anyway. Aren't you from here? You never said much last night."

15:31, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 3 using 1d20+2. Fort save. - BOTCHED roll!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Fri 14 Sept 2007.

Thamol keeps his job of scouting for group.  He move forward up the travel and then back to help the other prepare for the road ahead.


22:19, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 13 using 1d20+5. Fort Save.
22:18, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 15 using 1d20+10. survival.
22:18, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 19 using 1d20+12. Listen.
22:17, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 28 using 1d20+12. Spot Check.

Sir Talvaroff toiled along as well, and though he wasn't feeling the bite of the cold as badly as everyone else, he understood fully well that the others possibly couldn't make it through the night without stopping.  So he said,
"I agree, we should bed down for the night.  I would wish for some trees, or some hills to block the wind, but that doesn't seem likely to happen, for all I know."

19:09, Today: Talvaroff rolled 22 using 1d20+4. "4"-titude save.

The group moves along the snow-covered road for another couple of hours as they try to keep themselves warm and at least get closer to Darmshall somehow.  Sophia is still cold, but thanks to Zar'da, she manages.  Unfortunately, Zar'da now is shivvering severely, and he doesn't look so hot, sort of speak.

The sun is behind the cloud but it's roughly an hour before the sunset, and group concensus now is to camp somewhere away from the snow and wind, which has been steady, doesn't seem to go away, but at least not getting any heavier either.  There has been no sign of life in the forsaken land of Vaasa, even as you marches along the major road and no domicile you can see.  Thamol manages to find a little cove on a side of little hill he thinks can house everyone (and horses and dog and wolf and. . .), and at least stay away from the snow and wind.

Lexis thinks it's about 3-4 hours away from Darmshall, but you all thinks the going will become harder as the sun is setting.  The cove looks empty, but not yet fully unexplored.
-K

Zar'Da grew colder and colder as he guided the cart along the path. The shivering and numbness began to get more than he could bear.
"I ttttthink we sshhhould stop." he said through chattering teeth.

Talvaroff paused, and looked toward where Thamol said the cove was.
"Very well, I think we've toiled long enough in this...  What is the word in Common?  Izvinitye?  Very cold day, I think is closest.  That cove might provide some shelter from the wind, but I'll go check it out first.  Anyone care to join me?" Talvaroff put on his dragon helm, and pulled his shield from his back as he started walking towards the cove.

Seeing that his group are suffering Thamol acts.  He takes off his cloak and give it to Zar'Da.  He give the dark elf a no nonsense look.
"I don't really need it but you do.  It will help but I want it back.  It very nice cloak."
The cold does not seem to bother Thamol at all.

He then turns to Talvaroff.
"Before you go off into cave we need deal with few wounds."
He then touches Talvaroff . +8 HPand glow and heat fills Thamol hands.  Seeing that it almost up the Talvaroff to full repare he turn and walks back to Zar'Da.
"Seems I can use one more on you."He Touches Zar'Da. +6 HP

OOC:
17:35, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 6 using 1d8+2. CLW spell. Zar'Da
17:33, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 8 using 1d8+2. CLW spell. Talvaroff

The bruises and the still-lingering soreness that had returned in some measure after Zar'da's strange enchantment vanished, and Talvaroff felt so much better that he began walking off to the cove by himself, feeling confident and strong.

Nodding Penville settles in. Steam/heat rising from his cloak and feeling quite hot rather than cold. He offers the cloack to anyone who may want to share (girls prefered - Bigby stands by this decision) but otherwise is looking around, up and at the surroundings.

"Do you think we're going to die?" he says, wondering if it can get much worse.

Zar'Da took both the coat and the warming healing touch of the the elf. He felt the feeling come back into his hands and the chill leak away from his bones.

Tarmes called out, ”I’ll go with ya.” She didn't want anyone to get the impression there was anyplace she was scared to go. The pretty blonde trotted after the knight a redied a shiny dagger just in case there was something breathing too loudly in the cave. Tarmes also produced one of the stones she gathered in the necromancer's cave that had lit the place so brightly.

The group explore the cove carefully, lead by Tarmes, and there are obvious signs of recent use of this cove by some human/humanoids.  There's a sign of recent bonfire, signs of discarded food, and all around signs of being used as a shelter, possibly as recent as last night.  Tarmes also finds some saddle, saddle bag, empty waterskin, rein, and general horse-riding equipment discarded, perfectly useable stuff.  Nothing broken.
The overall structure of the cove itself is fairly shallow and not much.  Pretty much perfect place to make a shelter and stay overnight.  It'll be a bit crowded with the number of people and animals, but it should keep all of you warm enough for overnight.
OOC: Survival checks from everyone please?

-K

Talvaroff took the heavy saddle from Tarmes' hands, and examined it closely in the spell light from the strange rock she held.
"This looks strangely similar to the saddle I owned..." he said, in a puzzled tone.
OOC: 11:49, Today: Talvaroff rolled 16 using 1d20. Survival Check.

She handed off the saddle without protest. ”Saddle, saddle bag, reigns…but no bloody horse.” Tarmes pokes at the discarded food curiously. ”Makes me wonder if somebody ate the horse. You did not loose a whole horse did you Talvaroff?” She checks the saddle bags for anything else that might have been left behind.

11:58, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 1 using 1d20. Survival check. – BOTCHED!

Talvaroff shook his head.
"I don't know.  When Neclonius attacked Barca's Hamlet, I was in too big of a hurry to look for my steed, so for all I know he burned up in the fire, or broke out of his stall, and ran into the wild."

There aren't any bones or fresh meat of sort in the discarded food garbages you can find, and you don't think there was any large animal that was eaten here.  You do see that there are signs of trail rations, however.  Possibly badly cooked hardtack that just wasn't edible.

-K

Thank god we found this cave. I was freezing out there, with luck we will be able to warm up and get there tomorrow. Hmmm you had a fine stead Talvaroff, I remember him. Well trained and all, a bad thing you lost him, would have helped a lot. says Sophia as she gets to work building up a smile fire from what little she could find nearby.

13:32, Today: Sophia rolled 13 using 1d20+3. survival.

Thamol seems quite happy with what he found.  He make good search of the place.
He studied the items discarded to see if they damage by animals or not.

OOC:
19:49, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 14 using 1d20+10. survival.

Thamol finds no trace of any damage to the riding gear.  In fact, it's in pretty good shape, with apparently routine maintainance.  A bit dirty as it was discarded, but otherwise, all the items are in good shape.

-K

Zar'Da drives the cart over near the small cave. He dismounts and begins the task of unbridling the horses and brushing them down so they might relax and rest from the days hard travels.

As Talvaroff studied the saddle, he suddenly gasped in surprise.
"This is my tack!  See!" He showed Tarmes the pommel of the saddle, "See!  My initials!" There were two letters in Dethek scratched into the pommel, but they said E. D., not I. S. T.

Thamol sets about sorting himself out to sleep with his animals.  Making sure they alright.  He picks up the discarded rations and feeds them to both ruff and starlight.  He gives starlight first choose as she more fussy than ruff.
Once he finish he has some food himself.
Last before going to sleep he uses up the last two cure light wounds on anybody that needs it.
As settles down he turns to others.
"I will sleep now for my spells.  I then do last watch as sun comes up."

Once last things clear.  He laid a space next to him if Tarmes wants it but does not say anything.

OOC
11:40, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 8 using 1d8+2. CLW spell.
11:40, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 7 using 1d8+2. CLW spell.

Penville looks around carefully.
"Bigby you wan to sniff the place out"
*Rawwwwoo*
"Alright alright, we'll do it together, I can tell you just want to keep a hold of the blanket" he nods sagely.
A noise if heard from insid the blanket.

"Awww! Thats HORRIBLE!" comes Penville trying tip rip his head free from the self made nestled hood to fresh air.

(Bigby going to use scent and things to search around, especially hidden doors and the like)
Penville - Survival 7 (1) - BOTCHED AS WELL!
Bigby - Survival 23, Spot 19

Bigby sniffs around the area extensively alongside Tarmes.  He appears to pay extra attention to the back wall of the cave, around the reminant of the bonfire, and the riding gear.

-K

The manly dressed girl look closely at the pommel of the saddle. "Yours?" She looked at the letters again. "What do those letters mean Tal? And what's it doing out here in the forsaken wilderness? You think your horse wandered way the cuff out here?"

She wandered off to finish her search of the area. Her attention was drawn to the riding dog. "What's back there Bigby? It's just a bleeding cave wall. Shorty," she addressed Penville, "what's Bigby onto there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Thu 20 Sept 2007.

Talvaroff remembered that the initials weren't the same as he had given to Chillbane, or anyone else for that matter, for about four or five years.  He had to think quickly, but he wasn't terribly good at lying.
"Erm...  Stands for Eastwood Dale, the little village in Impiltur my family is lord of." He said, putting the saddle to one side.  "And I can't imagine how my horse could have wound up here.  I'm thinking horse-thieves, myself.  Perhaps they came to Barca's after the attack, and found my horse still in the stables, or wandering to Bloodstone Gate.  Because horses tend to try to find their way home, if they're lost."

Hmmm Eastwood Dale? I was there one time and I sure know that no Impiltur where rulers up there... says Sophia looking suspiciously at Talvaroff or whatever his real name was...

OOC: I cast 2 cure light wounds anybody want them?

OOC: I'll heal naturally later tonight, but Zar'da still needs healing.

OOC: Do you have something that heals like 1 damage so it can take away the nonlethal damage on me?

OOC: I'll take one and the rest should heal naturally overnight. Thanks!

Tarmes,

Bigby shakes his head to you.

The the group manages to get the fire going, and cove somewhat blocked off from the snow.  Thamol's curing touch gets rid of the chill from Zar'da and Sophia, and you all huddle together to get a good night rest after a wet and soggy hike through the mountain.  The snow fall is light and steady.  Barely an inch has stuck on the ground, but there's no sign of clearing up either.

OOC: Next post from me will probably be overnight things, and next morning.  Let me know what ya'll are doing over night and watches and things.

-K

Talvaroff remained stonily silent in response to Sophia's question, and wordlessly took a position at the mouth of the cave, watching into the darkness, only stirring a little after sunset to awaken Zar'da before going to sleep himself.

Tarmes would have pressed the knight for more information, especially after Sophia’s comment, but the blonde was distracted by Bigby’s curious behavior. ”What do you mean no? C’mon Bigby, speak up. Is there something on this wall or not?” Tarmes had begun searching the wall, inspecting it closely to figure out what had the canine’s attention.

OOC: DM Kremti, here is a search check in case you need it.
12:08, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Search check.
I would have done better to just Take-10. <rolls eyes> Can I "try again" and Take-10 the second time?

We never discussed an order for the night watch. I'll take first or second watch if it matters or if anyone cares. We have several people among us who can take a turn at the watch so we don't each have to be awake half the night. In fact some nights some of us can skip taking watch completely.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Fri 21 Sept 2007.

OOC: I was going to take first watch until the shadows started appearing, and then I was turning the watch over to the chap who could see best in dim conditions.

After settling the horses Zar'Da makes his way into the small cave. He gladly takes the healing offered him by Thamol, reveling in the fact he could once again feel his extremities. The young half-drow seems to be warming up to his new companions pretty quickly. He was pleasantly surprised all the surface dwellers weren't as brutal and malicious as the drow said they were. He was beginning to think it was just stories fueled by jealousy and hatred for all other life.

When the sun set Zar'Da gladly stepped to the mouth of the small cave where he took up watch, his eyes shifting to the darklight spectrum. He pulled his cloak he got back from Sophia close around his shoulders not wanting to feel the pain from this afternoon again.

Sophia takes a seat next to Talvaroff. I know we each have our stories and secrets we don't want others to know. I have mine as well, I'm sorry about what I said. says Sophia before going back to the fire and grabbing a bit of meat and bread and turns it into a sandwich.

"Whats that boy?"
*Raww*
"Sorry, what you got?"
*Raggww Wooo waaahgg* comes Bigby whilst scratching things in the floor.
Penville goes to look.

"Two people and two or three orcs?"
*Raww*
"Two or three centaurs?"
*Rawwgga*
"Oh mounts, horses probably" he says looking up at everyone.
Taking a sniff himself, he adds "Probably quite recently"
Bigby nods.

"And no secret doors or caves?"
*Raww*
Penville covers Bigby in the blanket again.


(OOC: For watches - humans and the like first and last, Elves and lowlight second in, middle of night to those with darkvision and other forms of senses - drow and scent doggy. edit: Spellcasters take first, last or no watch!)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Sat 22 Sept 2007.

OOC: Yeah I need my 8 hours, I'm a wizard = /

OOC:Sounds like a plan to me.

As said - Thamol taking last watch.

OOC:  Let's go with that plan-like thing.

The snowfall keeps light, and on and off continuously over the night.  It is quite quiet.  No hooting owls (other than Whitefeather) or howling wolves (again, present companies excepted) can be heard.  Not much wind either, which makes this weather somewhat bareable.  With the cove in the back, radiating the heat back, plus all the body heat of some 10 people plus animals, it's actually quite comfy.

When you all wake up (12 hours past, and the sun is just at horizon although you can't really see it since you have mountain on east side.  It's late October and night is longer than 12 hours), the snowfall has accumulated to about a couple of inches.  It won't be a problem for road travel, but it's become somewhat difficult to see some natural hazards off road, and gives some issue with scent tracking, not to mention it's nearly impossible to track anything from yesterday.

Lexis informs you that she thinks you all are about half-day away from Darmshall, and more than a day away from Bloodstone Gate.  Probably has better idea when you all get to the River Pelauvir.

-K

Talvaroff awoke groggily in the darkness of the early morning, and quietly put on his armor for the day's march.  When he was finished, he put his saddle and tack on the cart, and then clanked from sleeping figure to sleeping figure, gently shaking them awake, whoever hadn't been awoken from the previous noise.

Not surprisingly, Tarmes swore at Talvaroff for waking her up. She cursed his armor as well, just out of spite. But the young woman did get up and stumbled out of into the open to get some firewood. The cave had been warm enough not to need a large fire. In fact even sleeping by herself with no blanket, Tarmes hadn’t been cold at all. But they would still want something warm for morningfeast and Tarmes wasn’t about to try and cook anything, so she got the wood instead. She reported the condition of the road to everyone as she came back in. ”With all the snowfall we might hafta get a couple people in front of the wagon to make sure there’s no flaming holes in the road hidden under in the snow.”

When Talvaroff comes to wake Sophia up she kicks him in the shin bit then yelps in surprise as her foot hits the hard metal of his armor. Dammit, can't even sleep easily. No respect for us wizards! and grumbles something about how she needs her sleep. Completely awake thanks to hurting herself Sophia decides to eat lightly as to be ready for travel. Sophia then sits down and gets ready for the day ahead.

Zar'Da rouses a bit easier than the two women. He jumps out of his blanket and into his road clothes quickly as to not chill his hanging bits. He then goes about re-tacking the horses and readying them for travelling before enjoying his morning meal.

Bigby was up and already scouting around, looking for fresh scents. Penville had been helping out on some of the watches so appeared quite sleepy, if awake, dressed up and dragging the blanket with him. Yawning more than appears possible for such a little man, he helps others rise and keep warm.

The supply of good food hauled out of the villege is all but gone with the larger number of people in the team, and the breakfast is down to the basic trail rations.  Hardtack cooked in bacon fat (Just fat, no meat) and hot tea is all you get for the breakfast.  At least, you have plenty of those to last for a while.

The priest of Moradin prepares some divine protection for the travellers who are unprotected to the cold weather.  Sophia, Talveroff, Opa, and Zar'da receives his blessings.  The air around you appear to dumpen the effect of the cold weather and wind.  As you approach the bonfire, you notice that the heat of the fire is also tampered as well.  Your hand still burns if you stick your hand into it, but you can stay close to the fire for a while, and you won't start sweating from the heat.

OOC: You guys get Endure Elements spell for the next 24 hours

The group gets ready to set off after the breakfast.  Looks like it'll be another snowy day.  Bigby tries to to pick up the scent he smelled yesterday evening, but he appears to lose it a few yards away from the campsite.

OOC: When you take off, let me know if anyone other than Thamol is scouting ahead, and if you will try to stay on the road, or off (In case Bigby picks up the scent, for example), who is driving the wagon if not Zar'da, and so on.
Everyone Give me a Fort Save, and Survival.  The Scouts and Driver needs to give me second Survival check as well

-K

Sophia finishes preparing her spells and stands up. She quickly gets to work packing up her things and getting the group ready to go. Seeing that they where ready at last she takes her place next to the cart.


15:24, Today: Sophia rolled 4 using 1d20+3. survival.
15:24, Today: Sophia rolled 19 using 1d20+1. fort save.

Thamol gets up as the sun rises.  He gets his animals ready for next day.  After breakfast he walks up to Penville and Tarmes.  He lays a hand on each.
"The cold should not be so hard on you today."He says.
It seems the Druid had the same idea as the cleric.  For some reason he did not seem  to bother casting it on himself.

As soon as other are almost ready he heads off to scout road ahead.


21:35, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 14 using 1d20+10. survival 2nd.
21:34, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Fort.
21:33, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 26 using 1d20+10. survival 1st.


OOC: The two now have Endure Elements on them.  I did have idea before cleric post.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Thu 27 Sept 2007.

After everyone had breakfast and were ready to leave Zar'Da jumps back into his seat on the cart with renewed vigor. The spell placed on him made the weather a bit more bearable which made the young drow smile.

Tarmes grinned at Thamol and mumbled a thank you, though she didn’t appear to act any different under the effect of the spell. ”You never seem much bothered by the ruddy weather, Thamol. You must’ve been using that magic on yourself for this whole trip.”

She took a spot in front of the horses and to the left as they started out. She was trying to find the edge of the road under the snow as they went. Anytime it felt like they were going off the hard packed road and into snow covered grass she warned Zar’Da to adjust to the right.

14:47, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 1 using 1d20. Survival check. – BOTCH!
14:48, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Fortitude save.
14:48, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 11 using 1d20. Survival check.

Once everyone was ready to go, Talvaroff picked up his burden as well, and began trudging quietly along besides the cart.  Another long day of marching...  But hadn't he spent whole days, from sunrise to sunset, walking around and around the barracks, wearing armor that was twice as heavy as the suit he was wearing now, and made it?  The thought didn't cheer him, and he slogged on steadfastly and uncomplaining, and silent.

OOC: 11:19, Today: Talvaroff rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Fortitude Save.
11:20, Today: Talvaroff rolled 11 using 1d20. Survival.

The morning trek was quiet and almost uneventful.  Despite Tarmes falling into a shallow ditch covered with snow just by the side of the road, no other major obstacles as the two scouts ahead kept the rest of the group safe.  Despite getting all wet, Tarmes doesn't appear to be suffering any, but you'd think it can't be a good thing.


After a couple of hours, the group finally find a sign of living things other than themselves.  You see the River Pelauvir and approaches the bridge across it, with a small hut on the far side of the bridge.  Beyound that, you see road split in two ways, one going west, and one going south.  Lexis tells you west will take you to Darmshall, and it'll be just an hour or two.  South route is going through Bloodstone Path to the Gate.  She doesn't think you'll get there before the sunset.


-K

Talvaroff looked wearily over the river.  The hut wasn't nearly as big as would be comfortable, but it might provide some shelter for the night.  Or knight, in his case.
Talvaroff chuckled at his thoughts, and said,
"It is a custom in some lands that knight errants may in desperate times seek lodging in whoever's domicile he finds, whether it be a lord's manor or a woodman's hut, so long as he respects the customs of the house and its keepers.  Perhaps we could beg such a boon from whoever lives in that hut across the river."

Thamol seems little confused by Tarmes talking about his spells but lets it go.

After passing the hunt and scouting out a little down the rounds.  Thamol returns to the group.  He seems to be looking at weather in uneasy way.  He looks at group as if trying to decide what do.
"Well Starlight.  I think it is best if we careful with them."
He pats the horse.
"The weather is going to be bad soon.  I think we should say at the hut.  We need to get everybody* out of wind."

Thamol get off his horse and head to hut.

OOC: * When Thamol says everybody that includes the animal.  The group now know he vews all animals as equal to the rest of group.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Sun 30 Sept 2007.

The hut is tiny.  About 5' x 5' from this distance.  It's probably impossible to house 10 people.  Well, if you all simply stand and not move, possibly will fit 10 people.

-K

OOC: YAY fun.... I think?

Penville with jump down from Bigby and amble over to investigate the hut, trying to peer in the windows, but only just on tip toes.

"Hallo? Anyone in? We're erm, looking for some assistance?" he asks out loud, hoping that if the huts not available for the city types, then they might know of some shelter that is, and some food wouldn't go amiss.

(OOC: Penville and Bigby would have been hunting if they could as they travelled to try and get the group some food, as they have a higher movement than the group this wouldn't have slowed them much - Also they'll happily sleep outside without question. Not used to all this inside stuff)

"We are knights errant seeking quarter!" Talvaroff bellowed, putting in his two coppers.

As you cross the bridge, you noice a few things.  First, the hut is more like a 'booth'.  Not really designed to live in it, you would guess.  There's a little row boat on the river by the booth.  Also by the booth, there is a large bird.  Predetory kind, you think.  And by large I mean 20-foot wingspan big.

Before you even get to the end of the bridge, someone comes out of the booth.  Rugged medium sized human with some sort of fur-coat.

"Hello Travelers!", he waves at you as you approach, and as Penville and Talveroff trots ahead, he sticks his hand out for hand shake.  The same Coat of Arm Tobin had peeks on his chest on his leather armor underneath the flapping coat.

"My name is Yorn.  I am the watch for this bridge this morning.  Where are you folks headed?

-K

ZAr'Da stayed on the cart, pulling the horses to a halt. He then pulled his hood down further and his scarf up to cover his face.

We are headed for Bloodstone gate... We are running an errand for Lieutenant Tobin, the Pegasus-Friend. It is concerning Neconlius the necromancer... says Sophia. We are seeking shelter for the night, do you know the closest place where we can rest before continuing onwards?

Thamol stands back and lets the others do the talking.  As they doing so he looks at the bird.  Trying work out if all well with it and that not a threat to party.

OOC: 22:19, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Knowledge (Nature).

OOC: Just so you know, you only walked about 2 hours ::points the post above with the map::, so this is still mid-morning.  Not even Noon yet

"Well, it's a bit early for Shelter for the night, innit?  However, I see some energy brewing up far west", the man looks far, "It does look the weather is going to be bad overnight.  You shan't camp outside.  Lucky for you, Darmshall is just an hour away."  Lexis mumbles something about her mentioning that earlier.

"You should be there before the storm is here, and I suggest you stay there until the storm passes.  Also, you might want to do something to that thing.", he points to the cart and its wheels.  "The snow is probably going to be at least knee high.  It'll be mighty difficult going through the Pass with regular wheels."


-K

Talvaroff grasped the bridge-ward's hand, minding his strength.  After listening, he said,
"That wagon is practically all that remains of Barca's Hamlet.  Since we know of no survivors, we were going to sell it or donate it to further our cause of destroying Neclonius, and revenging the town.  If it means me having to beat a path through the snow to get the wagon back to civilisation, then so be it."  A thought struck him, and he asked,
"We came across a cave a short distance from here, where we sheltered last night.  There we found traces of habitation, and the saddle from my horse, which I had lost when Neclonius attacked the Hamlet.  Are there any bandits or horsethieves in these parts?"


OOC: Sorry, I misread.  I deal normally with pretty large quantities, so 'a couple' for me can very well mean between eight and twenty.

A continuous stream of mumbled curses had followed along with Tarmes after she got soaking wet. By the time the group reached the bridge she had lowered her voice enough that no one else heard the swearing but her mouth was still moving indignantly. Thankfully, Tarmes made no approach toward the bridge watchman either.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Tue 02 Oct 2007.

"Well, I don't know of any specific necromancer, but this area just seems to be crawling with those Witch-King wanna-be's.  I'm glad to hear the Pegasus-Rider is on the case.  I see him occasionally when I station at the gate.  The horse is something.

We are also crawling with bandits and horse thieves in this area.  They aren't organized though.  Mostly they are 'opportunistic adventurers'.  We appreciate adventurers in general.  Keeps the goblins and giants at bay.  But some of them simply do anything for a profit.  But if anyone is trying to sell a horse, they surely have crossed this bridge, and head to either Darmshall or the Gate.  Yesterday, you say?  I wasn't here but let me check the log to see who crossed here."

The watch trots over to the booth and unroll a scroll.  He yells from the booth as he sticks his nose into the scroll, "There were a couple of groups crossed over the bridge and headed West.  One of them is 4 elves and 4 horses.  The other one is 2 humans and 3 horses.  No specific description on either group.  Does either of them ring a bell?"

-K

Talvaroff pursued his question,
"Was one of the horses with the Men of the Impiltur Valiant breed, and deep red roan, with a black mane?  Do you remember?"

"I am sorry, but I wasn't here and whoever was on duty didn't give any more description than that, so I can't say.", the watch shrugs as he walks back to you.

-K

*Raaf rraaaf*

Penville looks to the Bigby, "Whats that boy? It was the elves and their horses?"

*Wuuulf*

"Ohhh" Penville looks a little embarrassed, "The humans and horses it was" he says turning to the group.

Thamol turns to creature on watch.
"So if we hurry you think we get to safe place before the storm come?"

OOC: Must confess I thought we traveled over half day - was bit confused.

Talvaroff's eyes gleamed with joy when he heard the news.  It seemed that they were travelling in the same direction as the people who might have taken his horse!
"I guess we could.  Lexis said it's only a few more miles, or hours.  With luck, we'll be warm inside with a fireplace to warm our feet!"

"Oh yes.  It'll be more like 1 hour to get to Darmshall, and you'll be quite safe from the elements there.  You don't want to wonder around though.  Just stay on the road and you'll be there right around lunch time.", Yorn points to the road leading to west.

"Once you get there, make sure to visit Abram's.  He's the master woodworker there, and he'll be able to do something to the wheels of your cart.  Once the blizzard comes and we get snow higher than knee high, you won't be able to move it like that."

-K

Lexis Nightflower prods everyone to get going before the heavy snow arrives, and the gang parts the way with the bridge-keeper.  THe road to Darmshall is pretty well-kept, and even some signs of traffic on the couple of inches of snow that's been pretty fresh.  Soon, a small fortress appears on the horizon.

Darmshall, rather than a small town, is more like a castle-fortress.  Actual residents of the fortress is about 600, but at any point, there are 600 more soldiers, adventurers and traders are staying.  Due to the location, 1 day away from the Gate, proximity to the bridge and north-south and eastward roads, it is commercially and strategically very important spot, and thus is heavily-fortified.

Now it is right around noon as you approach the front gate.  Guards spot you approaching, and come out in front to greet your caravan.

-K

Thamol as usual take up his role as point.  Once he gets in site of gate he wait for the others to catch up with him.
"I leave someone else to do talk."

He then swings starlight round and walks beside the wagon letting it lead the rest of the way.

As they continue on their way towards the town Zar'Da sits quietly and guides the wagon as best he can. He begins to think that going to such a large place may not bode too well for someone of his heritage, but he will cope to remain with his new found companions.

Unfortunately the weak winter sun had not been warm enough to dry out Tarmes and she was still pretty unhappy about it. Since she had been walking out in front of the wagon all day making sure they didn’t drive off the edge of the road, the busty blonde was in front of the group once they caught up with Thamol. ”Well met guardsmen.” She called out. ”Do you have a fire nearby? I am about to freeze my arse!” If they ask, Tarmes doesn’t hesitate to explain that they are traveling toward the Bloodstone Gate with a message from the half-lieutenant, Pegasus Friend.

"Greetings!", one of the pair of guards who came out to the front of the gate makes a momentary stunned face to the foul mouthed woman's comment, but quickly proceeds to greet the group.  Again, you see both of the guards don the same crest Tobin and Yorn wore, crossed pick and sword, on their armor.

The guards don't seem to pay too much attention to the rag-tag bunch, as adventuring groups often are.  They efficiently process the entrance with a quick check of the contents of the wagon.

Once inside the group finds a small but well-populated fortress-town.  As you leave the gate, one of them yells, "Try the Rooster Inn ten doors down the street to your left!  They have a nice big fireplace, and dries you out nice and warm, Lass!  And stay inside the town!  I hear blizzard is coming this way!"

The town is busy with activities.  Many adventurers and traders are apparently staying put in town for the day, and conducting their business inside.

OOC: So, it's about noon.  You can get most basic/common things around here at the regular price, as per SRD prices.  Lodging and such also are standard price.

-K

Sir Ivan waited a moment before entering, to ask the guards a question.
"Excuse me, but did two men and three horses pass through these gates in the last few days?  One of the horses was an Impiltur Valiant, red with a black mane.  It was mine, but I lost him when the town of Barca's Hamlet was destroyed, and I was taken prisoner."  He purposefully left the rest of the story untold, about Neclonius, for the guards to take an interest, if they didn't know about it.

"Hm, I don't remember, let me ask my partner.", the guard nearby answers you, then starts yelling.  "Hey!  V!  Do you remember any group of 2 people and 3 horses, one of the horse being red with a black mane last few days?"

One up above on the guard tower, who you'd assume 'V' is, yells back "I remember a group of 2 people and 3 horses yesterday, but I don't remember red horse with a black mane!  They are probably around somewhere in the town!"

The guard nearby you shrugs.

-K

Thamol looks at the fort and looks at ruff.  He then looks at sky.
He decides that ruff should come with him.  He just can't let her be alone in buzzard.

He then heads into town leaving other to find a nice stable or barn for himself and his group of friends.

"As does he turns to others.  Call if need me."

He then see if find someone that will agree food & shelter for himself and animals in return for services.

Thamol and his merry band of animals stroll around and quickly finds a large stable.  Apparently, it's a good business here as many of the military presence here includes Rangers with specialized mounts, and some of them are specialized for certain climate, and stays inside here for a whole season.  Thamol notices some interesting animals kept in the stable.  Caribous, dire eagle, penguin, baby mastodon, etcs.  The operation here is also quite extensive, with quarter of the stable magically converted to be 'Cold Room' where animals that prefer colder climate are kept during the summer.  As Ruff walks into the stable, almost all the animals in there are quite well-behaved and does not seem to mind the presence of a wolf.  However, the baby mastodon seems to be slightly agitated.

Thamol chats with the owner and he can see Thamol's animals (Ruff and Starlight) are quite docile under their master's supervision.  The owner agrees to have Thamol keep an eye on the baby mastodon overnight and let Thamol and all of his animals stay free overnight.  He tells Thamol that the baby mastodon has been a bit excitable for past few hours, possibly from the coming weather change.

-K

Hey guys, I'm going to get somethings I'll need... Sophia says, we'll meet up in a few hours, k? before running off to see if she could get some warmer clothing and a few other things and searches for anything interesting.

Thamol is happy to find a place where he fits in.  He also most please to find place that looks after animal well and care a great deal about them.  He find nice safe place for his friends and explains he has work to do down other end of stable.  He not far if they need him.

He set about gaining the baby mastodon trust and then getting it to settle for the incoming storm.  He first cast guidance on himself to help him understand how go about handling the little creature.

OOC:
21:20, Today: Secret Roll: Thamol Liadon rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Animal Empathy.
21:18, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Handle Animal.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Mon 15 Oct 2007.

As the group began breaking up and doing there errands now that they were once again in civilization Zar'Da decided he would get the cart fitted for travel in this harsh land.
"I'm going to take the cart to the shop the guard recommended. Shall we pick an inn to meet at later?" he said to whomever was still around.

"I'll go with you," Talvaroff said, "I have little coin with which to buy things, and I lack nothing anyway."

"Those men at the front gate said we outta try the Rooster Inn. We outta meet there. I'll check out some other places in case the Rooster turns out to be a stinking dung pot. What say we all meet there by early dusk?" Like the others, Tarmes had some personal business she wanted to take care of as well. "Anybody got a better plan?"

"Sounds good to me. Early dusk it is. Hop on Talvaroff." Zar'Da says as he begins to make his way to shop.

So the group scatters around all over this Fort-town.  It's about noon now.

Thamol at stable, is getting comfortable and befriending with each of the animals briefly, and finding his own spot with Ruff, Starlight, and Whitefeather (OOC: Am assuming Whitefeather is with you for now.  Let me know if that's not true).  For now, the owner of the stable is around, so Thamol's service is not needed just yet.  (OOC: The deal is that you watch the animals, specifically the baby Mastodon overnight after the owner leaves until he comes back in the morning to open the business.  You are free to do whatever until he leaves.)

Zar'da and Talvaroff heads off to Abram's with their cart.  He is a master carpenter/woodworker in this fort-town, and obviously has a good business going.  You see some examples of his impeccable work and also sees that his store is very busy at the moment.  You talk to an apprentice who is dealing with multiple customers, and they are all looking for the same thing you are.  Savvy business man Abram is, he already has several of the 'Cart-to-Sleigh' converting kit partially made.  It is a pair of wooden contraptions, that latches onto the existing wheels and locks them up, and becomes the runners.  There is a line of carts and wagons to the workshop, where pre-made runners and locking mechanism is assembled together to be custom-fit with each individual wheels.  The apprentice takes a quick look at your cart and tells you it's 10 gps, and and to get in line after those lines of carts and wagons.  Inside the workshop, you see a man working efficiently with a cart and runner/lock, who you assume is Abram.

Sophia and Tarmes scatters off to do their own thing.  They find pretty much all the essential amenities in this fort-town, and because many of the traders are staying put here overnight, the activity is actually busy and bustling despite the snowfall.

The rest of the gang proceeds to the Rooster inn.  They find the place pretty crowded again, as people are trying to avoid the incoming blizzard.  The place is cozy enough, and there's a nice big bar with a large fire place to keep the place warm.

The snow is beginning to fall heavy, and wind has picked up slightly.  Looks like the word of blizzard is beginning to materialize.

OOC: The cost of the inn is 5sp/night as per 'common' inn.  Cost to feed yourself is 3sp/day as per 'common' as well.  Cold Weather Outfit is 8gps.

-K

During her trip about the fortress, Tarmes made sure to stop at every single inn to get a feel for what was what. She had told her friends she would find an alternative to the Rooster Inn in the event that place was a dump. In addition, she searched around for someplace likely to buy all those valuables that the group brought in on the wagon. The pretty blonde either ignored, or didn’t notice any of the stares from the groups of soldiers she passed.

Tarmes runs around to find a couple of other inns around the town.  The Rooster Inn seems to be the 'coziest' of the three.  The other two are a bit more 'spartan', and caters more towards the soldiers.
OOC: Will be roughly the same price if you stay in the other two places...

-K

Most of the gang who are not shopping (OOC: NPCs, basically) decide on staying at the Rooster in.  Most of the Chillbane explore this fort-town and enjoy what the town has to offer.  A few days of marching through the desolate wilderness made everyone realize how much they missed soft bed and warm fireplace.

Pretty much everyone scatters around.  Tarmes retreats to a room for a while, and she comes out dry, and runs off to resupply.

Sophia also wonders around the town, and manages to find a horse for herself.

Zar'da and Talveroff gets the runners to fit over the wheel from Abram's.  The daylight is waning, and snow is coming down heavy now.  The pair test-drive the newly converted sleigh, and it works pretty well on the surface which is now has about a foot of snow.

The street venders and customers are now beginning to retreat into the cozy confine of inside the building, and streets are getting deserted.  The owner of the stable where Thamol is staying tells Thamol that he's leaving and he'll be back when tomorrow at daylight, and leaves Thamol and his animals with the stable animals.  Wind is now picking up and starts to howl in the darkening sky, and visibility is getting low.  Blizzard has arrived.

-K

After having the cart converted Zar'Da finds a stable to park it and have the horse pulling it taken care of. He then makes his way through the driving snow to the Rooster Inn, still keeping his head wrap and gloves on, makes his way to the keeper. He askes for a room and makes his way to it to get cleaned up and warm.

That evening as everyone gathered near the fire of the Rooster Inn, they could see that Tarmes had a busy afternoon. She was wearing a new vest, a pair of finger-less gloves, and a wicked spiked collar, the sort usually reserved for guard dogs. The vest in particular was interesting as it was a ‘knife vest’ designed to sheath 10 daggers or knives though currently it only held six.

Surprisingly Tarmes had her backpack on as she met them instead of leaving it in her room. ”Hiya everyone. I found a bloody large surprise t’day when I was unpacking all my gear up my room. C'mon, follow me this way.” She lead the group back behind the common room to a private dining room. When everyone was in she barred the door and then displayed the reason for the private room moments later. Tarmes took off her pack and removed a heavy looking sack that jangled. The girl up ended the bag and a large pile of coins started spilling out! Hundreds of them, gold, silver, copper and even a few platinum scattered here and there. "These are the coins taken from the village by the goblins. Mundin asked me to hold onto the bag and I totally forgot I had it!"

OOC: Everybody the bag of coins holds total of 1970.42 gps. (20 platinum, 1572 gold, 1794 silver, 1902 copper). Since Cashel, Sophia and Talvaroff were captured from that village they deserve a share. At the time we were at the village Mundin and Depiron and Lexis were not NPCs...or were they? Well either way we need to know how many ways we're going to split these coins. I've listed all the possible names below. Who should be cut in and who doesn't really deserve a share?

Mundin - NPC
Depiron - NPC
Lexis - NPC
Opa?? - NPC

Cashel
Penville
Sophia
Talvaroff
Tarmes
Thamol
Zar'Da

Talvaroff tagged along with Zar'da, largely because he had little else to do, and because he hoped to catch a glimpse of his horse hitched outside of an inn or a house.
When he came back to the inn, he was about to shave his stubble off with the blade of his dagger when Tarmes gathered them all to the dining room.  The sight of gold and silver greatly impressed him; he had never seen such wealth in one place.  But he shook his head, and said,
"I won't take a share of this wealth, I think.  I have done little so far to earn it, save that one battle with that terrible, bloated monster, during which the people I had sworn to protect were buried in the mine."

I agree, I don't feel I earned my fair share of it. Maybe later when I feel as though I did something for the group but not now. Sophia says looking at the pile of gold piled before her. She looks a bit different mostly because she decided to suit up for the cold weather and also buy a nice horse.

Normal horse and a cold weather outfit is all I need to buy.

Thamol looks at the money.  His eyes brighten.
"I did not know we found so much.  It be nice to have some of them coins.  I take my share in copper and silver.  I know how much they weight."
It seems the druid like money and quit happy to have as big a share as possible.

Zar'Da looked at the coin on the table. He scratched his chin for a moment then said,"I have a fair amount of my own personal coin but this would go to some use in getting equiptment and what not for the road."

The rugged looking young woman is a surprised by Talvaroff and Sophia's replies, but she decides not to argue with them. "Okay then. I figure there's enough here we can pull out one extra 'share' and say it belongs to the group: the whole group for group payments. Like paying to fix up that wagon or buying another ruddy hose. That helps us all out."

OOC: Sorry to make this so quick an short. I'm posting quickly right now.

We need to decide about the NPC. My opinion is that if we play this so that it makes sense, Mundin, Depiron, Lexis, and Penville should get a share because they participated at that time.

On the other hand, why give treasure to NPCs who aren't going to use it? Comments?

Mundin - NPC
Depiron - NPC
Lexis - NPC
Opa?? - NPC

Cashel
Penville
Sophia – Opt out
Talvaroff – Opt out
Tarmes – 1 share
Thamol – 1 share
Zar'Da – 1 share

The pair of dwarves and Lexis sit around the fireplace and discuss things intensely while Tarmes shows the bounty from the goblins.  They are not paying too much attention, and they appear to be talking about Neconlius, and possibility of him heading to Thay.  Opa joins them in the conversation, and along the line, she learns that Joey Sheppard headed towards Thay, and expresses the desire to go see him.  They are pretty much oblivious to you.

Bigby looked to be interested in Sophia's new horse when it was brought in.  He howled a couple of times to Penville.  He tells you all that it smelled familiar to Bigby, somehow.  Penville doesn't know what to make of this.

OOC: Note, Thamol is not here, as it is evening, and he needs to stay at the Stable to watch the animals...

In the meanwhile at Stable...

The wind howls, and blizzard is coming down hard.  The building shakes a little bit from the strong wind, although the whole stable looks solidly constructed and everyone should be secure.  Many animals are somewhat aggitated, and especially the baby woolly mammoth is very unfriendly towards you now.  You try to calm it down and manages to have it stop stomping its powerful legs.  Even though this is a baby one, you would not want the tons of muscles to attack you.  Occasionally, it tries to undo it's chain by straggling, and the whole stable shakes with the power of the beast.

-K

Thamol decides with the storm coming that he stay up and sleep after it passed.
He does his best to get on with all animals and tries to keep them calm.

OOC:
03:16, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Handle animal.

Overnight, the wind continues to blow strong.  But the warm and comfortable bed of the inn helped everyone staying at inn to sleep very well.  Unfortunately for Thamol, the weather just won't let Woolly Mammoth calm down, and it kept struggling all night long.  As long as Thamol kept wake and company with the baby mastodon, it at least didn't burst out of the chain or break down the wall, but that meant Thamol did not get any sleep at all.

The morning comes and the snow finally begins to subside, and wind calms down.  The blizzard dropped a foot and half of snow, and now all the mud you saw during the summer are hidden beneath the cold white snow.  After an hour, cold wintery sun peeks through between the cloud.  The stable owner opens the door and finds tired Thamol and wooly mammoth, and tells Thamol that he appreciates watching over the Woolly Mammoth, and he is taking over.

The weather looks to be good enough to move on, and head towards the Bloodstone Gate.  With a little bit of sunshine, although brisk, the trek promises to be a nice one.

-K

Thamol explains to the rest of the party he need some sleep.  He tell them he catch up with them later in afternoon.  All does is get there plans of movement and then find nice place in barn and falls asleep.

After a good nights sleep and a nice hot bath Zar'Da wakes in the morning fresh and ready to move on. He dresses and gathers his things. The young dragon shaman then makes his way to check on the wagon. Once satisfied he heads back inside to meet up with the group for breakfast.

Talvaroff came down a little while after Zar'da, with his face clean-shaven but with a few nicks here and there, as he only had his dagger to do the work.  He asked the innkeeper for some bread, butter, and cold chicken, and sat by the wall, getting his senses back.

Tarmes was really happy with her new look; the gloves, the vest, and the spiked collar. Anytime one of the many solders looked at her too long, the busty blonde bared her teeth and growled at them while trying not to break into giggles.

Hearing that Thamol hadn’t had a lick of sleep, Tarmes encourages the druid to try and get comfy in the back of their wagon and get his sleep there. ”You already got separated from us for weeks the last cuffing time we left you behind AND you missed the bloody meeting I called last night.”

OOC: I'm going to just move the action forward.  Let me know what you want to do, Thamol, and we'll fudge it up retroactively.

With some lunch for the road ready, and taking advantage of the calmer weather after the blizzard overnight, the party of Chillbane bids farewell to this Fort-town.  As you leave, the guards remind you that the road up towards the Gate is now underneath a foot and half of snow, and you must be careful not to veer off.

The converted wagon/sleigh, now pulled by a pair of caribous (OOC: This was mentioned by Sophia a while ago.), glides through the snow-covered landscape easily.  The new snow is soft and fluffy, and covers many terrain elements.  Navigating through the moutain is trickier now.  However, the visibility is very good due to the glimmer of sunlight in the crisp air.

OOC: OK, everyone, give me 2 sets of Survival checks, and Zar'da (or whoever is driving) shuold give me a handle animal check...

-K

Still keeping mostly to himself for some reason, Cashel or'Kenset jogs quietly along side newly converted sleigh seemingly lost in thought as he observes the snowy landscape.


13:20, Today: Cashel or-Kenset rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Survival #2.
13:20, Today: Cashel or-Kenset rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Survival #1.

Thamol thinks that moving beds not really for him and sleeps in barn.  He sure he find the group again.  To the elf today yesterday tomorrow.  What the difference.

20:36, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 23 using 1d20+10. survival.
20:36, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 19 using 1d20+10. survival.

When Thamol decides to hang back and catch up on his ‘beauty rest’, Tarmes scoffs and points out that it’s no concern of hers if he goes and gets himself lost in the snow for weeks on end. She turned her back on the druid and stomps off to put her gear in the back of the sleigh. Even though they were in thick snow now, the girl still only wears simple traveler’s clothes along with the new addition of the vest and gloves.

Out on the snow covered road, Tarmes keeps in front of the sleigh watching the path of the road as best she can so they don’t stray off onto a wilderness trail.


21:10, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 14 using 1d20. Survival check #1.
21:10, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 15 using 1d20. Survival check #2.

The gang minus Thamol (and his animals) makes a good progress during the day.  With a good visibility, the path up the Bloodstone Path is pretty straight forward.  There are a couple of tricky spots to navigate with the sleigh, but when Zar'da raises the concern, Penville takes over the driving.  Along with Bigby keeping the caribous from wondering around, they navigate the tricky spots with ease.  Trekking the whole day, the group finally approaches the gate that separates Damara and Vaasa.  The enormous gate can be seen from the distance, and they'll reach it in no time, before the sun sets.

As the group nears the gate, Cashel, contemplative most of the day, notices that somehow lower half of Sophia's robe is all soiled with some sort of dark material.  It's concentrated on the parts where the robe rubs up against the horse.

In the meanwhile, Thamol takes a nice nap following the exhausting night trying to calm down the Woolly mammoth.  When he wakes up, he feel refreshed, but it's much later in the day.  He only has a couple of hours before the sun sets.

OOC: Now it's 3ish.  The front group is just about a mile away from the Gate, and Thamol just woke up...

Luckily for Thamol, you all think the weather's gonna be pretty nice at least one more day.

-K

Talvaroff marched along with the cart, his armor newly polished and glistening in the winter sunlight, except for where the leather effaced it.  He looked with admiration at the Gate, and said,
"Soon we will be at our journey's end!"

OOC: Well, duh!

After Penville takes over driving the cart Zar'Da sits back and enjoys the scenery. Even though the air is chilled he couldn't help but smile. He could not understand why the drow so wanted to stay in the earth for the surface was much more stunning. He let out a low whistle when viewing the large gate.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Cashel walks over without saying a word and rubs his hand on the rump of Sophia's mount to find out what the dark material is that’s rubbing of on her robes. At Talvaroff’s sudden exclamation, the monk turns to study the massive gates, then simply shrugs dismissively.

Hey what was that, we all know you can't get a girl but seriously you stoop to a horse.... shame on you! Sophia exclaims before riding away from Cashel.

Cashel touches the horse before Sophia makes it move away.  His hand is all black now, apparently from some sort of black dye.  It appears the horse has sweat a little from the day worth of trek, and dye started come off a little, soiling edge of Sophia's warm coat.

-K

Thamol rest eats well the rest of the day.   He wait until sun rise the next day.  He then sets out at full pace to try catch up with others.

Tarmes lets out a boisterous laugh at Sophia's insult. She certainly thought it was funny. "HAAHA! I guess it takes all types. You never expect the quiet ones to be the wierdos! HAHAHA!" Laughing so hard she didn't even turn to take a good look at the gate for another minute or so. "Well it's about time. There's no telling how far the half-lieutenant has gotten by now." Then she goes back to paying attention to the road and making sure they didn't wander off of it.

OOC: Anyone who is not a Vaasan native (which are most of you...maybe all of you?) should have passed through the Bloodstone Pass and Gates.  There really aren't any other good way to get into Vaasa.  So assume this isn't the first time you've been here.

The gang of Chillbane approaches massive fortress-wall.  The Vaasan side of the Gates (There are two gates on Bloodstone Pass, one on Damara side, and one on Vaasa side), is a massive half-mile long and 60-foot structure, studded with towers in intervals.  The towers are manned by Damaran soldiers and ballistas facing towards Vaasan wilderness and keeps ever watchful eyes on the lawless land of monsters.  As the group approaches the wall, you all start to see a lot more people around, unlike earlier on the Vaasan wilderness.  There is some excitement as you approach the Gate.  There are some people with adventuring gear, some with mining equipments, some with a cargo full of supplies.  All of them are passing this area, looking for the big score available in this forsaken place.

As the wall begins to tower over the group, a medium sized humanoid on the side of this well-travelled road (the snow at this point is all compressed down with the traffic) tries to get your attention.  "Psssst.  Pssst.  Hey, come here.  I've got something you might be interested."

-K

Cashel stops studying the black substance that came off his hand from Sophia's mount to slowly look the person up and down. "I rather doubt that, my preferences lie with the female gander, maybe if Thamol were here..., well, never ming that, if there's anything else we can help you with, just let me know," Cashel suggests, turning to go on his way.

OOC: You didn't specify male or female, but I'm certain Cashel would have notice if it was an attractive girl. ;>

As the figure approaches, you notice this is a rugged and slightly built looking man in winter adventuring gear (OOC: Hey, you can't be sure with the heavy thick fur coat and all that ;)  Although probably the voice was giveaway).

"Well, do you want to make some money?  It's quick money."

-K

Talvaroff came forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Quick money is usually shady money, gotten of sin.  If you want our services, you would do well to speak plainly." He said, a stern note entering his voice.  He distrusted this manner of speaking, and felt that it didn't bode well.

OOC: Sorry, little paranoid.  Ever since I got jumped by twenty Knights of the Emerald Claw in an Eberron campaign when one of them offered me a letter...

"Well, I got these.", the man opens a sack and shows you inside filled with severed ears.

"I can sell them below what the Gate guards buy them for."

-K

Talvaroff paled, and, despite his previous strong stance, hurriedly stumbled out of sight behind a rock, absolutely disgusted.  He didn't sound like he'd be coming back for a while...

Seeing Talvaroff's reaction to the man's holdings Zar'Da jumps down from the cart and goes to the man. He peeks inside the bag then turns his pale blues eyes to lock onto the man's.
"And who are missing these? They are not human are they?" he said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Uhhh so why would the guards want those again? I mean they are ears.... Sophia says. Around her you notice the area around Sophia is getting hotter and hotter and in her hands little flames appear.

Thamol is riding along on his horse having no ear problems (he he).

"Ha, of course not, you slow or somethin'?  How would'ey know we killed some gobbos otherwise?"

At this point, Lexis informs you that it's a common practice to take trophies off of a bounty when it is for 'dead or alive', and most common trophies are indeed, cutting ears off, and also she tells you that Damaran government has open policy to pay anyone who kills any goblinoid.

None of you can't tell if these ears are indeed from any goblinoid, however.

OOC: It requires knowledge: local checks, by the way...since goblins are humanoids

-K

OOC: Sir Ivan's not in the mood for remembering lore...

Always in the mood for easy money, Tarmes trots forward to check out the sack. The sight of the ears doesn’t scare her off at all. ”Sounds to me like Talvaroff has a point. How come you wanna sell ‘em for LESS than what the cuffing  guards pay? You would bloody well just go to the pigs and get the full price if you could.” She was even so bold as to pull one of the ears out to inspect it. ”What’s your game, sharper? How come you can’t go sell ‘em your flaming self?”

"Well, the guards and I...don't get along well, sort to speak.", he says slightly sheepishly.

"So, you want them or not?", the man looks around.

-K

Tarmes bared her teeth at the stranger as if to bite him. She growled a reply. ”Don’t amuse me sharper. I’m no gull so lay it straight. How much iron’s in the bag? Are you a family man?” One hand had moved to rest on the dagger at her hip drawing attention to the others she carried in her vest. She used the other hand to jingle the bag of coins at her belt. ”I’ll call it a silver for each. What say you?”

"Ha!  A silver a piece?  You are way off the mark, lass.  They pay 5 gold a head of a gobbo, and those", he shows you a couple of larger ears, "bugbear heads are worth 15.  And I risked my life to git those.  This must worth 500 total.  You pay 300, and call it a deal."  From the rough look of it, you ballpark it to be about right.

-K

I got a better one, you give us those and you keep your life. Or we can call the guards, say that you attacked us and hide the ears, oh and if we do this you'll be dead of course. So take you pick. Sophia says, obviously not trusting this guy. Calmly she takes a few steps back and gets ready to incenerate the man if he makes a wrong move.

The man crackles, "Are you trying to rob me?  Think again, lass.  I'm going to defend this with my life.  I'll take a couple of you with me, and when the the guards arrive, the ensueing confusion might even let me escape."  He swings the bag and hangs around his back, and he tenses up to get ready.

-K

Suddenly, Talvaroff leapt up from behind the rock, pale and sweaty.  His helmet hid his emotions, but his face was contorted in great anger as he ran at the man, barehanded, attempting to grab him and pin him down.  However, it had been a while since he had practiced wrestling, and he missed his proper grip.

OOC: Charging, and then attempting to grapple.  Mind, it's the second time I've ever tried it (the first was against a largish spider...  ew.) so I may get it wrong.
15:55, Today: Talvaroff rolled 20 using 1d20+7. Touch attack roll.
15:56, Today: Talvaroff rolled 8 using 1d20+7. Grapple check.

OOC: 20:42, Today: DM Kremti, on behalf of Talvaroff, rolled 5 using 1d3+4. Grapple Damage.
20:03, Today: DM Kremti rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Initiative.
19:58, Today: DM Kremti rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Opposed Grapple Check.

As clumsy as Talvaroff's wrestling technique was, the man's struggle was even clumsier, perhaps because he was paying too much attention to the Elf.  He was grabbed by Talveroff, now struggling together.

OOC: OK, the dude also rolled 1 on grapple, so Talvaroff won the grapple.  Talvaroff get to do non-lethal unarmed damage to him by winning the grapple.  5 points of non-lethal damage.

Roll Initiative, everyone.  Talvaroff's partial charge was the sneak-attack round, and it is now moving onto 1st round.  Anyone who rolled higher on Initiative get to act before the NPC (Including anyone who ties, and have better than +7 initiative bonus), so go ahead and act for the turn 1.  Anyone slower should wait.  Speaking is free, and anyone can speak out of their turn, by the way.

Consider everyone to be within 30 feet.  Tarmes is adjacent to the NPC.  I'll post the map soon...

-K
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Sun 25 Nov 2007.

Talvaroff was surprised that his clumsy charge had met results, but now he wasn't going to let the advantage slip away.  He tried to grab the crook of the knee to trip the villainous man, and pin him down, and then to try to wrest the bag away from him.

OOC: 07:23, Today: Talvaroff rolled 15 using 1d20+7. Grapple check to try to pin.
Next round will be a disarm action to try to take the bag of ears away.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Sun 25 Nov 2007.

OOC: You just had the action to grapple during the Surprise turn.  You don't have any action until turn 1, and you gotta beat his Initiative first, in order to act before him.

-K

OOC: 17:59, Today: Talvaroff rolled 2 using 1d20. Initiative.
Poopy...

Initiative: 18

Seeing the violence unfold before him Zar'Da decided to try and stop this as quickly as possible. He jumped down and drew his sword and began moving towards his wrestling companion.
"I would advise you stop struggling with my friend. The odds do not favor you at this time."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Mon 26 Nov 2007.

OOC: Are you telling me to stop or him?  Anyway, I've got a few lines to say before this scene closes.

Tarmes truly hadn't expected the conversation to turn violent. In fact learning the rate of return on that bag of ears had almost convinced her it wasn't worth the trouble. That was before Sophia had threatened the stranger's life and Talvaroff and thrown himself at the man. There was no help for it now. The blonde danced back a few paces while pulling two daggers and preparing to throw them into the tumble.

14:44, Today: Tarmes Werthor rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Initative.

Ya can't act (intiative mod of +1 ='(  ) so I'll just hold my post since my initiative won't matter much since I assume we are acting in groups.

09:56, Yesterday: DM Kremti, on behalf of Opa Merryweather, rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Init.
09:56, Yesterday: DM Kremti, on behalf of Depiron Holyquartz, rolled 10 using 1d20+1. Init.
09:55, Yesterday: DM Kremti, on behalf of Mundin Granitearmour, rolled 7 using 1d20. Init.
09:54, Yesterday: DM Kremti, on behalf of Penville, rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Initiative.
09:52, Yesterday: DM Kremti, on behalf of Sophia, rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
09:51, Yesterday: DM Kremti, on behalf of Cashel or-Kenset, rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Initiative.


The man with the ears continues to struggle, and this time, works much more slipperily  His impressive flexibility manages to surprise Talvaroff, and he cleanly gets off the wrestling match.  As soon as the man is out of Talvaroff's grasp, he start to stride down the slope with the bag on his back.

After Surprise round, during Turn 1, after Init 22:

	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
A																	A
B			tt	tt													B
C			tt	tt									tt	tt			C
D													tt	tt			D
E								Pn									E
F								Md	Md								F
G				tt	tt	Ct	Ct	Md	Md								G
H				tt	tt	Ct	Ct										H
I						Ct	Zd							tt	tt		I
J						Dp	Op	Ca						tt	tt		J
K																	K
L						So	So			Tm							L
M				tt	tt	So	So			Tl			tt	tt			M
N				tt	tt								tt	tt			N
O																	O
P																	P
Q																	Q
R											Er	tt	tt				R
S			tt	tt								tt	tt				S
T			tt	tt													T
U																	U
V																	V
W													tt	tt			W
X													tt	tt			X
Y																	Y
Z																	Z
	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16

Legend:

White squares are the packed area of snow, well travelled, and you may move normally
Shaded squares are the snow-covered and 2' of fluffy new snow.  Difficult ground.

tt: A tree, 20' high
Pn: Penville, on Bigby
Md: Mundin, on a heavy warhorse (As per the mount-rule, he is represented with 10' by 10' square)
So: Sophia on a light horse (Ditto, see above about Mundin)
Ct: Cart
Zd: Zar'da, driving on the cart
Dp: Depiron on the cart
Op: Opa on the cart
Ca: Cashel
Tm: Tarmes
Tl: Talvaroff
Er: Ear dude

Initiative
22: Ear Dude
19: Tarmes
18: Zar'da
13: Cashel
11: Penville
10: Depiron
8: Opa
7: Mundin
3: Sophia
2: Talvaroff

-K

OOC: Oops, one thing I forgot to mention, as he strides down the slope, the guy draws a potion off of his belt, and now holding it in his hand.

-K

[OOC: Uh oh. Everybody's been waiting on me all this time?! Sorry. One of these days I'll get my computer issues sorted out so I can check in more frequently. DM Kremti, please forgive me for what I’m about to do. I see you put some effort into rolling initiative for everyone and putting up the map, but I just don’t see any point in pursuing this guy right now.]

With a dagger in each hand Tarmes started to fling them after the rascal with the ears but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Talvaroff looked to be okay and the stranger hadn’t done the group any harm aside from wasting their time. She scoffed and insulted the man under her breath but made no move to follow the guy.

Sophia, seeing the man fleeing thinks quickly and dismounts off her horse and with a few words and gestures, she wills herself to switch places with the man.

Dismount off horse and cast baleful transposition (me and the ear guy).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Sat 01 Dec 2007.

Seeing Tarmes stay her hand prompted Zar'Da to do the same. He sheathed his sword and offered a hand to Talvaroff.

With the confusion, pretty much everyone holds to see what everyone else is doing.

OOC: All NPCS (Mundin, Depiron, Opa) and inactive PCs (Cashel and Penville) delay to initiative 1.

Sophia's attempt at magically stopping the man fails and the man looks to be keep on moving at this rate...

OOC: If Talvaroff doesn't post before tomorrow, I'll be updating the turn.

-K

Talvaroff wasn't going to be thrown off that easily, if he could help it.  He ran at the man again, throwing himself on the bounty-dealer.

OOC: 20:17, Today: Talvaroff rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Grapple check.
09:09, Today: Talvaroff rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Touch attack.
And remember that he gets an attack of opportunity, if he wants it.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Tue 04 Dec 2007.

With the sudden breakout of the fight, most decides not to interfare, but get ready in case it gets out of hand.

The elf, however, is unwilling to let the man run, and decides to try to stop the man with a magical means.  However, her magic fails this time.

Mundin, also decides to interfare.  "Lad, what are you doing!  He hasn't done anything, let him go!"  Mundin rides his horse over to the fight, hops down and starts grabbing Talvaroff.


The other dwarf also trots over to the elf and taps her shoulder, "Hey, stop interfaring, and leave the man alone."

With the extra confusing of now Mundin joining the wrestling match, the man again slips through the arm of Talvaroff with a flowing motion.  He then dashes down the slope further.

	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
A																	A
B			tt	tt													B
C			tt	tt									tt	tt			C
D													tt	tt			D
E								Pn									E
F																	F
G				tt	tt	Ct	Ct										G
H				tt	tt	Ct	Ct										H
I						Ct	Zd							tt	tt		I
J						Ct	Op	Ca						tt	tt		J
K																	K
L						SH	SH	Dp		Tm							L
M				tt	tt	SH	SH	So					tt	tt			M
N				tt	tt								tt	tt			N
O																	O
P								MH	MH								P
Q								MH	MH	Md							Q
R										Tl		tt	tt				R
S			tt	tt								tt	tt				S
T			tt	tt													T
U																	U
V																	V
W													tt	tt			W
X											Er		tt	tt			X
Y																	Y
Z																	Z
	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16

Extra Legend:
SH: Sophia's Horse
MH: Mundin's Horse

b>Initiative</b>
22: Ear Dude
19: Tarmes
18: Zar'da
3: Sophia
2: Talvaroff
Everyone else at 1

At last, Talvaroff gave up.  He shrugged off Mundin's arms, and wrenched his helmet off, which gave off a terrible smell, as he hadn't gotten it off in time.  He started yelling loudly, partially at the ear-man and partially at Mundin, and slipped into Damaran.
"Don't you realize who that man is?  He's a man who can slaughter upwards of thirty goblins, him or his thugs, without a qualm!  What did those goblins do, eh?  It is one thing to retaliate against those who have done you wrong.  It is absolutely abominable to wreak genocide for a few gold coins per ear."
Talvaroff tried to calm down a little, but wasn't really succeeding.  He began shaking as he began shouting at the ear-man again.
"This bounty-policy will attract worse people than the goblins ever were!  People who are strong enough to take whatever they want!  Do you know what that means?  It means people who, after they've run out of goblins, will turn to the defenseless to earn their living!"
At last, Talvaroff fell silent, shaking with anger and glaring at the bounty-dealer.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Tue 04 Dec 2007.

"I understand what you mean, but simply assaulting this man who hasn't done any harm to us, won't do.  Sound like you have more issue with the Damaran policy, than you have a problem with this man.  It's the will of the Damaran government that all problems in Vaasa to be eradicated.", the dwarf argues as he tries to grab onto Impilturian's right arm.

-K

All of this shounting about policies and meanings behind retaliations were lost on Tarmes. She couldn’t have cared less. To her some man who could kill thirty goblins was to be congratulated, and possibly competed against. She wondered idly how many goblins she could kill in a tenday but let the thought go. One of her daggers went back into it’s sheath. The other remained in her grip simply because it felt good to hold it. The blonde turned back and walked back to toward the front of their sled-wagon.

Talvaroff shook his head, and said, though much more calmly,
"That man is capitalising off of Damara's law, and bending it to the breaking point.  But I say to you," the knight turned to the bounty-dealer, "Though you may escape the justice of mortal man for a week, a year, or even your entire life, you have already been weighed and measured in the scales of Tyr, and been found wanting.  Let us go."  Talvaroff turned his back on the ear-man and began striding quickly up the slope to the Bloodstone Gate.

OOC: I shouldn't be reacting this badly to a bunch of goblin ears in FR, but I couldn't help but bring to mind Sharkuun, a goblin rogue (Lawful Neutral) that I played in Eberron.  Although I do think that bounty collecting on goblins and monstrous humanoids who haven't harmed a human settlement is really, really wrong.

Zar'Da also sheathed his weapon and began making his way back to the cart. Coming from the underdark he found it hard to feel sorry for goblins. They were such wicked creatures where he was raised.

Sophia throws a small fireball, more to tell the man that if he comes back she'll turn him into scorched earth before turning her back and walking with the others to the gate.

"Lad, you should know, that he is doing exactly what Damaran government wants us, Adventurers to do.  They want the problems in Vaasa wiped out.  In fact, they frequently sponsor hunting competition, to hunt down goblinoids, to promote this.", the dwarf shakes his head to the Impilturian.  "Damaran government is indeed quite happy about what that man is doing, and want all of us to do the same."

As Vaasa-native dwarf hops back onto his horse, the scoundrel keeps moving away and down the street.  The small explosion caused by Sophia apparently is of no concern, he quickly disappears into the downslope with his sack over his shoulder.

With that little excitement gone, the gang return their attention back to the road towards the gate.

-K

Tarmes looks impressed with Sophia’s show of power. Maybe the redhead with the strange tattoo was worth talking to after all. She looked over the other woman critically trying to learn more about Sophia by her clothes and gear and accessories.

[OOC: Sophia, do you have a description you can share with us, or is there a specific reason you don't have one?]

Sophia smiles at Tarmes, glad that she appreciated her arcane mastery. As Tarmes looks over Sophia she notices that she wheres a normal red robe to match her hair and a small quarterstaff in her hand. Simple sandals protect her feet and a small backpack is on her back with a few papers hanging out. Sophia doesn't look like much of a fighter, in reality she really isn't, a tad better than the average peasant, but then again, looks can be deceiving.

The group finally reaches the Gate itself without further incident.  After the blizzard has passed, many adventurers and merchants are arriving at the same time, and some getting ready to go out.  The amount of people are stark contrast to the vast and empty travel through most of the Vaasan wilderness.

There is a line to get inside, and the group waits.  Those who have some sort of paperwork, travel permit, perhaps, are quickly scanned and let in.  Those without apparently is taken to the side, and some rigorous screening process appears to be taken place.  When your turn comes, a pair of guards asks you to announce your name and if you have a permit to enter the Gate City.

-K

Talvaroff, lost in his own thoughts, took a few moments to respond.  He shook his head, and said,
"Oh, what?  Oh, we are Chillbane, and we seek to bring tidings of Neclonius to the authority around here."

The guard who is talking to you trots over to another guard and chats briefly.

"Tidings of Neconlius is an interest to us.  Do you have any proof with you, sir?"

He looks to be very professional, and the mention of Neconlius appears to made him somewhat cordial.

-K

"We have the remnants of the village of Barca's Hamlet, which Neclonius attacked and destroyed, in the cart behind us.  We also spoke with Tobin, the pegasus-riding halfling paladin, outside of Neclonius' lair.  For further proof, you have the word of a Warsword of Impiltur, the word of a knight."

"And this," Tarmes pulls out the letter from Tobin, as Talvaroff mentions the message from him, "is what we are delivering."

The guard takes a look at the letter and immediately notices its seal, with the hammer and pick insignia.  He takes out a ring, and places it onto the seal, and looks very satisfied.

"This is indeed the official seal of the Bloodstone.  Thank you for delivering this to us.  Please come in, and bring the letter to Major Grassreaver.", the guard solutes you, and points to the nearby barrack.

When you reach the barrack, you are informed by the secretary that the Major is away and will return tomorrow evening.  You leave a message and make an appointment to see the Major tomorrow evening.  Mundin also make an arrangement to be paged when Thamol reaches the Gate.

The secretary hands you a note with a couple of recommendations of the inns nearby, and you all leave this barrack.  The gang of Chillbane now stands inside the snow-covered gated city, bustling with the activity, in the low afternoon sun in the Bloodstone Pass.

OOC: You've now reached the Gate, and this thread will be closed shortly.  You may post in here still if you wish to interact with the guards, secretary, or in the general NPCs at the moment.  I will update RTS soon for you guys to pick which direction you want to go, and Thamol is considered to reach the Gate safely, and met up with everyone at the Gate.

-K

Sophia looks over the list and looks for one that sounds relatively nice and advises the group towards it. The message is delivered, an appointment set, now its time to relax over some fine elven wine and celebrate. Sophia says, her eyes sparkling as she smiles at the group, happy they finally delivered the message.

I have nothing to post.

Throughout the encounter with the guards Zar'Da sat quietly on the cart, his face hidden by the large hood and scarf. After getting inside he nods in agreement to Sophia's statement and follows his companions.

Talvaroff tarried a little while in the Barracks, talking to the highest-ranking man about the bounty-dealer outside of the city, and once again inquiring about his horse, though now with dwindling hope.

[OOC: I'll post something, even though I have nothing to say.  :D  ]

Though she doubted she would have much success at finding someone to take bets, Tarmes went with Sophia looking for a dartboard. She was hoping to get into a few friendly, or not so friendly, wagers.

It appears that amoung the soldiers, most of them appreciate hunters who hunt down the goblinoids, and they enthusiastically recommend you to join the cause.  Only a few say nothing at all, and none of them ever raises any concern.

As for the horse, apparently you lost the track of those who had had your horse, however, when Bigby notices you are asking around about your horse, he barks at you.  Penville tells you that the dog has been telling him that Sophia's horse smells familiar...

-K