The next morning comes swiftly, and as everybody arises and attends to their breakfast, they find that Agmund has already been up and is waiting for them.  The journey to Lord Joris' villa does not take too long.  The weather is pleasant and the land, although a little hilly at times, is easy for everybody to traverse.

It is early afternoon when they arrive to the villa domain of Lord Joris. It is a elegant, well maintained villa in the Thenaian style, though not quite as grand or furnished as the homes of nobles who reside with the protective walls of Thena herself.

As they approach the front entrance, they are greeted by two household guards.

"Hail, countrymen." says the first one, saluting them as they approach. However, the two men look suspiciously at Agmund, who is quite out of place when standing next to the others.

"You enter the domain of Lord Joris of Thena. What is your business here?" inquires the other guard.

Petracles gives the introductions.

"I am Petracles, son of Patroclus of Thena.  I have the honour to introduce Agmund, son of Annar.
We seek an audience with the General on a matter of the Gods?"
Petracles gives a quizical look to the Northman.

Trying not to grin at Petracles brief summary, Arthanos speaks up.

"I am Arthnos, Son of Thesidius of Thena. Our companion is attempting to interpret a message from the gods, but has had no luck so far. He was recommended to try and ask the General's advise, as the General is known to be a person well schooled in knowledge of the gods, and gifted with their attention. Would you be able to convey our respects and ask if we can speak to him? We would be honored if he could grant us an audience."

Aleta stands back behind the men, waiting. She will let the men do the talking for now. She just looks around, for anything interesting.

Aleta examines her surroundings while the two noblemen speak to the Joris' household guards.   The two men exchange brief looks with one another after hearing Arthanos' explanation for their visit. If this is a sign of something, the others cannot be sure, but what they say next indicates their decision. "Our master, Lord Joris welcomes all visiting countrymen, and like all good Thenans, he has interest in signs from the Gods." The other guards nods, adding "Please, come in. We will relay your respects and request to our master."

The guards gesture for the five to enter.

Inside the villa, they are taken a small, but comfortable lounge. As guests, they are given great courtesy as servants soon arrive with fresh water, wine and other refreshments. After about fifteen minutes or so, a manservant - perhaps a personal butler to Joris himself - arrives and greets them again. He is a young man, bronze skinned with thick black hair. He bows and says "My Lord Joris has received your request, and bids you welcome. He invites you to meet with him in the gardens." The butler gestures for the five to follow him through the villa out to the gardens.

The gardens are vibrant and full of life, which contrasts greatly to the sad, melancholy old man who stands before them. Despite his sadness, he still carries himself with an air of authority. "I see the sons of Thesidius and Patroclus before me. Welcome." he says, his voice like gravel. He then looks at Aleta, Dysis and Agmund "The others I do not know, though I would welcome their names as well." Joris then looks back at the noblemen "I am told you have traveled far to ask a question."

He looks at them expectantly.

As daughter of a successful artisan, and in both of her later living situations -- Dysis had always, at least, dwelt in pleasant places.  Not in the best of situation, or circumstance, of course.  But, she had never had to live in hovels, or slums during her life.  Whatever her personal status.

Being independent now, she was as close to roughing it as she'd ever come.  She had enough money to house herself, for the moment.  But, that would run out soon enough, if she did not generate an income.  Fortunately, her talents made that possible.  She wasn't worried -- but, rented rooms were starting to get a little old, now.  Joris' property made her recall what it could be like, to have means in life.   It was a lovely place.  And she liked this locale, away from the masses.

Though she didn't know for certain, she expected that Joris had truly earned what he had in life.  She took in the measure of the man, the melancholy, and other detail.   She was intrigued to learn his story, if possible.  But, first things first:

"I am Dysis, Lord Joris."  She did not give the name of her ruined sire, still incarcerated, insofar as she knew.  "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir." 

OOC- I am not certain if Grecian/Roman women curtsied -- or if that wasn't until the medieval period.  But Dysis would accompany that with any usual gesture of courtesy, if any. 
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Thu 31 May 2012.

Agmund provides his introduction as well, and relates to Joris everything that he has told the party about his vision of the woman who was changing shape, and how he might find an answer here.  To this, the old nobleman raises an eyebrow. "Alas, I do not know the answer to your vision, Agmund son of Annar." he says, a sad smile on his face, as if delivering bad news. "I could petition the Gods, and perhaps learn more. In any case, I see their hand at work, as the timing of your arrival is fortuitous in another way, and perhaps we might be able to help one another."

Joris gestures for the group to follow him. They do so, and begin to stroll down the various paths of his garden. "My only living child, my beloved daughter Veda...  She has only just turned the tender age of 19, and she has been abducted not three days ago by a marauding band of Boarmen."  Joris sighs, shaking his head "She was walking in the woods to collect various medicinal plants, accompanied as always by two of my trusted retainers, but the Boarmen ambushed them." he shakes his head again "They were both ultimately slain, but one made it back here just in time to raise the alarm. He told us that Veda was taken away alive, almost as if these Boarmen were following specific orders..."

He continues his tale. "I organized a small rescue party of my own soldiers and woodsmen. If I could, I would have led them myself." he sighs. "After a full day of tracking and scouting, they followed the Boarmen's trial to the Caverns of Voros." he looks to the group to see if they might recognize the name, in any case he explains to them "These caverns are said to be cursed. Forsaken by the Gods... If I were there my men would not have delayed, but they are superstitious and argued amongst themselves about whether or not to enter. Again, the Boarmen ambushed and slaughtered almost all of them, save for two woodsmen who managed to escape and return to tell the tale."

Lord Joris then makes his appeal "I have not been able to sleep, such has been my sorrow over losing my daughter. Please, I beg of you to find her before the Boarmen kill her or make her suffer a fate worse then death." Joris' eyes brim with tears, and he struggles to maintain his composure. "In turn, I will do what I can to answer your vision, Agmund.  For the others... you will have my eternal gratitude, and all the money I can have." he takes a deep breath "A total of 3000 silver pieces. It is a small fortune, to be sure, enough to buy a ship.  For the return of my daughter it is nothing to me."

He looks to the party and awaits their answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Sun 03 June 2012.

When Lord Joris first said they may be able to help, Arthanos nods politely, waiting to hear more. When the situation is described, he couldn't help but let a look of shock come across his face. As Lord Joris continued, Arthanos tried to remember all he could about the boarmen.

"You should have requested aid from the city, Lord Joris." he says when the man has finished. "You reputation is still so well known you would have had many willing to help."

Arthanos then pauses for a second, thinking before he replied.

"But as for your request for help...it would be my honour to help. I am sure the Gods will protect us in our efforts to rescue your daughter." He then turns to look first at Petracles and then the two women.

"As to the money...I feel that this is a task that doesn't require a reward, or at least so much of one."

Aleta looks at Lord Joris and smiles "I am Aleta, an entertainer and traveler. I have picked up various skills that might come in handy for us."

She listens to his story and grins as the Lord tells his story. She hopes they can avoid the ambushes and sneak in to rescue the daughter. As she hears one of her friends turn down the reward. "You are very generous Lord Joris and I can tell your daughter means much to you. I will gladly accept you coin to rescue her as I would not want to turn down your get generosity"

Petracles goes ashen as the terrible news of the girl is told.  "Veda!"
If by my life or death I can serve you General, then I will!  I will reunite you with your daughter, or die in the attempt."

Petracles grimaces at the casual way Arthanos may have insulted their host and new patron.
"The generous reward you offer is a right and proper reflection of the lady Veda's charm and beauty.
We shall use the money to the benefit and glory of Thena, General."

Thena, like Argos and Heraklia were lands that were relatively safe to travel in, provided an individual didn't go too far off the roads into the wilderness. Even creatures like Boarmen were not encountered, save for perhaps a raid on a village.  They also normally didn't take prisoners, unless they were in an employ of an individual far smarter then they were, who gave them their orders.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Mon 04 June 2012.

Joris seems relieved to hear that the party is willing to help him. He first replies to Arthanos' statement that he could have requested aid from the city. "My reputation is not what it once was, young Arthanos." he says sadly. "Though I have influence in various quarters of Thena, I could not wait for weeks on end for my petition to be heard and then endlessly debated. That is why your coming was truly from the Gods." he says.

He continues "3000 silver will not bankrupt me or my daughter." he says with a slight smile. "As surely Arthanos and Petraceles know from their fathers, a properly managed estate brings in revenue, and in time, I would be able to have such a sum on hand once again." He nods approvingly at Petraceles and Aleta's statements accepting the mission and his offered sum. "And of course, I would not simply pay you and send you on your way. You would forever be friends, and I would owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each of you." he states.

"I dare say we should head out as soon as possible as who knows what your duaghter was kidnapped for. I am ready to go when ever my friends are ready"

"We will do all we can to return her to you, sir," added Dysis to that.  It was like the noblemen to have responded as they did.  Of course, those two wanted for nothing. They would probably feel rather differently, left to what non-nobles had to go through, in order to put pita on the table.

But, Dysis wasn't going to say anything about it, at this juncture.   Aleta had spoken up, already.   She would have a talk with Petracles and Arthanos afterwards, if need be.  Or Joris himself, if that fell on deaf ears.  Being the father of a girl, he likely wasn't unsympathetic to women.  Particularly after this.

He was so eager to save her.  Dysis wondered, and not for the first time, how her own father had reacted, how he had felt, when he learned of his own girl's fate. Bestowed upon her because of his choices.  Had he felt like this one -- only helpless to act?  Or, had he stoically accepted that too, in the name of his precious cause, and its agendas?

Shades of the past. She thrust them back there, where they belonged.  Then glanced toward Agmund, to see what the Northener thought of this.  He hadn't been given the answer he'd come seeking, but...

A thought occurred to her.  Her eyes swung from the enigmatic Champion, back toward Lord Joris.

"Lord, if we might see some likeness of Veda?   Painting, or sculpture, if you have it.  Or a description. It may prove needful to know what she looks like."

"I remember Veda.  I have not seen her in several years, but I remember her Dysis.
My father used to bring me to the Generals Villa in the city when I was a child.  I use to play with Veda while the General talked with his guests."
Petracles grimly remembered the sweet gentle Veda, and her current fate.

Dysis nodded at that. We he'd spoken earlier of her beauty, she thought he'd been making some comment about captured daughter's, in general. At least, as the lyrists would have you believe. "Very well. It is not necessary, then. Perhaps you may describe her to the rest of us, while we journey, so we all know whom we search for."   

Arthanos hears the comments of his friends and inwardly berates himself. This talking thing was so much harder then he expected at times. Looking back at Joris he speaks again.

"My apologies Lord Joris, I did not mean any disrespect. I simply felt that it was our duty to assist another citizen of Thena in a time of need and that you did not need to pay us for it. But as my friends and you seem so certain, I will go with your wishes." he replies, bowing his head towards Lord Joris.

"Would you be able to get one of your hunters to guide us to the cave these creatures fled into? It would save us time and speed up the rescue of your daughter."he asks.

"Yes, a discription would be nice and a bit of information only you would know. Just so we know we have the right woman." she knew how bad discriptions could be.

After hearing this exchange, Joris nods "No, it is a good idea to have a likeness. She has matured since you last saw her, Petracles." he continues "She is an apt artist - a talent from the Gods - and she has done sculptures and casts of various people, including her own self.  Before you leave, I'll make sure that you can see it.



"If only other Thenas possessed such noble traits, then what you say would be true indeed, Arthanos!" Joris says "You need not accept a reward, but I am of course, bound to offer such for a great duty done for me."

"I have lost many men already to the boarmen, but I will send one of the survivors of the boarmen's attack with you to show you the way."



"She is tall, much taller then I." he squints at the men gathered "But she would not top one of these men." he continues "Her hair is a lovely earthy brown, it is long and she allows it flow freely down her back.  Her eyes match her hair as well." he says "She was last wearing a bright red dress, as well as a golden circlet on her head that I had given her for her last birthday."

"Veda also has a birthmark on the middle of her back" he says "The pattern is akin to that of an olive tree. It is where her name - Veda, wisdom, comes from. She is truly a child of Athena, and will recognize her patron thus." he says.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:56, Sat 09 June 2012.

Joris escorts the party back to his villa where they are shown a self-portrait sculpture that Veda had done of herself.  She is quite striking, and you are sure that you'd be able to recognize her once you saw her.

(In any case, how many damsels in distress could the boarmen be holding onto anyway?)

Joris then departs to his chambers, and after a short period of time, a young man is brought before the party by Joris' manservant.  This man is covered with wounds which were still healing - no doubt due to the ambush from the boarmen - he does not look happy about his new assignment.

"I'm commanded to escort you to the caves where the boarmen ambushed us. Come, I will show you the way, but I tell you this now, I shall not enter those cursed caverns!" he says.  He continues "It will take us a little more then a day to travel there, so we had best move now while Helios still rides his chariot."

With that the group gathers some provisions for their journey and begins their travel.  The huntsman leads them, and says very little, if anything to the group other then to reassure them that they are on the same path that he and the others had taken before. Agmund, the barbarian is silent as well, seemingly lost in thought as he ponders their situation. After several hours of traveling, the group finds themselves in dark part of the forest well outside of Joris' estate.  The huntsman abruptly stops and looks to the others. "Did you hear that?" he asks in a whisper.

"Halt, intruders!" comes a dark and angry voice. As the group turns in the direction the voice comes from, a figure emerges.  It holds a javelin in hand ready to throw it at you.



A Caliban! Each of you remember hearing about these creatures, though you've never encountered one before. These cousins of Satyrs are also commonly called 'Dark Satyrs'.   While they looked much like true Satyrs, they had coarser facial features and surly expressions. They lack the natural exuberance joyful lust of Satyrs and were instead said to display a vicious and cruel temper, reveling in brutality.

"This is my forest, strangers." the Caliban says harshly. "Who are you? Are you friends of Euryskos?"

The bust of the girl seemed easy enough to remember, and Arthanos did his best to remember it. When he saw the huntsman, he was slightly worried, as the wounds indicated the group they faced were very dangerous.

While they gather the provisions needed, Arthanos makes sure to grab all his weapons and armour. It would slow him down, but they may be useful. He does place his helmet in a bag on his back though, as he wanted to be able to see as they walked.

The forest itself is relatively peaceful, and reminds Arthanos of trips with his family...and as the weight grows, some of the exercises and skirmishes in the army.

When the Caliban steps out and challenges them, Arthanos looks at it surprise. He glances at the others to see their reactions. He then turns to face the creature, putting his spear in his shield hand and then holding his right hand up and out to try and convey peace. Arthanos then tries speaking.

"Peace friend. We do not mean to intrude on your territory. We are simply passing through. We are citizens of Thena. We don't know anyone by the name of Euryskos."

For the moment Dysis simply held her ground.   The cowl of her cloak up, she maintained a neutral stance and expression; attempting to appear that she was simply deferring to the men in this.

Meanwhile, she awaited to see how the hairy brute would respond to Arthanos.   Preferably, they would get past without a fight.  If not, she was ready.

She also listened, attempting to discern if the coarse creature had allies with him.

The Cailban snorts with contempt. "Pass through! Hah! You Thenas think you have the right to go everywhere." his eyes narrow "But you don't...  Turn around and leave now, humans... or else." he says, holding his javelin ready.

20:14, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Dysis, rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Perception (Target: 15).

"There are two others, over there," Dysis told her companions, with a glance of her eyes toward where she spotted them.

To one who had confronted them, she said:  "We do not go arrogantly, or with out purpose!  We are on an errand of vengeance.  Against some offending boarmen. We would rather save our blades for them!" 

Dysis herself was armed only with a dagger, and a sling, though she did bear a wooden shield, which she had slung. She didn't personally look terribly dangerous. Still, she wasn't going to advertise that she worked magic.  Best to save that as a surprise.

16:22, Today: Dysis rolled 17 using 2d10+6. influence - intimidate, deception.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Tue 12 June 2012.

Hearing Dysis warning, Arthanos lowered his outstretched hand and raised his shield slightly, centering himself to face the Caliban in front, trusting Petracles to have his back and flank.

"Friends, we really would prefer not to fight. Our issue is with the boarmen who have raided Thena lands. If they continue to raid, then more and more people will come tramping through your forest and with greater numbers in an effort to get rid of them. If we deal with them now, then the threat to our people is gone, and you will be left in peace."

10:54, Today: Arthanos rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Personal Charisma. - I'm interpreting that to mean me moving into a combat stance completely undermined my words.

Aleta looks at the Cailban "Look, we are not just some people to be messed with, we have been sent on an important mission of vengeance, now do you want to not hinder us or not? We have been directed by the gods to do this and we are not stopping just for you, maybe you could aid us and please the gods" She slips her hand close to a throwing dagger. She is hoping to scare them a little bit.

Petracles nods.
"She has certainly grown into a beautiful woman.  Even more beautiful than I remember..."

---

Petracles hefts his shield ready, turning towards the unseen opponents pointed out by Dysis.  His hand was on his sword hilt,
but the weapon was still sheathed.  He turns his head to look at the Caliban and speaks to it in Gaian;
[Language unknown: "K ri Altino ceson Evwent loted Weanre, mi onst esll lono'anic redal urssdi ncewilnde artca tha ent Ofwehi.
Wawhi ss inlo ch whngna, wer er no anyovevor our n p Foatel."]
23:51, Today: Petracles rolled 6 using 2d2+3. Personal Charisma. 

Then to the others, "We will pay for our passage in Silver, and pass in peace."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Tue 12 June 2012.

The other two Calibans step out from the bushes, javelins in hand as well.

The first one responds, first to Petracles

"A friend of a centaur is no friend of ours." he snarls in Minean, not bothering to respond in the tongue that Petracles spoke to him in. "Your silver doesn't impress us either, human."

He then looks at the others, taking them in by measure.  It seems that their words did have some effect as they consider the individuals that they face. The Caliban gaves a look to the other two present who nod back at him. "But we will let you go past. For now." he says. "I warn you, beware of Euryskos, humans. He is our enemy. He is not to be trusted."

He nods to his fellows and starts head back into the bush from whence he came when he halts and turns back, looking at the group "Perhaps you'll keep an eye out for him for us. Euryskos, that is. It could be that if you let us know where we can find him, we might be able to help you with your boarmen problem..."

He pauses, awaiting the group's answer.

Petracles replies to the Caliban in its own tongue.

[Language unknown: "Us ieany seekth ouantr k sindte ee p.  Ha ilis eauatethe ter Iowasine dayou ckeena on housomtic."]

"Very well, lets go Arthanus."

Aleta follows along, keeping an eye out behind them for anything. She slowly walks along, walking lightly.

Arthanos listens to the Caliban's offer of help before replying.

"Can you describe this Euryskos for us, so we will be able to identify him when we see him? And you offer of help is much appreciated."

Dysis was curious to hear the identity of this "Euryskos."   If they could in fact use the caliban against the boarmen, it was the sort of resolution she preferred. There was little glory in combat to be had for herself.

Of course, such allies might easily prove treacherous.  Quite possible they were merely bluffing, in order to have help locating their enemy.

For now, though, no one had taken a spear in the gut.  She was satisfied with that.

The Caliban's smile smacks of maliciousness as he answers Arthanos' question. "He is a Satyr, and will look similar to us, though he is much, much older then we are. He is the only one you will find in this forest, though he continues to evade us. He is a friend of the nymphs." he says. "If you tell us where to find him, we will help you against the boarmen. Just come back to this spot." With that, the Caliban moves into the bushes and out of sight.

OOC: For successfully avoiding a hostile encounter, everybody please put in 25 points to your Glory, Wisdom or Experience (whichever is applicable to your character)

Aleta smiles at the Satyr "Good travels be with you" she just wants to continue to the caves and see what is there. They will have enough trouble there.

Having resolved to keep an eye out for the Euryskos, the Satyr that the Calibans are seeking, the party continues on their way towards the caves where the boarmen are said to frequent.  The next hours pass without further incident, though eventually the sun begins to set, and fatigue begins to set in. After doing some scouting, a defensible area is found to set up camp for the evening. The guide goes with Agmund to gather wood for a campfire (as both men carry axes) while the others prepare their dinners.  While normally such a gathering would be pleasant, and indeed almost cheery - tonight something just seems different. There is a kind of heaviness in the air as the group sits around the campfire eating their dinners.

This disquiet continues as the branches from the trees sway in the wind, and almost seem to gather closer towards where the group is huddled around the campfire. As you listen, it almost sounds like a song, or somebody talking in a deep, earthy voice.

OOC: Everybody, please make a Danger Evasion roll.

As Arthonos eats his food, he lets his eyes wander, staring around the clearing. As the wind blows and the noise begins to wind through the trees, he sits a little straighter listening.

14:03, Today: Arthanos rolled 24 using 1d20+7. danger evasion.

It has been a long day.  Petracles eyes are heavy and he struggles to stay alert.

09:22, Today: Petracles rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Danger Evasion.

It had been a long day.   But, Dysis wasn't so tired, yet.  She was a bit wired, actually.  On edge, from that close-call encounter with the dark-satyrs.

She just had this strange feeling something was going to happen:  12:34, Today: Dysis rolled 25 using 1d20+5. DE

Her ears pricked up at what sounded to be singing...

Aleta leans back agianst a tree, very tired form the trip. She sits there with her eyes closed as she sips some water. "Oh, I am so tired. " she nibbles on some food.

(00c - 16:26, Today: Aleta rolled 8 using 1d20+7. DE. OK, the boarmen could be sitting on me)

Aleta and Petraceles are not quite as alert as the others, and they are quite alarmed to find that at one minute they were relaxing around the campfire, and the next, they were being picked up off the ground by tree branches.



Wood Titans! Legend had said that such creatures were the creations of Dryads through their magic gifts, but others were said to exist independent of dryads as well. They are known to peasants as Watchers of the Woods. Although most people considered them to be fairy tales, the fact that they were here now attacking the group was conclusive proof of their existence.

There were four of them in total. Dysis and Arthanos, as well as Agmund and the group's guide were alert enough to avoid being caught in the Wood Titan's crushing embrace, but the same was not true for Aleta and Petracles as they are drawn closer to the Wood Titans, who use their heavy branches to squeeze the life of the two, crushing them against their own wooden frames.

OOC:
17:09, Today: Maze Master rolled 5 using 2d6. Damage to Petracles.
17:08, Today: Maze Master rolled 2 using 2d6. Damage to Aleta.

Aleta and Petracles failed the Danger Evasion rolls, and are now considered 'grappled' and are immobilized by the Wood Titans.  You may attempt escape, but no other action can be taken while you are immobilized.

Grappling Rules:

A grappled character is immobilized and can only try to break free from his opponent’s hold. To break free, the victim must roll higher than the grappler’s Might score on 1D20 + Melee mod. Only one such attempt may be made per battle round.

Your target number against the Wood Titans is 24. If you get that, you are able to either use your strength to break free or you squeeze out of their grasps and roll to safety.

Everybody - roll for Initiative and state your actions.

Petracles grunts in pain and tries to wriggle free... and fails!

23:46, Today: Petracles rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Break Grapple.

"AHHHH, GET OFF" she screams as she tries to break out of the trees grip.

(ooc-Aleta rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Break Grapple.)

As the creatures crash into the clearing, Arthanos leaps to his feet and looks on in surprise. His training though kicks in and his hands go to his weapons and he draws his sword and dagger. As the trees grab Aleta and Petracles, he freezes for a second.

Damsel or friend...damsel or friend...he thinks for a few seconds before lunging to help Aleta. Petracles was a trained soldier and should be able to hold long enough. Closing with the tree, Arthanos calls out "For THENA!" as he swings his sword trying to distract it enough to allow Aleta to get free.


OOC - weapon of choice and two weapon attack style.

Initiative: 16

16:00, Today: Arthanos rolled 21 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 9,14. attack, best of two 20's.

16:03, Today: Arthanos rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3. damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Sat 16 June 2012.

Dysis cursed under her breath.    Mindless constructs of dryadic nature magic, if she understood right.    A brawl with four such things was messy suicide, as far as she was concerned.   Most especially for herself.

Petracles and Aleta were already caught...with Arthanos rushing bravely to Aleta's aid.  Hacking these things to kindling would be slow going, if they weren't all 'hugged' to death, first.

She called out in the Gaian tongue: In case their creators were about, and thought the party allies of the caliban.

Then, she hazarded near instantly over what to do.   Only one magic really suggested itself.  She raised her left hand, focused her will.  The wind began to whisper and stir in response to her...

Initiative 13 -  Talons of the Winds -  on the four titans -
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Sat 16 June 2012.

Battle Order
Wood Titans - 18
Arthanos - 16
Petracles - 14
Dysis - 13
Aleta - 12
Agmund, Guide

---

The two Wood Titans grappling Petracles and Aleta continue to crush them, doing some more damage to the nobleman and the young thief. While it isn't too serious just yet, it is still painful. The other two giant trees reach in with their branches. With one swoop, one of them knocks its branches into the group's guide, practically knocking the young man off his feet, while the other one forms a fist with its branches and punches Agmund squarely in the face.  The barbarian looks a bit taken aback by that blow.

Arthanos rushes the tree grappling onto Aleta and hacks at it with his sword, which cuts off a few of the branches. While its hard to tell if the Wood Titan is damaged by this, it at least seems annoyed, as the holes where its "eyes" would be turn to gaze upon its attacker. Still, it does not drop Aleta yet.

Petracles and Aleta both struggled against the branches, but they were being held too tightly.   That was, until Dysis cast her spell Talons of the WInd.   For a few seconds, its just as if a light breeze is going through the air, but this changes a moment later as a whirlwind of air descends, seemingly targeting the four Wood Titans, while leaving those on the ground, such as Dysis, Agmund and Arthanos alone, who just feel a strong breeze.

The whirlwind stops the Wood Titans in their tracks, who dig their "feet", as it were into the ground to hold themselves steady. Additionally, they are so focused on this those holding onto Petracles and Aleta loosen their grip enough for the two to drop to the ground, and roll (or crawl) towards where the others are.

While this happens, the guide gets off his feet and reaches into the campfire and draws out a long piece of wood, which was still burning brightly. He looks over towards one of the Wood Titans are and rushes to 'stab' the Wood Titan with the burning piece of wood. This appears to do some damage.  Meanwhile, Agmund rushes with his axe against the tree that was holding Aleta as well, and chops into the tree's midsection, which also appears to damage the creature.

OOC: Petracles and Aleta lost one HP each this round from the crushing damage, but they are now free to act the next round. The Wood Titans are immobilized until they can make a saving DE roll, or Dysis' spell runs out.

HP Tally

Arthanos: 12/12
Petracles: 7/13
Dysis: 8/8
Aleta: 7/10

Guide (lost 5 HP)
Agmund (lost 5 HP)

Aleta falls to the ground and rolls away from the thing as fat as she can. She gets behind the fire. She had never seen anything like this in her travels.

Her spell cast and lingering, Dysis was now free to turn her attention to other efforts.

Charging in with her dagger was a last resort in these situations.  Especially when she was more skilled with another weapon -- one that kept her out of immediate reach of those wooden goliaths.

She loaded a stone into her sling, whirled it, then released the shot -- at one of the titans.

Her aim was true -- but it resulted only in a glancing shot, anyway.

Sling attack = 22 using 1d20+5
Damage = 1 using 1d6
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Tue 26 June 2012.

Seeing the hunter's idea, Arthanos feels like hitting himself.

"Why didn't I think of that." he mutters as he turns and runs back over to the fire. Sheathing his dagger, he looks for an appropriate branch and grabs that before turning back to look at the trees. He then raises his sword protectively in front of himself as he looks at the tree he just attacked, trying to think of the best place to hit.

OOC - grabbing the stick, then using Weapon Parry.

Petracles rolls free of the Treeman and regains his footing.  He hefts his shield, draws his sword and attacks!

00:53, Today: Petracles rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Sword. Not sure if I get Favoured Weapon bonus, or what the damage is?

With their victims now free of their grasp, the Wood Titans struggle against Dysis' magical storm... two of them, notably the ones that were holding onto Petracles and Aleta, cannot break free of the storm's effects, however the other two do and begin to move forward against the party, gathering their branches up in the form of fists to punch them.

One of them punches at Arthanos, but even with its branches in the form of a fist, but its' fist is parried by Arthanos' sword.  The other one moves towards Dysis and swings at her, but she is quick enough of foot to evade the Wood Titan's attack by ducking and then jumping back a short distance while she readies her sling.

Arthanos moves away from his position in-between the still immobilized tree and the one that had just attacked him, and gathers a branch from the still blazing campfire. He examines the Wood Titans, trying to determine where the best place to hit them with fire would be. It then becomes clear that if he were to get the fire inside of the Wood Titans somehow, perhaps through their 'mouths' or 'eyes' - which are indeed presented as gaping holes inside these magical trees - then they would burn up from within.


Elsewhere, Petracles readies himself and rushes to attack the Wood Titan that had been grappling him. He hacks down some of its branches, doing some damage to the giant creature.


Dysis, having jumped back from the Wood Titan that broke free from her spell, whirls a stone which strikes the Wood Titan. The stone hits the Wood Titan in its 'face', but appears to have done little damage to the immense creature.  Meanwhile, Aleta, scatters away from her position and moves behind the campfire, watching the battle unfold.


Finally, the barbarian Agmund and the group's guide gather themselves back up and each grab flaming branches from the campfire, they both wave the branches at the Wood Titan nearby Arthanos trying to drive the creature back. Agmund shouts out "We must ignite them somehow! Oil! Who has oil?!"

OOC: Some damage is done to the Wood Titans, but none to the party this round. Two of them have broken free, and are attacking Arthanos and Dysis respectively.

HP Tally

Arthanos: 12/12
Petracles: 7/13
Dysis: 8/8
Aleta: 7/10

Guide (lost 5 HP total so far)
Agmund (lost 5 HP total so far)

Dysis had gasped after barely evading the blow from the gigantic creature. Too close! She did not wish to end her days smashed flat by some peevish tree.  Even though she supposed that, on some level, it was justice for all the trees that humans felled.  However, she had no problem with prejudice for herself and her fellow mammals!

"I have three flasks!" she called out in response to Agmund.  It seemed their only hope. Weapons were going to be too slow.  And her wind magic, though it might again ensnare the two who'd gone free, wasn't going to last much longer.  Neither was it doing them any harm.

She unlimbered her pack as swiftly as she could, keeping her attention on the titan, intent upon avoiding any other swipes the thing made at her.

"Let's hope it works quick! Being hugged by burning trees is worse than what we have now. To say nothing of torching the woods around us!" she added in grim humor.  It was certainly a risk. Greater or smaller than trying to out-melee these, she couldn't say for sure.

Dysis made all three oil flasks available to those who wished to take one.

Initiative 13
Access pack, get out flasks to give to others, move as needed
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Mon 02 July 2012.

Aleat grabs a large stick with a glowing hot end and hides it behind her back as she tries to slip into the shadows.

(ooc- Aleta rolled 15 using 1d20+6. sneak. )

Petracles withdraws to Dysis, covering his retreat with his shield.  He takes a flask of oil and unstoppers it.
He holds the open flask between the fingers of his left hand, while holding the shield at the same time.
He then advances against the stationary Wood Titan that had originally grabbed him as he prepares to douse the creature with oil.

Coming to a conclusion, Arthanos leaps forward, swinging with his sword first to try and distract, then thrusting the flaming branch at the creatures face.


14:14, Today: Arthanos rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Attack.

Dysis hands out her flasks of oil to those who needed it. Fortunately, the two trees still immobilized by the spell hadn't broken free so the only danger the group had to deal with were the other two still moving about.

The titans who still moved attacked. The first swung at Arthanos and narrowly missed, the only damage done to the nobleman was a slight scratch on his cheek from the titan's branch. The other moved to catch up to Dysis, and rising its fist high up in the air, it slams it down upon the ground, almost causing the young sorceress to lose her footing and topple over backwards.

Arthanos then thrust the still flaming branch towards the titan's face, which seems to instinctively react to the open flame, as it pulls its head back and away from the flame - seemingly repulsed by it.

Petracles moves to Dysis' position, and once she is ready he takes one of her flasks of oil, moving as quickly as he could to the still immobilized tree, dousing its roots, body and as close up to the face as possible with the contents of the flask.

Aleta grabbed one of the flaming branches from the fire and stealthily slipped into the shadows outside of the campsite, though the flame from the burning branch did give some indication where she was. In any case, the wood titans were so busy with the rest of the party that they would probably pay her no attention as she moved around behind their position.

Finally, Agmund and the party's guide each grab the remaining two flasks of oil from Dysis' pack. On Agmund's direction, the guide moves towards the other still immobilized tree and begins to douse it with oil, while Agmund moves towards the tree that Arthanos was fighting. He nods at the nobleman, and starts to douse the tree's roots, before hucking what remained of the flask at the tree's face itself, which breaks and shatters on impact.

That had been entirely too close for comfort. Again..!    And it looked like Socratrees would surely keep trying.

Dysis slipped her wooden shield down onto her arm, and concentrated on her own defense.  What magic she had energy left for wouldn't make a difference against this.  If the other foes succumbed to the flames, then they could all gang on this last one.

But she had to survive to get there.

Init. 13 -  will do anything I can to add further to my EDC - evade, duck behind normal trees etc. 

Aleta watched for a chance to slip close to a tree with oil on it. She would move when she got an openng to silently strike. She would flame up there tree's.

(ooc- Today: Aleta rolled 20 using 1d20+5. branch. Not sure if I should add anything other tne melee)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Fri 20 July 2012.

Arthanos nods back at Agmund before concentrating once again on the tree. Focusing on the area the oil flask hit, Arthanos lunges, thrusting the flaming branch forward in an effort to light the tree on fire.

20:00, Today: Arthanos rolled 9 using 1d20+6. attack with flaming branch.

WOOSH!

The application of the flaming branches to the trees has an immediate impact. Black smoke pours from the trees' gaping mouths and eyes, and something akin to a deep scream comes as the flames intensify.

One of them simply collapses, a loan moan coming from its mouth as it the fire crackles and consumes it. Dysis had just barely jumped out of the way in time to avoid being squashed.  The other one attempts to flee, however, the sudden movement of air as the wood titan moves speeds up the spread of the fire and it can only go a few steps before it too collapses to the earth

The other two wood titans are still immobilized by Dysis' spell, and thus they can do nothing but watch their brethren fall to the flames.


HP Tally

Arthanos: 12/12
Petracles: 7/13
Dysis: 8/8
Aleta: 7/10

Guide (lost 5 HP total so far)
Agmund (lost 5 HP total so far)

"Should we try and talk to them?" she says as she holds the flaming branch out. Any information might be useful.

"I understand such things are mostly mindless, created by Dryad's magic, or something similar," put in the elementalist.   "But if anyone wishes to try, then try swiftly! The magic that holds them won't last forever."

Personally, Dysis was ready to torch them.  She didn't want to risk the spell ending and having to fight these as well.  That last blow had been entirely too close for comfort.   Still, Aleta had a point. An attempt at communicating might be worth it.

"Oh, all right, I will trust you on these things, I don't know anything about wilderness stuff" she says as she puts one of the trees to the flame.

Arthanos listened to the exchange, but his gaze didn't leave the two trapped creatures.

Calling out, he says "Dysis, how long do you think you can hold them?" as he approached the last tree, flaming branch leading as he went to set the tree on fire.

"Not much longer at best. No longer at worst, if they happen to rip free!" she answered the nobleman.

And she would not have the energy to cast another spell of this magnitude, today.  But she wasn't going to advertise that -- just in case the enemy could understand.

OOC- I believe only 2 rounds left for this spell.  But MM will probably want to double check that. 

Agmund and the the guide had watched wide-eyed as the two trees had wasted away to burning ash in front of their eyes. Looking to the other trees, Agmund motions to the guide to follow him. "Quickly! Let us do the same to these two as well!" he shouts. The two rush towards the nearest tree, oil flasks in hand to pour oil on the immobilized tree.

Petracles, having grabbed the other flask of oil from Dysis, rushes forward as well to douse the other tree with whatever remained of the oil. Hopefully, the flames would have the same effect and end the threat that the wood titans posed to the party.

Seeing what the men were about, she went to find a stick, and got it burning as quickly as possible.

Then she attempted to participate in getting that blaze going.

Assuming time for all that in this round;  not going to matter really, anyway:  Dysis rolled 6 using 1d20+3. burning branch.   Fire just not her element.  Though it does cast very lovely shadows. 

Aleta throws oil on the tree as she hits it with the burning branch.

(ooc-Aleta rolled 9 using 1d20+5. attack. )

Though the heroes ready themselves and rush to light and ignite the remaining two trees, one of them breaks free from Dysis' spell! It immediately makes its way towards the approaching heroes and with a powerful swing, knocks Petracles off his feet entirely!

The nobleman flies through the air several feet, and with a sickening crunch, lands against one of the forest trees. He slumps down to the ground, unconscious.

OOC: I swear this wasn't intentional on my part, one of the Wood Titans did break free and I rolled to see who he'd attack, as well as attack/damage rolls, and it just happened to be Petracles, and quite a hit, to boot!

Anyway - per MM rules, I've rolled to see whether he died instantly or not.

22:53, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Petracles, rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Saving Throw v. Death (Physical Vigor).  RESULT - Petracles is incapacitated, at -2 HP. If he receives another HP of damage, he will be killed.

Arthanos, Dysis and Aleta, although moving forward to meet the remaining enemy, have to wait for Agmund and the guide to get there first. The two men, although quite concerned with what had just happened to Petracles, make their way towards the still incapacitated Wood Titan and douse its roots with oil, calling out to the others to ignite it.

Dysis and Aleta find their way forward blocked off by the still mobile Wood Titan, but Arthanos is able to make his way there and succesfully ignites the oil. Quickly, Agmund, the guide, and he back off as the fire begins to take effect. It is quickly apparent enough that the Wood Titan is in great agony, but is still standing for the moment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:11, Tue 23 Oct 2012.

"Petracles!" Arthanos cries, seeing his friend go flying. With a cry he follows the other two in, focusing on the trapped try, he helps to set it on fire before backing off. As the thing begins to flail, he speaks quickly.

"You two, keep that one busy. I'll distract the other one." he says.

Turning to the free tree, he yells loudly to draw its attention before ducking in and swiping at it with a flaming branch and then moving back.

19:27, Today: Arthanos rolled 13 using 1d20+6. Attack - Flaming Branch.

Aleta swings her burning branch at the other tree, advancing on it but keeping her eyes on any roots.

(ooc Aleta rolled 19 using 1d20+5. attack. )

The elementalist gasped as Petracles was dealt that fearsome blow.  It was enough to potentially be fatal, that was plain.

As with Arthanos, much water had gone under the bridge since she'd last seen Petracles. He was an acquaintance of childhood -- what now seemed like someone else's life to look back on.   And, the truth was, the woman she was today generally didn't form attachments, for better or worse. She had become rather contentedly aloof, cynical, after what she'd been through.  And Petracles' rather unsubtle manner was one that didn't align so well with her own.

Nonetheless, what she did was more reaction to a friend's peril, than any conscious thought. While the others dealt with the remaining creatures, Dysis dropped back to where Petracles lay like a broken doll.

As swiftly as possible, she attempted to see if he was still alive, and what she could do to keep him that way, if so.

Dysis rushed over towards where Petracles had fallen, and while at first glance it appears that Petracles had been killed by the Wood Titan's blow, especially given the bruises and blood now covering the nobleman, Dysis observed his chest moving up and down, and leaning in closer felt that he was still breathing, albeit shallowly, meaning he could still be revived.

For the moment, Dysis retrieves her water flask and allows a dribble to come out to pass onto Petracles lips. The man would need some water in him, that much was obvious, the rest would be needed to clean his wounds as soon as time allowed.

But while Dysis checked on the welfare of the heroes fallen companion, the others still were pitching their battle against two remaining Wood Titans. The tree caught up in Dysis' spell finally breaks free, just as the spell was starting to dissipate, but far from attacking the party, it attempts to flee instead. The flames at its root steadily climb higher though, and the tree can only go about 15 feet before it succumbs to the effects of the fire. A low moan of agony passes through its hollow mouth as like its fellow brethren, it falls into a pile of burnt wood and ash. After this, Agmund and Lord Joris' guide rush to aid Aleta and Arthanos.

Aleta and Arthanos valiantly squared off against the remaining Wood Titan, waving their still burning branches, which prevent the Wood Titan from overrunning them. Amazingly, Arthanos takes a blow from the Wood Titan, but apart from what would later be a painful bruise or welt, he takes no other damage, his well made Theanian armor having absorbed the blow.

Now outnumbered by the humans, the Wood Titan twists and contorts itself as the heroes wave their flaming branches and oil flasks at it. It then pauses a moment, as if listening to something on the wind, and then retreats, following the path that its now burnt ally would have taken if the fire had not consumed it. For as large a creature as it is, it moves swiftly and soon disappears, blending in with the other, (non-deadly) trees in the forests of Thena.

The battle is won! Each player earns 560 (Glory / Wisdom / Experience points)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:01, Tue 23 Oct 2012.

Arthanos watches as the tree retreats, but waits a few more minutes to make sure it is gone. Taking the stick, he wedges it into the ground putting the fire out, then places the stick near the fire.

"We might want to keep some more ready...encase others decide to come visit." With great control, he then heads over to the Petracles and Dysis.

"How is he?" he asks, his voice quietly, his voice neutral.

Aleta sits down, putting out her brach and keeping it handy. She looks over at Dysis "How is he?" she said in a concerned voice. She really didn't want to lose any of them.

The battle over, Agmund moves to join the others as they tend to Petracles. The barbarian's eyes betray no hint of emotion as he and the others remove Petracles armor to examine and tend to the wounds the nobleman received.

"His wounds are severe, but he will recover. I do not think the Fates will cut him from this mortal coil just yet." he assesses. "A priest could aid his recovery, but wounds such as these will require that he rest for quite some time."

Fortunately, the blow Arthanos received was nothing like this. Perhaps because the thing was weakened by the flames. Attention still mostly upon their fallen friend, Dysis opened her mouth to reply to the other two, but the tattooed Northener beat her to it.

She nodded, her own expression now neutral and composed. "As he says. Petracles continuing on is surely out of the question." 

Her dark eyes trailed the direction the last titan had gone. She wondered who had set them to guard here. Could it be Euryskos - whom the caliban despised? It would be very unfortunate to have made an enemy because of the truce they struck.

"It may well report to its creator," she said, standing. "Using fire in the woods doesn't generally go down well with the sylvan.  Of course, being smashed flatter than pita doesn't go down well with us."

If there are any stray fires, will do what is possible to put them out.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Wed 24 Oct 2012.

"no, I would have to say, if something tries to smash me, I will light them up if I need too. Then I will worry about plants. The Trees shouldn't attack if they don't want to be burned. It just makes me want to get back to the city all that much more" she grins.

Arthanos grins at Aleta's comment before replying.

"At least it was easy to spot our enemies out here, and identify who is attacking us. In the city, that's often hard to tell." he says grinning. "Out here, everything is so much simpler."

Heading back to the fire, he sits down the looks at everyone before speaking, appraising their condition.

"After that, I think we should make sure there are watches. I'm happy enough to take first watch."

"I am fine with the second so I can sleep a little first." She lays down and wraps her cloak around her.

Agmund agrees to take the third watch. "I like to rise early in any case." he says.

The oil on the three fallen Wood Titans continues to burn, though the initial rush of the fire meeting dry timber is fading and now their corpses smolder more instead of burn brightly. It does not look likely to spread, but Dysis takes some precautions to ensure that the spread of the fire is limited to the Wood Titans themselves, and as soon as the fire goes down enough, the others help to move pieces of the Wood Titans to the party's campfire.

Meanwhile Petraceles is put into an as comfortable as possible position for him to get unhindered rest. He looks to be sleeping peacefully, though his breathing is labored at times.

Arthanos takes first watch without incident. After he wakes Aleta to take her watch, they notice that Petraceles is starting to come to, and watch for a moment as Petraceles opens his eyes, confused as to his surroundings. He says "Ares? I failed you, my friends..." he says mournfully, before slowly closing his eyes. His sleep is more fitful after that.

Aleta's watch is also without incident, as is Agmund's. As the others begin to rise for the morning, they awaken to the smell of rabbits cooking over their campfire and see that Agmund, the guide and Petracles are sitting around it talking softly as they prepare a breakfast.

Petracles is mournful and looks ashamed upon seeing the others approach the campfire. "I am sorry." he says "I can continue on, but once we reach the caves I will have to turn back with our guide here. My strength has failed me, and I know I will need rest or healing before I can fight again."

After the party breaks their fast, they continue on their way towards the caves. "If there are no further delays, then we should get there by the afternoon." says their guide.

As they continue through the forest, Arthanos calls the group to halt after hearing some noise off in the distance approaching their location. Fearing that they might be set upon by another group of Wood Titans or something equally as bad, they ready themselves for battle.

However, as the figure they heard steps through the brush they see that it is not an enemy, but instead a man. While his eyes widen slightly to see the group so heavily armed, he has a rougish grin ready on his face.

OOC: Eurenomes, you are up!

Eurenomes smiles disarmingly at the strangers (strangers to him), his hazel eyes lingering noticably longer on the comely Aleta than on the others. Stepping forward he holds his palms up to show he is not wielding a weapon. "Greetings friends, I see I am not the only civilised man in these woods. I am Euronemes a follower of Hermes from fair Argos. What city do you hail from?"

The young man breaks off his question as he sees one of the party his injured and his expression turning concerned. "I can perhaps help your companion if he needs it... and he looks like he might."

The first thing she noted was the Caduceus.  It did support his claim of being a Hermetic. While it might be a prop, it was unlikely.  It was very brazen, not to mention dangerous, to use a God's symbol in deceit.  She doubted even a trickster God would approve.  But, perhaps.  She'd watch just in case.

"We are locals; from Thena," she told him politely and simply.  Actually, she too had been in Argos until somewhat recently.  But, that wasn't a tale anyone needed to know.

The others could adress his offer.  Petracles could speak for himself, for that matter.   But, meanwhile, she listened intently...just in case he had any friends lurking about.

"Hello, I am Aleta and I am along to help" she glanced around to see if there was anymore movement in the woods, in case it was an ambush. Not like thieves would have a member walk out to draw a parties attention so the others could attack.

(ooc- and she is not heavily armed with just some throwing daggers. )

"I am Arthanos, a citizen of Athena." Arthanos says, watching the man carefully. Considering the things they had run into, and the creatures they knew to be roaming the forest, he found it strange to see someone wandering in here by themselves, even if they were a priest. While the priest could help Petracles, Arthanos wanted to know why he was here first.

"We were not expecting to see any others while we traveled through here. If you do not mind us asking friend, what are you doing out here?"



OOC - I am heavily armed.

OOC- For the record -- Dysis is packing a small, wooden shield.  Her cloak obscures any weapons she might carry.

Eurenomes was a little surprised none had answered him about the wounded man - including the injured fellow himself! Still they hadn't drawn weapons on them, which made them better company than the villagers he had run into a few days ago...


Moving down to the others, hands still away from any weapons he shot them an earnest look. "What can I say, I'm a wanderer at heart." That was entirely true at least. "I put my faith in my god and my wits and neither have deserted me yet." He chuckled lightly. "But I would enjoy companionship if you'll have me. As I said I can at least take a look at your friend there."

She grins at Eurenomes "Please look at him if you would. I too am a wander, I have worked as an entertainer with a circus."

Petracles smiles grimly, one of his hands on his torso where his wounds were. "Under other circumstances, I would decline your offer, Eurenomes." he says weakly. "But our mission must be completed. I will accept your offer, and will be indebted to you and swift-footed Hermes."

He steps forward, leaning on the group's guide to approach the priest for healing.

Eurenomes grins back at Aleta. "An entertainer? Surely you mean a Muse rather than a mere mortal! It'll be an honour to help your friend."

Turning back to Petracles the priest examines the mans wounds and frowns a little. He nods to himself then raises his palms skyward and in a loud, clear voice calls: "Oh keen-eyed Hermes shephard of men, I beseech you witness this mortal's pain and grant your loyal servant Eurenomes a token of your great power, so I may ease this man's plight!"

He gently lays his hands on Petracles' torso and closes his eyes as the gods power fills him.

---

OOC: Euronemes is using Divine Vitality on Petracles.

22:34, Today: Eurenomes rolled 7 using 1d6+5. Divine Vitality.

Aleta watches as Eurenomes calls forth the gods power. She jsut smiles, hoping it will work. She prays to gods sometimes but doesn't think they care much for men.

If there was any doubt that Eurenomes was who he said he was, it is dispelled as a soft white glow flows forth from Eurenomes hands onto Petraceles' body, filling the nobleman with the gift of healing from Hermes himself.

The effect is almost instantaneous. Inwardly, Petraceles feels his bones, fractured from the Wood Titan's blows, knit back together. Inflamed tissues returned to normal, and his strength started to return to him. While the healing didn't completely restore him, it has taken him well off of death's door. So much so that the weeks of healing that he would have normally required is now not necessary.

Petraceles tentatively stretches out his muscles, testing their renewed vigor and grins with delight at the result. "I am grateful." he says to Eurenomes. "Surely swift footed Hermes brought you here." he looks around to his fellow companions, even as he clasps Eurenomes on the shoulder. "Such signs are surely auspicious. I propose our friend join us!"

Arthanos watches as Petracles is healed, a grin breaking out over his face. At his friends proposal, he replies.

"I concur. We owe you a debit for helping our friend." he says, his posture becoming more open and smiling at the priest.

Eurenomes breaks into a sincere smile and with uncharacteristic modesty replies: "The thanks are due to mighty Hermes himself but I would be honoured to accompany you my friends. Tell me my friends where are you bound - to goddess blessed Thena or elsewhere?"

The priest stands at ease amongst the group, a slender rather unmartial looking fellow in a blue chlamys. The hilt of a sword is visible in his belt and his staff is topped with the caduceus symbol of his patron.

The display of divine power worked for Dysis, as well.  And she was admittedly relieved to see Petracles healed of his wound.

That his patron was a God of thieves didn't bother Dysis.  In her regard, the arts of the thief were simply another set of gifts that Olympus bestowed upon mortals. Aleta was a good example. Lord Hermes had his nobler aspects, as well.

And, what with herself revering a power of the Underworld...it wasn't as if she were in some place to cast stones about it, anyway.

"We have come from Thena," she answered him.  "Our destination is elsewhere."   She had likewise decided it was Fate they meet this priest. None of them were opposed to his joining, it seemed.

"We've accepted a task from a Thenian nobleman - Lord Jorris.  His daughter has been captured by a tribe of boar-men.  And, as I suppose you might guess, we go to free her."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Thu 01 Nov 2012.

"Yes, we have yet to find them so any help would be nice. I lack any healing arts" Aleta says with a grin. She sits back, impressed that a priest might have some power.

At the mention of words like 'nobleman', 'daughter' and 'rescue' Euronomes' eyebrows raise and he grins. "Rescuing a fair maiden from hideous manbeasts? Keen eyed Hermes would approve! So... is this Lord Jorris a generous man?"

Dysis almost laughed aloud at the last question.  It did however, demonstrate a certain amount of honesty, when he could have instead covered any material interests.

And, once again, she couldn't say much. She did expect to be paid.  Though of course she needed the money, unlike the nobles.

"You might say so," she said simply, and somewhat inconclusively.  "Though some amongst us feel it would be the honorable thing to do this deed without reward."   He could draw his own conclusion from there, or one of the others could fill him in.

"Like me. I expect to be paid as I am not rich, though I wish I was. I am a simple entertainer. But I do have certain skills that might come in handy" She grins as she looks at Euronomes.

Arthanos listens to the girls explain their mission and their feelings about the reward.

"I'm sure if the priest helps us, we could convince Jorris to include him in the reward." looking at the man he speaks to him.

"Other then gifts of healing, what other skills do you have?" he asks.

"My patron gives me the power to pass on some of his blessings and gifts to others, to recieve visions, to invoke Hermes' wrath on my enemies and even to ask him to intercede in the last resort." Eurenomes grins and shrugs. "All of my powers come from the god himself but I like to think I'm not short of wits... or Hermes would have had no use for me in the first place!"

He turns to Petracles and says: "If you are feeling up to it should we move on? There are likely worse things than me in these woods and I've no desire to be caught idle."

Having thus agreed to travel together, Eurenomes takes up rank amongst the heroes from Thena as they continue towards the caves in search of Lord Joris' kidnapped daughter.

They move speedily through the forest now, as the sun rises higher in the sky. They pause for a moment as they enter into a clearing. It is here that the smell of death is strong, and a whisper almost like a voice seems to bounce on the wind itself, in a language unfamiliar to most of the party.

[Language unknown: "ennasa nt ere honapl..."]

The guide shudders and points towards the center of the clearing. "We must tread carefully here." he says. "Legend holds that a representive of Hades, a great shade.. or some kind of skeleton sought retribution... or revenge on behalf of his lord." he continues on. "The stories conflict. Some people say the being of the underworld merely sought to stop a powerful soul that attempted to escape from its fate, others say it was sent to murder a great hero, still living, merely because Hades hated the hero." He shudders again. "I don't know which I believe, I just know the place is bewitched."

Just then, there is a slight rustle coming from where the party had just come from, though only Euronomes and Aleta hear it and casually turn back towards to look behind them. At first, they see nothing out of the ordinary. Likely it was just the wind picking up a little. Then, seconds later, a man slowly emerges. Had he not moved he would have almost been invisbile to their eyes. By his garb, he is a hunter of some kind. Fortunately, he does not look hostile.

Itylus, you're up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:02, Mon 12 Nov 2012.

Aleta glances for any cover as she slips her hand close to one of her throwing knives. "Who is that coming towards us?" she wonders if there is more then one in the woods around them.

Itylus had been watching the party for a while... Finally, after days of tracking what he first had thought to be a lost group of travelers in the woods, he had found them.

Only that... they had turned out to be quite a strange party, and he didn't think they were lost at all, which only deepened the mystery he had been trying to solve these last days.

He had watched them hidden for a while: Two armored man who appeared to be Minean nobles; one of those shepherds the city-folk called “hunters” (they didn’t know what it really meant to be a hunter) and seemed to be their guide; two women: one looked like a gypsy the other he had the feeling was a magician of some sort (a sorceress or an elementalist would be his bet); a hulking barbarian (he hadn’t seen one so far from Hyperborea for years); and the mysterious traveler with a staff whose tracks had joined the ones of the party only recently: it turned out he was a priest, of the god Hermes, if the Caduceus staff he wielded was any clue.

If he needed further proof the hand of the gods was at work here, the presence of one of their earthly agents confirmed it in an undeniable way.

He then heard what their guide said about the clearing. There really was something strange about that clearing and he didn’t like it, he felt danger wasn’t too far.

He decided it was more than time to appear… maybe this was the sign he had been looking for these past years, a sign that the gods had heard his prayers  and were going to give him a chance to fulfill his mission. So, shading his face with his hood he silently stepped forward in to the view of the strange group, raising his hand in sign of peace.

The firsts to see him were the gypsy girl and the priest, to her question he answered:

"Greetings, I am someone who comes in peace and seeks to aid you. What ill-fortune brings you to these dangerous lands?" He asks to the party. "These woods are no place to thread carelessly, there are many dangerous beasts, and worst things, hiding in the shadows of these trees."

"If you are lost and don't mean to face greater danger than the one you already have, I would advise you not to go any further." he didn't believe that to be the case anymore, however he had to make sure. "If that's the case I can lead you out of here and in to safety. From here on the woods will only turn wilder and more dangerous."

"However, if you are here with some purpose, maybe I could offer you some other kind of help, if you are willing to tell me why you are here." he suggests, crossing his arms while observing the party under the shadow of his hood.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:09, Tue 13 Nov 2012.

Eurenomes, already disconcerted by the eerieness of the clearing takes an involuntary step back in alarm when the stranger appears. However his faith in his divine patron is strong and cowardice does not come easily to him so he offers the newcomer a wary smile and doesn't reach for a weapon.

"Greetings friend, I am Eurenomes of Argos and I thank you for your concern." The priest pauses and glances at Arthanos, looking to see if the aristocrat decides to reveal their mission.

Aleta looks at the woodsman "I am Aleta. We are on a quest from a Thenian nobleman.  His daughter has been captured by a tribe of boar-men and we are hunting them down to get her back" She leaves out the lords name in case the other nobles want too. This person looks like he is better traveled then her. "So, yes, we are not lost and meant to be here. If you have any idea where the boarmen camp, we would appreciate it"

Hmm... so they were after the boarmen... The kidnapping of a Thenian nobleman's daughter would certainly explain the agitation he noticed in the boarmen camp when he had seen it.

"Well, as a matter of fact I have seen their camp, in some caves in the deep of the forest " he answers "just a few days ago. It did look like there was something going on there."

"I can lead you to the beastmen's lair, and I am certainly willing to help you save the girl. However, before that," he says. "I would like to know why a Thenian noble sent such a strange party to rescue her daughter from a tribe of boarmen instead of sending one group of his own soldiers." He eyes the party inquiringly.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Wed 14 Nov 2012.

Arthanos turns quickly when the voice starts speaking behind him, but does his best to hide his surprise. He listens to the man speak, his mind racing. Two new members, one a priest, and another who could guide them right to their target. Obviously the gods favored them and wished for them to succeed.

Assuming the man was telling the truth.

Smiling, Arthanos replies to his last statement.

"Greetings friend. My name is Arthanos. I believe I may have missed yours?" he says politely. "And the Lord already tried a group of his own people. As he did not wish to try and petition the Assembly for a larger contingent of soldiers, we volunteered to assist him as we knew the girl." Arthanos says, giving out a bit of the info...even if some of it was not quite correct. Until he knew who the man was, he didn't want him to know to much. And his reactions to the info he had given him could be interesting.

After Eurenomes, it wasn't hard to consider this meeting one of destiny, either.  She was almost willing to bet on it.  And it seemed the others felt similarly.

Nonetheless, it wasn't her nature to ever be uncautious.  Thus she remained alert, while seeming nonchalant.  She appraised the man in a little more detail.

His hair was fair like her own.  But, unlike herself, the rest of his coloring was more in keeping with Agmund's people. And his attire was like them, she noted. Though he didn't otherwise look Hyperborean; didn't have the stature of them. Mixed blood? Ah, well. Something to perhaps learn later. His question showed some amount of perception.  Hunters didn't usually survive long without it...

"It is just as Arthanos says," she confirmed. Then added with a slight but friendly smile "And, as far as us being 'such a strange party'...I suspect you are going to fit right in. Welcome to the Fellowship of the Strange!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Wed 14 Nov 2012.

A small smile appears on Itylus' face when the nobleman Arthanos politely points out he hadn't still given his name. Probably the Thenians considered it rude from his part; however experience had thought him better than to give out his name easily to strangers in the wild, or for that matter anywhere.

The nobleman also seemed more wary of him than the others and answered careful, not giving much information, which was only wise of him and Itylus comprehended. Even so he couldn't help to wonder what had happened to the Lord's first group. Though thinking on what he already had seen of this woods it wasn't really hard to guess.

The friendly answer of the magician however caught him by surprise, though he schooled his face not to show it. Despite being all the time remembering himself that not all magicians were inherently evil, his past experience made him still, at best, wary of magicians and magic.

Nonetheless, the friendly remark of the magician woman made him smile, and in a friendlier tone he answers:

"Thank you very much, my lady." he says with a slight bow. "It certainly would be an honor to belong to such a welcoming and interesting fellowship! And as you rightly suggest I myself am not the most ordinary of the travelers." he adds with a slight, amused laugh.

Eyeing Arthanos he goes on: "My name is Itylus, and I am... you could say, a wandering hunter. I was passing by this forest when I found your tracks and was puzzled by them." he continued." Fearing you were a group of lost travelers I decided to track you down. Finally after two days I found you." he stopped for a moment and eyed them with an amused smile. "Now has become obvious you are no lost travelers."

"Nonetheless," he went on. "If what you tell me is true, I will be most glad to help you save your friend from those beastmen. I am sure Artemis, my only guide, would approve, and I possess abilities that could be of great help to you, especially in this dangerous woods." he adds with a quick scanning glance at the woods around then, and specially the clearing behind the party.

Suddenly, as if almost forgetting, he also adds: "You also should know that I am not the only one who has caught sign of your passage through this woods: A party of Calibans has been following you this past days too." He pauses then to observe their reactions.

Dysis' lips curled faintly at his mention of the Caliban.  "Ah, those. We met them yesterday.  We parleyed with them, and avoided a conflict. It seems that they have a particular enemy, the Satyr Euryskos.  They offered if we could help them find him, that they might help us against the boar-men. We gave them a neutral answer, simply to avoid a fight we didn't need." She glanced to Arthanos, and the others.

"They said Euryskos was a friend of the Nymphs. And recently, we had to fight creatures made by the magic of Dryads.  I would suppose they hope we will draw him out, or kill him. Or weaken him before he slays us, so they will have an easier fight."  She shrugged. "Something like that.  I think we may need to communicate with this Euryskos, that we are not the Calibans' friends. So he doesn't conclude otherwise. Do you perhaps know of this Satyr, sir?" she asked of Itylus.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Thu 15 Nov 2012.

"Unfortunately I don't, my lady" answers Itylus "I've been in these woods only a few days and didn't found signs of any Satyr."

"However my observations of those Calibans concur with your thoughts: They didn't look to me as if they meant to attack you, more like if they were keeping an eye on you and waiting for something to happen."

"Even so," counters Itylus. "I don't think you should dismiss so easily the Calibans presence. They are cunning and vicious creatures by nature, and you can be sure that, as soon as you stop being useful to them, they will turn against you and try to kill you at the first chance."

"We also have to make sure they don't turn the Satyr and the Dryads against us." he continues with a worried expression. "If the spirits of the woods themselves turn against us, there is no telling whether we will be able to get out alive of this woods or not."

Itylus stops to look around to check they weren't being observed. Then he proceeds, approaching the party and dropping his voice: "I also fear that, in last case, they might try to gain something by telling the boarmen of your presence and intentions. If that happens, when we arrive to their caves we will be walking right in to a deadly trap."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Thu 15 Nov 2012.

Arthanos grimaces when the Caliban are first mentioned. He nods his head in agreement as Dysis explains their predicament and then listens to the new man...Itylus...remarks.

"I have had similar thoughts." he remarks, then thinks for a second. "You would not happen to know, or be able to locate, their current position? I think," he says, looking at those frm the original group "that if we know their location, that we could...recreate our meeting with them, but with reversed roles."

Itylus smiled. Arthanos had given him a great idea.

"Certainly I could track them down." He says casually. "But why to track a prey, when it comes to you on its own?" His smile turns in to a fierce grin... This was the sort of things that filled him with life, this was the sort of things that made him love to be what he was: The sheer thrill of hunting the vile creatures of the world.

"Lets turn their scheme against then and prepare them a trap. Let the hunter become the prey." he says, with a wild glint in his eyes.

Aleta looks at Itylus "Letting them come to us might be good if they didn't have a hostage. We can't wait forever for them to come to us unless we set some kind of trap close to their camp. Then maybe I could sneak in and find the girl while the rest of you keep them busy. I don't know why they would want her and I fear what they might do to her, so we don't have all the time in the world." she thought for a minute.

"Depending on the terrain around the camp, I think a trap there would be in order"

Euronemes nods at Aleta's words. "I'm all for a high element of trickery in our plans; Hermes favours those who use their wits as much as their muscle. I agree too that we should move quickly, though I admit I am not the warrior some of you are. Perhaps - if you will - I could ask my divine patron to grant me a vision as to the proper course." He pauses then admits. "Though visions are often tricky things."

Arthanos listened to Itylus reply, a grin starting to emerge at the man's response. The grin vanished though as Aleta and Eurenomes commented and he hurried to explain.

"I did not mean for us to ambush the Boarmen. It would not be prudent to try and design a way to attack till we see the camp. I was referring to the Calibans. I do not like the idea of them following us, and as this hunter has pointed out, we can not be certain they won't attack us. I think it might be prudent to get them off our trail, one way or another."

Itylus nods as he hears Arthanos explanation to the other two.

"Yes, its the Calibans who we must embush." he says. "They are dangerous and have the  potential to undermine the whole mission. However you do rise some good points." he admits. "We can't afford losing too much time on the Calibans if that also would put the live of your friend in danger. The problem is that we don't know which is her situation, nor how much time she still has." turning to Eurenomes he says. "Here is where I think your vision will come handy."

"So," he continues while turning to the whole group again and throwing a quick glance to the three members who still hadn't spoken out. "this is what I suggest: First of all we should depart immediately from this place. We have lingered here too long, it's not safe and we are losing both time to save your friend and ground over the Calibans."

"We will keep traveling for some hours towards the caves, while leaving  some tracks for the Calibans to follow. Then, after we find a suitable spot for a trap, we will pause and give time Eurenomes to perform the rituals necessary to receive his divine vision, and hopefully to get some insight about the situation of your friend. Meanwhile we will set a trap for the Calibans."

"After that," he says. "Depending on what signs Eurenomes gets from the gods, we will either await for the Calibans and ambush them, or we will depart immediately, hoping that our trap will at least delay the Calibans and pray to our good Fortune they won't interfere with our rescue mission."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Fri 16 Nov 2012.

Dysis nodded. "It seems a good approach.  The issue of time as regards our employer's daughter is something to keep in mind. We cannot afford a lengthy engagement with these Caliban.  If we are to deal with them, it must be swift.  As said, they are both cunning and vicious. Tough adversaries. We should not take this lightly.  But, our good priest's prediction will hopefully minimize the risk, give us a better sense of how to proceed." She smiled slightly again, a bit of a cruel edge to it.

"If they are all within a radius of forty feet or so, I could spring a little surprise on them.  One that may take the fight out of them - might kill some - Or at least soften them up. Though that would burn all my mystical strength for the day. There are other things I can manage, depending what we do."

Aleta thinks for a minute "Are the Boarmen and the Calibans allies? Maybe if we can capture or stun them, we can convince them that we ae just a scouting party for a larger force. Now if we can finish the mission and withdraw, then the army following us will not have to invade the forest"

after listenign to Itylus and Dysis remakrs, Arthanos looks over the group before speaking. "As well as your magic Dysis, we have the priest's god given powers. We have three warriors and the two hunters. This should allow us to form a decent ambush." he then turns to look at Aleta "I'm not sure whether you would want to be a front line fighter, or simply move to assist where you feel you would be the most use."

He continues to think for a second, then speaks again. "Concerning our employer's daughter, while speed is important, unless we arrive alive and healithy to rescue her, we do her or her father no favors. I may be wrong, but I didn't think forest spirits attacked people for no real reason. If the caliban have been following us, the spirits may be assuming we did agree to help them. So instead of 1 enemy and 1 possible enemy, we have 2 enemies and another possible enemy. But if we get rid of the calibans, then the spirits, and especially the saytr, might decide we are worth helping, or at least leave us in piece."

"Yes," Itylus agrees with Arthanos "The Nymphs, and other spirits of the forest, only attack those whom they deem to be a threat to their forest. If we get rid of the Calibans that will hopefully appease them - if the Calibans have indeed turn them against us - and with some luck they will at least leave us in peace. "

Turning to Aleta he says "I haven't seen until now signs that the Calibans and the Boarmen are in league, however I have seen such things happen in other places and it's certainly a possibility. Even if they aren't in league, the Calibans may try to gain something by telling the Boarmen of our presence, which would prove fatal to your... now our... quest."

"And now, if no else objects, I think we should leave this place immediately and start moving. We have been here for too long." he says, starting to feel tense again about the whole place, and once more scanning the clearing and the woods around them.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 09:55, Sat 17 Nov 2012.

"All clear thinking, and clever ideas.  I've no objections to any of it. I most definitely agree that we cannot permit them to pass us, and reach the boar-men first. So, deal with the Calibans we will, and eliminate the possibility.  And, yes - best if we start moving again, as Itylus says." 

Eurenomes grins and nods. "I agree; this is neither the place or time to linger." He turns to Dysis. "Madam, I heard you mention your mystic strength so I know you have access to the godly gifts. What spells or sorceries do you command - perhaps we can find a way to combine our strengths facing the foe?"

A gust of cold wind suddenly blows through, and the sense of disquiet grows. Nodding in agreement with what has already been stated, Agmund says "Aye, we've stayed here too long already. We should keep moving."

That said, the party, now in the company of the mysterious hunter, Itylus, as well as their other recent edition of the mischevious Eurenomes, depart from the clearing.  While they continue to head towards the direction of the caves where the boarmen kept their lair, Itylus keeps an eye out for a defensible position where Eurnomes could commune with Hermes and the others could prepare an ambush for the Calibans.

It takes some time, but eventually they come upon a gently sloping hill going upwards. At the top of that hill, Itylus finds his inspiration for the ambush. The density of the woods surrounding and going up the hillside made it that the Calibans would be forced to follow the party up the same side of the hill they had gone up. Any other approach meant that they would have to tangle their way through the thick brush and trees. As the party looks around they see that this hilltop has often been used as a campsite in the past - perhaps even as a battleground - given the remains of campfires, various heavy stones, as, burnt timber, and the occasional bit of metal.

Euronomes finds a good place where he can rest and commune.

OOC: Go ahead and put in any relevant roles, as well as posts relating to how the party wants to set up the ambush.

Usually, Dysis kept what she could do to herself. Particularly as regarded one of her two Elements. But, this wasn't the situation for secrecy. The holy-man was quite right. It was possible they could pool their powers.  So to Eurenomes Dysis had  replied:

"It is the Elemental art I practice. The Wind -- answers to my beck and call. I can use it to defend, to hold in place - or to heavily batter a number of enemies. The other I practice is Darkness." She smiled coolly, having named the element associated with the powers of the Underworld.  "Good for being stealthy, or concealment, or blinding others.  And few non-magical foes can well defend themselves from a living shadow."  The last one in particular was enough to get one called a witch. Or worse.

"Gift of my Lady Persephone," she added, naming her own favored deity, the wife of dark Hades himself.

"Oh, and to both you gentlemen - I appreciate the 'madam' and 'lady.'  But I'm no woman of any status.  Just Dysis is fine."

Later, looking upon the clear side of the hill up which they'd come, she offered "I could assault them with the winds as they come up.  And the rest of you could deal with them as the they escape from it, most likely in an injured condition.  If so, you must all be cautious not to get caught within yourself. The magic can't tell ally from enemy.  And, afterward, I would need to sleep before I can cast again. It will take everything." 

Aleata grins "How about you fighters figure out the best spot to set up. Then I will hide near the path and confront baddies when they appear. I can ask them what their intensions are so we can figure out if they are after us or not" she also knew she was only deadly close up.

Yes, the place was perfect for the ambush they had planned*. Now was time to put hands to work.

When Dysis spoke up, Itylus threw her a somewhat suspicious glance. The revelation of her Darkness powers and specially her worship of the Underworld had caught him by surprise: She was exactly the same as they! Memories of that night came again back to him: the terror, the screams, the scent of blood, the dead, and the nightmare that came out from...

He shook his head. Now wasn't the time to wander around shadows of the past. He still hadn't lost the feeling both their mission and the party were blessed by the gods. So he would put his fears aside for now, trust his instincts and keep helping them. He would however be on his guard: he had promised himself he wouldn't allow something like that happen ever again.

Trying not to show signs of his inner debate Itylus walks to a spot in the hillside, close to the top, and says: "I think we should set the ambush here, this way the Calibans won't be able to see the top of the hill and both Dysis and Eurenomes can wait there and prepare any magic they wish to use."

Turning to Aleta he continues:"We also will set the traps here, so it's here you will have to attract them. Be careful though, if something goes wrong and the Calibans find out it's a trap, you will be the first they'll attack. If that happens we'll be immediately on them, but you can't let yourself be caught." If the Calibans took her as an hostage, things would get pretty bad.

Turning to Eurenomes he says: "Feel free to start your ritual as soon as possible priest, but make it fast, we don't know how long we have until the Calibans show up."

Turning to the rest he finishes: "And know, if no one else has anything to add, I suggest we put hands at work. We have a band of Calibans to embush!" and that being said Itylus takes his rope from his bag and starts preparing the first of the traps** on the nearest tree.

OCC 
* That is our OOC chat discussion ;)
**In case anyone missed it in the OOC chat or doesn't remembers Itylus means to set the typical trap of the hidden rope in the ground that captures its victim by a foot and hangs it upside-down from a tree. He will ask for at least one or two more ropes from the others and ask them to set the respective traps. (I don't know if the MM wants to add something concerning the traps?).

Once the traps are set, Itylus will go scout the path from where they arrived and await the arrival of the Calibans, in order to warn the party with some antecedence of their arrival. (Edit - Wow did I really use "arrival/arrived" three times in a sentence?)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Wed 28 Nov 2012.

Aleta finds a good place to sit and starts to wittle a stick, like she is waiting for someone. She keeps her eyes open and scanning the area for any movenemt.

She looks at Itylus "Don't worry, I am not a good fighter but I am good at dodging."

Arthanos nods at Itylus' remarks.

"Sounds good." Arthanos says, as he looks around the hill top and frowns slightly. "Myself and the other armoured warriors may as well act as the visual lure. There isn't much cover, and in full armour, we are not really that quick." he says, hefting his shield. "We'll wait a few meters back from the edge and look imposing. We're at least used to standing and waiting in armour."


OOC: Unless the MM is against it, I'm thinking myself, Petracles and Agmund wait around the middle of the clear area.

Itylus listened to Arthanos and nodded. He had forgotten about that detail, that was why he disliked armor, it was a clumsy thing.

"Yes, good point." he agrees."Then you and Petracles stay here as visual lure too. Don't look too imposing though, we don't want to scare them before time" he adds with an ironic smile.

Turning to the barbarian Itylus says: "We could hide in the woods surrounding the path and appear behind the Calibans. That way we would cut the exit to any who might resist Dysis' spell and try to flee."

OOC - Hope you don't mind Arthanos, but as I think (correct me if I am wrong) that Agmund doesn't wear any armor that may hindrance him, it seems to me he could perfectly go with Itylus, mainly because it would be more balanced to have two of the warriors on each side of the Calibans party. If Itylus were to be alone behind them, it would be more complicated for him to stop some Caliban from fleeing.

Petracles smiles grimly "I can be the bait." he says "The Calibrans likely know of our fight against the Wood Titans, and probably know that I was in badly wounded as result." he gives a nod towards the center. "Making it plausible for us to rest here to care for my wounds."

Euronomes finds a place a little away from the others to commune with his divine patron in some privacy. He takes care to splash his hands and face in the cool water of a nearby spring, washing away the dirt and grime of travel before he kneels and in time honoured fashion raises his palms towards the heavens. The Argosian closes his eyes and begins speaking:

"Oh swift Hermes, patron of travelers and tricksters alike I come before you as the loyalest of servants with a request. please grant me a boon and bestow upon me a vision of fair Veda. Let me see her as you do, oh sharp eyed one so that we may save her from direst peril. If she lives yet wherever that should be grant me a vision of the daughter of Joris!" The priest raises his voice as he approaches the end of his prayers. "I thank you my master for all the gifts you have given me - and all the gifts you may."

---

OOC: Euronomes casts Divine Vision

Dysis kept her thoughts to herself, being well satisfied with the plan, and how they had decided to go about it.  Her own role was cut and dry; she would supply the needed magic.

She was concerned about others playing bait.  It was the riskiest portion of this.  But, it was necessary.  The warriors could defend themselves if they were attacked; might well have to anyway, depending how things ran.  All of the group might need to, for that matter. Herself included.

Still, Aleta, who was something like the younger sister she never had, worried her the most.

"You are swift and agile, to be sure. And brave. But please be careful, all the same. Your family expects to see you again, I am sure." 
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Thu 29 Nov 2012.

Aleta looks at Dysis "You be careful also, I don't want to have to rescue you" she jokes as she mutters a soft prayer to Hermes. She continues to look around for any movement.

At this Agmund grunts. "My people tend to fight directly, but your plan has merit." he gestures towards the forest "You lead the way and I'll follow."

If anybody was watching Euronomes it would seem that for a very long moment nothing happens as he sits and prays for a divine vision, but shortly after the priest finishes his spoken prayer, he involuntarly flinches as if struck by a great force.  The next thing anybody would see would be Euronomes' eyes rolling back as he topples over onto the ground, his body twitching slightly as he experiences the divine vision from Hermes ...


... He quickly recovers, as the actual time that passed since being struck senseless was less then a minute, but for Euronomes the passage of time would likely seem to be much longer indeed. His eyes slowly open as he returns to the waking world.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:07, Fri 30 Nov 2012.

While Euronomes prayed for (and received) his divine vision from swift Hermes, the others busily prepared an ambush for the Calibrans, setting rope traps to ensare the brutish cousins of satyrs, as well as take up favorable positions for the ambush.

The minutes seem like hours as they wait for their prey to arrive...

Euronomes shakily got to his feet, slowly rising from the grass. As ever before a vision was a truly draining experience - men were not gods and the powers of the Olympians were greater than any mortal could bear for long. After a moment or two he walks towards the others, expression uncharacteristically serious as he arrives.

"My companions swift Hermes has granted me a vision of fair Veda." He pauses and looks uncertainly at the Thenans. "Has Lord Joris spoken of another child of his house, a son perhaps?"

Dysis gave a brief smile at Aleta's reply.  After all, it was herself and her family who had helped her escape her previous life as a slave.

But, Dysis was quite determined she would never go there, again.  No matter what it required. She was quite done with others owning her freedom.

Meanwhile, she did indeed spare several glances for the priest while he did his work.  Interested in the workings of his Divine magic; that were at once similar and very different from the magic that she cast.

Once he spoke, she gave him a curious look, then glanced toward the others.

"No...at least none I remember. What did you see specifically, Eurenomes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:34, Sat 01 Dec 2012.

Arthanos had joined Petracles and taken a position on the hill where they would have some room to manouvre. He had then spent his time carefully making sure all the components of his armour were working and ready.

When Eurenomes returned from seeking his vision, Arthanos listened to his question. He wracked his brains trying to recall if Joris was meant to have a son as well as a daughter.

"What does the boy look like? What was he wearing? And how is Veda, did she look okay?" he asked with interest.

PM

She looks at Euronomes "No, he didn't mention a son and its not like any of us really know him"

Although Euronomes is pondering his vision further, Agmund interrupts before he can elaborate on what he's seen. "They are coming. I can smell them on the wind." he says, nodding to Arthanos and Petracles, before turning to look at Itylus. "Lead the way, Itylus, and I shall follow."  Moments later the two disappear into the woods, heading down the side of the hill into the thick brush and trees to take up a good position to rain down missile fire upon their enemy, or alternatively, flank them from the side or behind.

It takes a few minutes, but the rest of the group takes up their respective positions. As expected, the Calibrans are now going up the same side of the hill that the party had taken. From their respective positions, Aleta, Itylus and Agmund can count five of the Calibrans making their way up the hill - though it was always possible that more were lagging behind.

The two at front, scouts by the look of it, carried slings and looked wary as they climbed the hill. They don't seem to be aware that the party is there at the moment.

Actions?

OOC: I'll see if I can get a basic grid up soon so you can get a sense of their positions. For the moment, try to imagine them making their way up a small dirt path (2 - 3 man wide) up a relatively steep hill. Fighting uphill would put them at a disadvantage.

Itylus signs Agmund to wait. Everything was ready, now the only thing they could do was wait for their quarry to bite the bait. If everything went according to the plan it would be over quickly, if not... his bow would sing the tune of the hunt again.

Something troubled him though: there were only five Calibans... Where were the other two? Had they returned to whatever lair the Calibans had? Had they lagged behind? Had they gone scout somewhere? He had no clue. He decided to keep an eye on the path at the bottom of the hill in case they decided to show up.

Under the shadows of the woods, Itylus patiently waited alongside the barbarian while he watched the progress of the Calibans. Left hand gripping his bow, right hand already holding an arrow, he bided his time.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Wed 05 Dec 2012.

Dysis alike waited, from further up the hill, behind the cover of a good sized tree.

She drew a deep breath, let it go.  Willed her mind clear of any extraneous thoughts.  She was aware of a faint breeze touching her skin where it was bare. The basic and elemental Air, that she would soon invoke on behalf of her allies.

The Four Winds were like old friends whom always listened.

She hoped this plan went off without snags, or unforeseen complication.  She did not underestimate the Caliban; the serious threat they were, if things happened to go against the party.

Aleta watches as the Calibrans climb up the hill, she waited for a second as she leg a leg slip out of her skirt. She was not sure if they would even be attracted to a human woman but she would use everything she could. She waves "Hi guys, what are you doing up here?" she was hoping to catch them off guard in more ways then one, like acting they where just other people.

Arthanos settled into position on the hill top and waited. He always found the waiting before a battle the most trying part. Sighing, he waited, watching the slope they come up for signs he would be needed.

When Aleta's voice come floating up, Arthanos straightened and gripped his spear and shield tightly. Looking at Petracles he grinned and remarked. "Here we go again." Peering back down the hill, he listened intently for any sign or signal to come and....help.

Fortunately, (depending upon how one looked at it) Calibans were much like their cousins, the Satyrs who were renowned for their lusty ways with human women, as well as other creatures such as nymphs. However, Calibans are a darker variety, revealing in their brutality (and bestiality) and thus their 'attentions' could be quite dangerous when it came to the ways of flesh.

They are still a good distance away (perhaps 25 - 30 feet), and they are startled to see Aleta suddenly appear. So much so that the two in front hop back a foot or so, though the small group quickly recover. One of the Calibans towards the back, who unlike his fellow wears a golden belt around his waist moves to the front. "Hail, human." he says, twisting his mouth into what must he thought must have been a smile. His eyes match Aleta's, but she notices that he does notice and takes interest in her exposed leg. "I could ask you the same question, as you travel in our forest." His smile grows wider. "Where are your companions? Don't you know it can be dangerous for young human women to travel the woods alone?" he asks. If it were anybody else it might sound seductive, but here it was as if the wolf was addressing the lamb.

Aleta - if you'd like to continue to be 'seductive' with the Calibans, please make a seduction roll with your next post. FYI: (your modifier for a seduction roll is your Grace Mod x2 + Luck)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:56, Thu 06 Dec 2012.

Aleta grins at them as she sips a wine skin, acting like she is surprised to see them "So, why are you following us? Or is it just me you want? " she cocks her head, looking at them with interst "I am just curious. I hurt my ankle so I stayed behind."

(ooc- Aleta rolled 14 using 2d6+8. seduction.)

The Calibans' puff up a bit at Aleta's tone, eyeing her with a mixture of lust and suspicion. "Why, whatever do you mean 'following' you?" he asks, starting to approach Aleta. "I would say 'stalking' you is more accurate." he says with a wink.

He grins "And you know our reason already, my dear." he says "We seek Euryskos, our cousin. We assumed that you and your friends were looking for him. We didn't want to be too far behind in case you encountered him. He is quite dangerous."

He starts to get even nearer now, a good 10 - 15 feet away from his companions and that much closer to Aleta "But perhaps we'll take you as well." From watching him, Aleta gets the sense of being in danger now. This Caliban could very well charge, even on the slope, and grab her if she wasn't careful!

Actions?

ooc: Everybody, assume that you are within charging distance to melee (with the lead Caliban wearing the belt), not the other four. you are also within range for any missile attacks, but unless you are Itylus, you run the risk of hitting Aleta.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Fri 07 Dec 2012.

Besides Agmund, Itylus suddenly tenses: That was more than enough! Aleta had done her job, and maybe a little too well. The rope traps didn't look like they had been activated, yet they couldn't afford wait any longer and risk the Caliban would try to reach for Aleta.

Signaling Agmund to get ready, Itylus in one fluid movement places the arrow he had been holding in position, rises his trusty bow, aims to the Caliban's leader's neck... and releases the arrow.

OCC: 19:08, Today: Itylus rolled 10 using 1d20+6. Missile Attack, using Weapon of Choice.

Hmmm, not my best shot. Rolled twice as per the Weapon of Choice rules, ironically got a 10 twice.

Hearing what was occurring below, it was time for Dysis to play her own part in this.

Slipping an arm and part of her head from behind the tree, she was shocked to spot only five of the Caliban.  She cursed silently.  It was entirely like them. They were cunning, for all they were brutish.

It didn't change what she needed to do - she focused her will, incanted softly, summoning the winds to do their work once again.

Once the casting was complete, however, she was going to have a care for her backside.  No telling where those other two were...

Talons of the Winds on the five Caliban within range.

As the Caliban charges her, she throws one of her throwing dagger at him.  She had hoped to talk them into leaving, guess not.

(ooc-I forgot what we add to any damage rolled.
21:48, Today: Aleta rolled 3 using 1d6. dam.
21:47, Today: Aleta rolled 15 using 2d6+7. thrown dagger.

As he listened to the conversation, he heard the conversation starting to turn bad. "Time to advance." he remarks to Petracles and starts walking forward. As the crested the edge and could see down the hill, Arthanos saw the caliban charging Aleta. Making a decision, he sped up to a charge, attempting to intercept the Caliban before it reached Aleta, or shield Aleta.

Though it might have seem like an eternity - or at least two months - time suddenly speeds up and the next few moments pass quickly and chaotically.

The sudden movement by the leader of the small Caliban band who had been speaking to Aleta is taken as a hostile action by the heroes, as evidenced by Itylus' sudden arrow, which unfortunately misses its mark by a hair's inch, flying past the Caliban's face and straight into a tree just on the other side of the path. The Caliban's head turns in surprise first towards the tree hit by the arrow and then towards Aleta.

"An Ambush! We are betrayed!" The lead Caliban screams, spittle flying forth from his face which contorts in rage. "Brothers, into the woods! Kill them!" The Caliban's allies quickly do so, two of them vanish into the heavy brush on one side of the path to make their way towards the top of the hill, while the other two vanish on the other side, quickly and easily jumping over and maneuvering through brush towards the direction of the Itlyus!

Leering with a violent lust at Aleta, the Caliban leader's voice drops as he runs up the path towards her "You! Are! Mine!" he shouts. From a small scabbard slung around his side, he draws forth a pale sickly looking dagger as he runs and tries to slash Aleta with it. Fortunately, Aleta is quick on her feet and avoids his clumsy attack, returning with a dagger slash of her own which draws some blood from the leader, who obviously did not expect this.


Elsewhere - the fighters - Arthanos and the recently healed Petraceles, who had been hiding upside the hill along with Dysis and Eurenomes, move forward as well with Arthanos breaking out into a run towards the lead Caliban, weapon and shield ready. Swording swinging overhead, he attempts to run the Cailban through with his weapon, but the dark satyr evades his attack, jumping back a good foot or two.


Further back in the woods, Agmund had been waiting alongside Itylus, and had shook his head sympathetically upon seeing the hunter's arrow miss his mark. "It was a difficult shot." he says, hefting his axe. "But the hunting will be easier." he gestures ahead towards the heavy brush, and Itylus sees two of the Calibans now very quickly approaching their position. "I'll hold them off. Pick your targets wisely." The barbarian then grunts and starts to head towards the Calibans...

Up on the hill, Dysis had been preparing her spell. The positioning of the Calibans was fortunate as they would have been easily caught up in her Talons of the Wind, but she paused as she saw them quickly melt away into the woods. They moved so quickly that it was difficult to effectively target them.

---

END OF ROUND 1

1 Square = 10 Feet

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J

   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
1  |XXX|XXX|XXX|X4X|X2X|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
2  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
3  |%%%|%%%|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
4  |   |   |   |   | R | P |   |   | D |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
5  |   |   |   |   | 1 | L |   |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
6  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|%%%|   |   | E |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
7  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|%%%|XXX|   | J |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
8  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
9  |%%%|%%%|%%%|%5%|%%%|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
10 |%%%|%%%|%3%| G | I |%%%|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*

LEGEND

XXX = Heavy Trees/Brush (takes twice as long to get through)
%%% = Lighter Trees/Brush (normal movement)

L = Aleta            1 = Caliban Leader (injured 9/12 HP)
R = Arthanos         2 = Caliban Scout
D = Dysis            3 = Caliban Scout
E = Eurenomes        4 = Caliban Warrior
I = Itylus           5 = Caliban Warrior
G = Agmund
P = Petracles
J = Joris' Guide

TURN ORDER

1. Calibans
2. Arthanos
3. Petracles and Itylus
4. Dysis
5. Aleta
6. Euronomes and Agmund
7. Joris' Guide

Growling in irritation at the Caliban's dodge, Arthanos shifts his position so he is head on to the creature.

"Hold still and I will make your trip to Hades realm quick and painless." he remarks, before lunging forward with his sword.

OOC:
13:18, Today: Arthanos rolled 15 using 2d20 (2,15), dropping the lowest dice only. Attack with Weapon of Choice.

Forgot to add my actual modifier (+6), so the total is 21


13:23, Today: Arthanos rolled 1 using 1d6. damage.

And apparently I only nick him.

Itylus cursed under his breath when he saw his arrow narrowly miss. After the initial surprise the Calibans reacted quickly. Two of them disapeared in to the  threes on the other side of the path, other two were coming in his and Agmund's direction, and the Caliban chief charged against Aleta - however Arthanos and Petracles promptly appeared running to help her.

Itylus thanked Agmund's sympathetic words with a small nod, and then said: "Let's finish this two off quickly and go help the others."

In to the direction of Eurenomes and Joris' scout Itylus shouted: "Watch out for the missing two! They may try something!"

When Agmund starts to head towards the incoming Calibans, Itylus once more rises his bow, aims towards the Caliban Warrior and without further delay releases another arrow...

OCC:

09:36, Today: Itylus rolled 10 using 2d20+6, unique dice. Attack with Weapon of Choice.

Ops, I fear I am still learning how the dice thrower works, now I realized the unique dice was to sum the value of both dices and not to drop one... But I think now I understand how it works.

Ironically even so I still got a 10 (guess Itylus is a little out of practice) in case it makes any differece the two dices I got were a 1 and a 3, so the actual value would be 9, I think the short distance modifier applies so it would have +2 bonus, an 11 in total.

Dysis cursed again.  This time, not silently -- but under her breath, as their foes scuttled within the protection of the trees.  It was entirely natural, as well as smart, for them to do. Shrewd and Sylvan creatures that they were.

But it vexed her no less - and negated the early advantage she and her comrades had hoped for.  She focused her attention to the pair who had moved off on her right; attempting to discern where they were going...

12:36, Today: Dysis rolled 21 using 1d20+5. DE roll for perception. To spot the movement of Calibans 2 & 4 within the trees -- where they are heading.

Dysis is delaying her action, for the immediate moment.  If it looks they are going to flank Arthanos and Petracles, she will immediately cry warning, and then cast Talons at the calibans.  If something other, it will depend.   

Aleta looks at the leader as she dodges around "surrender and we will not hurt you!" she says as she slashes with her dagger.

(ooc Aleta rolled 14 using 2d6+7.)

The Calibans moved swiftly.

Their leader fares poorly in his next strike against Aleta, missing her completely. He then adjusts his position, jumping backwards to better line himself up for a joint attack upon Arthanos.

While Petracles had attempted to run the Caliban through with his weapon, he misses his attack. Fortunately, Arthanos does not let the leader slip by him without exacting payment of some kind. His blade strikes true and accurately - but it only does a light amount of damage - had it been slightly better aimed, it might have spilled the Caliban's guts across the ground. As it was, it was just a flesh wound on the creature's belly. Aleta also doesn't let the leader escape unharmed. She instinctively moves forward in her attack, following the Caliban while her dagger slices the leader's back as he retreats, doing some harm to him.


The Caliban leader grunts in pain, as he is quite injured. "We offered you our aid, and this is how you repay us! With treachery!" he says in response to Aleta's offer to surrender, spitting on the ground a mixture of spit, blood and green gunk. "In the end, you will be easy prey for the boarmen without our aid!" he says, shaking his dagger at Aleta.

The two Calibans to the south have better luck against Agmund and Itylus, as their weapons both strike true against the barbarian, who bears the brunt of their blows. He fares poorly against them as well; their swiftness working against the slow but strong barbarian. Itylus does poorly as well. Though the creature was much closer, it was still quick on its feet and with its uncanny agility dodged the arrow fired, laughing all the while.

Elsewhere on the hill, Euronomes and the guide from Lord Joris meet up where Dysis was standing watching over the battle. Hefting his spear, the Guide says "I'll join in the fight, and prevent them from reaching you, my lady Dysis." He runs down to help Petracles fight off the enemy attacking him. Euronomes for his part, waits, almost a little helplessly. "My talents are better used for healing, but I'll stand guard. Your friends look strong and capable, but if the Calibans should defeat them or run past, then I'll help defend you." he says with a nod towards the sorceress.

Those that had taken to the woods jumped over tree logs, and skirted their way through the brush.  From her position on the hill, Dysis strained her eyes, but tried to relax and trust her perception and intution. At first, she could see nothing... but then there was a flurry of movement that she knew it could be nothing but the Calibans emerging to in attempt to flank Arthanos and Petraceles! Despite this tactic by the sylvan creatures, their advantage is momentarily at best as Dysis cries out a warning, enabling both of the noblemen to be aware of the creatures' attack and effectively evade it.

With great care now, Dysis targets her spell Talons of the Wind on those particular Calibans - while trying to avoid entangling any of her allies within the storm as well. What starts as a light breeze just under Arthanos and Petracles feet pushes past them and turns into a stronger and stronger wind, pushing both tree limbs and Caliban alike! Though the creatures attempt to grab onto trees, brush - anything! - with great desperation, they are unable to do so... at least, just yet.

---

END OF ROUND 2

1 Square = 10 Feet

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J

   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
1  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
2  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
3  |%%%|%%%|XXX|XXX|X4X| 2 | J |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
4  |   |   |   | 1 | R | P |   |   | D |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
5  |   |   |   |   | L |   |   |   | E |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
6  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|%%%|   |   |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
7  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|%%%|XXX|   |   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
8  |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
9  |%%%|%%%|%%%|%5%|%%%|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*
10 |%%%|%%%|%3%| G | I |%%%|XXX|XXX|XXX|   |
   *---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*---*

LEGEND

XXX = Heavy Trees/Brush (takes twice as long to get through)
%%% = Lighter Trees/Brush (normal movement)

L = Aleta            1 = Caliban Leader (injured 6/12 HP)
R = Arthanos         2 = Caliban Scout (caught in Talons)
D = Dysis            3 = Caliban Scout
E = Eurenomes        4 = Caliban Warrior (caught in Talons)
I = Itylus           5 = Caliban Warrior
G = Agmund (Injured)
P = Petracles
J = Joris' Guide

TURN ORDER

1. Calibans
2. Arthanos
3. Petracles and Itylus
4. Dysis
5. Aleta
6. Euronomes and Agmund
7. Joris' Guide

Hearing the sound of movement behind him and Dysis call, Arthanos turned and dodged the flanking Caliban's attack. While he would have preferred to finish the boss, he couldn't risk leaving his back open to these two. Raising his sword to strike, he suddenly felt wind swirl up and watched as the two Caliban became trapped. Nodding his head, he called out to Dysis.

"Thanks! Hold them as long as you can!" he said before turning back to the leader. Grinning at the retreating Caliban, he stepped forward and swung at him again.


15:34, Today: Arthanos rolled 25 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,18. attack with WoC.


15:34, Today: Arthanos rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4. Damage.

Itylus grinded his teeth when he saw his last shot fail poorly. He was more out of practice than he had thought. He paused for a second to take a deep breath, then in a fluid movement he set another arrow and drew his bow. Calmly Itylus said to the closest Caliban: "That was your last warning beast."

And he released another arrow

OCC:
09:13, Today: Itylus rolled 27 using 2d20+8, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 19,6. Attack with Weapon of Choice.
I belive that was a critical hit...

09:23, Today: Itylus rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20. Missile Critical Hit.
Wow, instant kill...  WELL i warned him right?

 

The priest of Hermes watched the fight go with unease. He was far from a coward but this was not his forte. As he leaned on his staff he watched anxiously as the calbans tried to flank Arthanos and Petracles - and how Dysis intervened. "I can't just stand by..." he murmured, before his voice rose in volume in prayer to keen eyed Hermes. Eurenomes himself might not have been much of a threat with a sword but he wasn't entirely helpless.

"Lord Hermes, swift of foot and keen of eye, aid my friend in his battle." Eurenomes said aloud, palms raised to the skies before pointing a finger at Joris' Guide.

---

OOC: Eurenomes casts Divine Gift on Joris' Guide.

Thought he needed the help. :)

With the spell now fully initiated, Dysis was free for other action.  The magic would run its course without further attention from her. The best thing she had to offer, outside her elemental workings, was her sling.  But...plainly she could not hurl a stone into the melee.  Too much risk of hitting one of her comrades.

Thus, for the time, she only removed it from her belt.  Kept one hand near her pouch of sling-stones.  In case any opportunity presented itself.

Near her, she heard Eurnomes ponder his course of action.  And then the holy-man invoked his patron's favor.  Dysis could not see the result of that...but doubted the effectiveness of the Gods not one whit.

Holding action again. If any opportunity presents to pelt one with the sling, without having a good chance of hitting my team, I'll take it.

Aleta steps back and throws a dagger at the Caliban leader. she had tried to be freindly but these animals just couldn't do it. They had to finish their job though.

(ooc- Aleta rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Throw dagger.

ROUND THREE

It was a tense moment for Itylus. The barbarian, Agmund, was busily engaged against the Caliban Scout, but the Warrior leered at the hunter after hearing him speak, and began to lunge towards him. "Come and play!" he shouted, brandishing his dagger. He was now dangerously close to Itylus!

But, getting close would be the last thing he'd ever do, as Itylus' arrow pierces the top of the Caliban's head and drives into the creature's brain, knocking him back onto the ground, stone dead as blood spurts onto the ground. The savage creature's lifeless eyes gaze towards the treetops above.

If Itylus hadn't been doing well before, it changed now with that shot!

For his part, Agmund lunged forward against the scout, taking a cut in the process, but he manages to nearly hack one of the Caliban's limbs off while knocking the beastly creature prone onto the ground. "Prepare yourself, monster!" Agmund snarls, holding his bloodied axe high while the now terrified Caliban looks on before crying out for mercy.

---

Back on hill, Euronomes called upon the power of Hermes to lend aid to the guide that Lord Joris had sent with the party. The blessing is an impressive one, and taxing to Euronomes as well. Almost instantaneously, the guide (a man who the party never quite got the name of) seemed to speed up before their eyes, moving with outstanding quickness as he swung his weapon against one of the Calibans, along with Petraceles who had raised a eyebrow in surprise. Together, the two men do a great deal of damage to the Scout that was caught in the talons. However, it is Petraceles that won the finishing blow, parting the Caliban's head from its body with one clean stroke of his sword.

Dysis watched, her sling and stone ready. Though for the moment, it was more likely that she'd hit one of her friends then an enemy.

---

Down on rolling slope, Arthanos and Aleta squared off against the Caliban leader. Aleta, pulling one of her throwing daggers from her cloak, aims quickly at the retreating Caliban and throws it.

Her aim is true, and it strikes the Caliban's calf. The beast cries out, first in pain, and then in horror as he watched Arthanos approach. He could not move fast enough to evade or parry the nobleman's blow, which also severs the leader's head from his body, which falls to the ground with a thud.

---

Their leader dead and number drastically down, the remaining two Calibans cry out for mercy. "We surrender! they beseech the party. "Please, don't kill us!

OOC: Lots of critical hits this round. Itylus was an insta-kill, while Arthanos had a critical hit that allowed another 1d6. Agmund's was a knock-down.

In any case, if you want to, I'll allow you guys to coup-de-grace the remaining two (as they are helpless and surrender) or you can question them or let them go)

Itylus' bow hadn't failed him thrice: his arrow had flown true and the Caliban Warrior had quite literally dropped dead before him - It had been a foolish thing to lunge against an aiming hunter!

Itylus raised his head when he heard Agmund's bellow as the barbarian prepared himself to finish off the second Caliban. It was quite an intimidating picture: A huge angered barbarian with an enormous bloodied battleaxe raised over his head, blood trickling down from his wounds, a feral snarl on his face, and a helpless and terrorized Caliban begging for mercy at his feet.

Itylus spared a quick glance towards the path on the hillside: only one Caliban remained and he was also begging for his life to the rest of the party.

They needed to interrogate them, or all of this would have been for nothing! So, feeling like an imprudent fox trying to rob a starving bear's dinner, he said to the barbarian:

"Wait, Agmund! Don't! We need him alive to interrogate him! "

As his blade bit through the creature's neck, Arthanos felt a bit of sorrow at killing the creature. They hadn't been expecting this attack, and were not prepared for this level of combat. Turning back he looked at the creature trapped in the wind spell.

"Drop your weapons, and we will spare your life." he remarked to the creature. Looking at the others standing near him he then calls out.

"Is everyone ok?"

Aleta watches the 2 remianing Caliban as she recoved her daggers. "I don't want to see any more blood. If you tell us what we need, we will let you go." she keeps watch around in case there was one they didn't know about.

Itylus' call for mercy comes too late, as Agmund's axe already begins to fall down upon the helpless Caliban. In but a brief moment, it's life is ended. Agmund simply shrugs as he looks back to Itylus, and then moves through the forest to meet up with the others.

Fortunately - one of the Calibans attacked still remains. The creature's weapons are dropped, and are quickly retrieved by the Guide. "Mercy, masters! Mercy!" the Caliban pleads, wide eyed as the rest of the group approaches. "What do you want to know?" it says nervously.

After collecting her weapons, she looks at the others. "I am fine but bothered we had to kill so many."

She looks at the last Caliban "If you don't don't any thing wrong, you will live"

That all done, Dysis issued a relieved breath, and gave thanks to the Gods. that they were victorious. Before moving down the hill to join the others, she glanced to Eurenomes and said:

"If you've any means to discern or compel truth, that may be very useful. Quite probably the swine will lie gleefully, if he can devise some means of doing us harm by it."

Arthanos stops in front of the creature and puts his sword away, then allows his shield to slide off his arm, the edge hitting the ground with a dull thud. Leaning on it slightly, he looked at the creature for a bit before speaking.

"Well, my first question at least is this; Are there any more of you? Think carefully about your answer."

Surrounded by humans - not to mention the corpses of its allies and friends - the remaining Caliban is abjectly terrified.

It had been staring at the body of it leader, but hearing Arthanos' question, turns his savage eyes to regard the human instead. "Yes, many more..." he says.

"We came to this forest to find nymphs." he continues "But Euryskos prevented us from taking them." he says.

Aleta looks at the Caliban "What can oyu tell us of Euryskos? We need to know as much as we can" 

"He's a Satyr." The Caliban replies to Aleta, with particular disgust as he says the word 'Satyr'. "An old one. A healer too, apparently. He charmed the nymphs of these woods long ago, and tried to stop my brothers and I from entering to claim them. He styles himself as the wood's 'protector'. Hmmph!"

The Caliban looks around at the others present "He couldn't stop us all by himself though. His nymphs helped, maybe some other creatures as well, because after confronting us he was able to vanish and we haven't found him since. Could be that these Boarmen you all are chasing after helped him somehow. We've seen them in the woods often enough."

Itylus had stayed behind in the woods collecting his arrows and searching for clues in the dead Calibans' bodies. After that he stopped one last time to throw an annoyed glance at the body of the Caliban killed by Agmund: if Agmund hadn't been so rash they could have interrogated both Calibans apart and known more easily when they were lying... But that probably had been asking too much from a barabarian. Anyway now they would have to do with the remaining Caliban.

He then went to meet the rest of the party - to his relive they all looked fine - and arrived in time to hear the Caliban's last answer. The creature sure looked scared enough, but was it being totally honest? Despite his doubts he approached the creature and said:

"Tell us everything you know about the boarmen."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:12, Sun 24 Feb 2013.

"The... boarmen?" the Caliban says "Of course, good masters. Of course." it says, managing a very weak smile in its attempt to pacify the group. "Unusual group these ones, very organized and focused. Not like boarmen at all. Takes a warlord or a sorcerer to bend their will usually, but we haven't seen any. They have their own leader that they listen to though, but we don't know anything about him."

He continues "Our group and theirs haven't gotten along. They sent an emissary demanding we leave. We figured they were under Euryskos' control, but it didn't seem likely." He shrugs "They probably are though. That's why we thought we'd have a natural alliance with you humans." He looks again at the bodies of his dead companions "Until now."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Wed 27 Feb 2013.

Itylus' face darkened at the Caliban's last words. "Natural allies, heim?" he crouched besides the Caliban, hood shadowing his eyes, hands fiddling with his dagger that had  suddenly appeared there from nowhere. Looking the Caliban in to the eyes he said : "Don't come to me with your honeyed words and insinuations Caliban. I am familiar with your kind and I know your deceitful and twisted nature."

You were trying to use us as a bait for your enemies and you were trying to put them against us in hope we would kill each other. And as soon as you saw one of us seemingly hopeless you tried to take advantage of it. You never saw us as allies, you just were trying to use us, so quit your petty lies and insinuations Caliban." he pointed his dagger idly to the Caliban's throat. "This that you see around you" he added, referring to the dead Calibans "was only your own doing."

"So" Itylus said in a calm voice "If you don't want to end up like your friends there, I advice you to be useful and answer our questions truthfully and without trying to deceive us. So then, I have another question... Caliban... There where seven of you following us, but I count only five now. Where are your other two companions? "
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Wed 27 Feb 2013.

Eurenomes looks on reluctantly, face pale. The priest of swift Hermes was no coward but neither was he a warrior and so he hung back from the interogation.

The Caliban's eyes narrowed as Itylus approached, and he looks side to side, almost for a means to escape as the hunter spoke. He might have attempted escape, if not for the warriors surrounding him with their weapons ready, not to mention the dagger soon put to his throat by Itylus.

He attempts a weak laugh "Yes, yes, of course I will be useful, good master. There are indeed more of us." he says, eyes focused on the blade. "We travel in small packs; the others that you mention are back at our camp." the Caliban says. "We stay well away from the boarmen's caves. I promise they are no friends to us."

While it would have been false to say that Dysis in any sense liked bloodshed, she nonetheless had a strong stomach, when it was needed.  The world was a brutal place. It was just the nature of life.  She had learned that as a girl, and accepted it today.

Even if they killed this creature, it would be cleaner than what they would have done with herself or her friends in reversed circumstance.  Or if they actually had gotten their hands on Aleta. She felt no sympathy for them.  No telling what murderous acts they'd go on to, if they survived this encounter.

She'd hoped Eurnomes might have magic to elicit the truth.  But, apparently not.  She certainly had none.  And she didn't trust this creature any further than she could hurl him.

"Let us hope the other two weren't sent back, to bring others. Or, gone on ahead to the boarmen, if he is lying about their association." she said to Itylus, and the others. "Why don't we move on, and see if there are any tracks ahead of us.  And gut this swine if so." 

"Well, the question is what do we do with him. When we run into the Satyr, I suppose I might also be able to lure him out though if he is old, he might not be tricked so easy. Plus if he has his fill on Nyphs, I am not sure if I am much bait. But the Boarmen might be a different story. Maybe our friend here" She points to the Caliban "Could be bait for the boarmen. We can't just let him go back and get more friends.

Arthanos listened to the viewpoints of the two girls. Looking first at Dysis, he answered her idea.

"I agree. If Itylus would be willing, scouting ahead would allow us to quickly verify this creatures tale." he said before looking back at the creature for a few seconds. "Unless there is anymore to your tale?"

After waiting a few more seconds for the creature to answer, he then looked at Aleta.

"Using him as bait might be a bit...cruel." he said thoughtfully. "Though trying to contact the satyr might be useful....if us hurting the trees hasn't offended the nymphs and him."

The Caliban watched the exchange between the party, eyes flickering from one person to the next. "No more in my tale, good master." he says to Arthanos. "The only advice I have on Euryskos is that he is a friend to humans, like yourself." His eyes narrow slightly as he says this. "If your concern about harming the trees means the Wood Titans, then it is ... unlikely he sent them to kill you. I don't think he has that power, or else he would have had them drive out my people by now."

He continues. "I'd be poor bait for the boarmen, masters." he says, a mean glare toward Aleta. "At most I'd be target practice." The Caliban gives a rueful smile. "They have archers, and javelin throwers..." he gestures with a nod of his head to the path ahead "And if you send me into their lair, I doubt I could draw them out to face you in battle. Again, more likely they would just kill me instead with a quick arrow or javelin. After all, I'm just one creature to them, hardly worth the effort."

---

Consensus at the moment seems to be for pushing on ahead.

Other options would be to backtrack either to look for additional Calibans, or to seek out Euryskos. If one of those options is more appealing, just make that known.

Thinking in the words of the Caliban, and in those of his companions, Itylus rose and asked most of the party to gather aside, out of the Caliban's hearing reach, except for Agmund whom he asked to keep an eye on the Caliban.

After the others had gathered again he said:"We must decide the fate of this Caliban and the path we are going to take." Looking at Arthanos and Dysis he continued "I certeinly can go ahead scout the terrain for signs of more Calibans, however I don't think in the end it will make much difference: even if those two Calibans were in the area before, they probably saw what happened to their companions and fled long ago."

While he spoke Itylus grabbed a fallen branch in the ground and started to sharpen it with his dagger: "Whether those two saw what happened here and reported to the rest of their tribe or not, most probably the Calibans will eventually find out what happened, which may lead to two results: either they will get so afraid of us that they won't bother us ever again, OR the Calibans will be angered and seek revenge. We must try to avoid this last result at all cost since it could put in risk our mission. For that purpose I think we could use this Caliban." he fixed into the ground the stake he had fashioned from the branch and continued:

"Using him as a bait for the Boarman would always be risky, at best, since he could try to betray us to the Boarman - not mentioning all the trouble that would be bringing him with us. Kill him perhaps would solve our troubles, but I think we could give him a better use by using him to spread fear on his own tribe: there is no more terrorizing story than the one told by a terrorized man." here he turned around and grabbed something from the ground behind him "We, of course, would also leave a little message to the Calibans" he then turned to the party again and drove the Caliban Leader's head in to the stake he had fixed on the ground.


OCC
Sorry  for the extra large post and the errors that the post might have, Itylus really did have a lot to say after so long silent, but I am already half-asleep so possibly there will be some errors on the post. If you think is confusing or don't understand something just tell me in the OOC chat and I will answer you and correct the post

"My suggestion actually was for all of us to move on.  It is the best course, I think, in case the others did go back for help, or ahead to the boarmen. That I think is the largest concern. That there may in fact be an alliance, that he is not divulging.  And that they will be prepared for us, when we do arrive.  If we move soon enough to see any signs of them ahead of us, at least we might have our own warning, that way." As to Aleta's idea:

"I think Aleta was saying we might use the Caliban to lure Euskyros out. If he sees we hold one of his enemy's prisoner."  But, swiftly enough, that became a moot issue...

She averted her head, when Itylus impaled the skull of the dead caliban.  A grotesque thing to observe, but she understood the 'motivation' the hunter was trying to achieve with it.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

Though the group had moved out of hearing range of the still-living Caliban's hearing, the sight of the action Itylus took in driving the head of the deceased Caliban leader's head through the freshly sharped stake was indeed visible and had an effect upon the survivor of the battle.

The captured beast cries out, enraged by the gruesome sight. "May the Gods curse you, humans!" before attempting to lunge forward from his position to attack Itylus.  He does not get far, however, as Agmund swiftly brings his axe down upon the Caliban's neck and back, taking the life of the wretched creature.

After withdrawing his weapon, Agmund approaches the group, noting Itylus' work with a grim nod. "It is over. They will not forgive these deaths. Let us move on."

Arthanos nodded, accepting the logic behind Itylus' words. He followed the man as he signaled to move away from the creature and listened as Itylus and then Dysis spoke. He nods at Dysis's point.

"Your argument seems sou..." he started to say before he realises what Itylus is doing and watches as he drives the leaders head onto a spike. Turning to look at the other caliban, he manages to catch its expression as it sees what Itylus did to it's leader.

"NOO!" he starts to yell as the creature dives forward and Agmund's axe drops the poor creature.

Arthanos looks at the dead creature, his mind racing. Killing in battle and combat was one thing...but this was almost as if it was planned...his gaze suddenly flicked from Agmund to Itylus as he considered their actions. Both had come from the trees together, and Itylus had asked Agmund to wait next to the Caliban. Had the two already agreed before hand to simply kill the creature and wanted the rest of them away while they did?

Arthanos turned back slowly to face Itylus, but shifted his position so he could see both him and Agmund.

"Did you intend to provoke him like that?" he asks Itylus, doing his best to keep his tone neutral.

She looks at Itylus and just sighs. Now he can't be used if if they wanted too.

Itylus heard an angered cry behind him. Quickly he turned around, knife already flashing in his hand, and saw, to his shock, the maddened Caliban trying to lounge in his direction! He started to move in order to stop it, but before he could do anything, Agmund's axe fell upon the creature and sent it in to the afterlife.

Gasps and a shout followed, but Itylus just stood there, frozen, watching the remains of the cursed creature. He hadn't been expecting the Caliban to still have enough spirit left in him to react so violently at the sight of his leader head in a stack... Obviously he had badly underestimated these Calibans devotion for their leader, which meant the rest of the tribe would certainly try to revenge his leader's death.

After the shock, fury came, it was the second time the barbarian dispatched a potentially valuable prisoner. He turned to Agmund and exclaimed furiously:"Why on the world did you kill him? He was no threat to us unarmed! You could have just grabbed him or knocked him out! There was no need to kill him! Now we can't use him to scare the rest of his pack anymore!" Though, by the level of fanaticism this Caliban had displayed, probably that wouldn't have made any difference in the end. However Itylus was too angered to realize that at the moment. "You can't be so free on your axe and kill every enemy at the first excuse!" he exclaimed frustrated, though of course he knew, that that was the nature of the Hyperborean folk.

When Arthanos spoke, he turned to face him, watching him with narrowed eyes and in a calmer but cold  voice he answered:"Of course not! Had I intended to kill him, I would have sunk my knife on his heart as soon as I had him in front of me! I am not like your petty city lords who conceal their intentions and actions behind polite manners and smiley masks! If I intend to do something I just do it! Without trying to hide my actions behind deceptions and delusions! And at this moment, what I intend to do is help you save that girl from the hands of the Boarmen, and that is what in name of Artemis I certainly will do!"

Without another word he strode out from amid the party and in to the edge of the woods, there he stopped for a second and without turning around he shouted to the others:"I will go ahead and track the area for sign of more Calibans, I advise you to get ready and start moving as soon as you can. Soon we will have a pack of furious Calibans in our feets." he paused and then said: "The golden belt of that Caliban leader seemed somehow magical to me... One of the magicians should take a look at it. And... have someone to take a look at Agmunds wounds, he was injured." And without other word he vanished among the trees.

---

_{OCC
Yeap, Itylus got rather piss off with this turn of the events. Mostly because he felt somewhat guilty about it, but don't worry, he will get over it. Meanwhile he went scounting ahead, for his part he is ready to continue the journey.}

Agmund stood impassively as Itylus railed against him for his act in killing the Caliban, and watched as the hunter then moved off ahead to scout. Looking to the others present, he shrugs, only saying "The creature received a warrior's death. Better for him to die with honor then have his throat cut as if he were a thief, or be left for bait."

The barbarian grunts, hefting his axe and then begins to move on ahead on the path.

Her eyes followed Itylus, as he made his way into the trees.

Well.  One of those "chariot wrecks" -- that were equal parts ill luck, ill temper, and ill circumstance.  And all Fate.  She had no sympathy for the murderous caliban, and the bare fact of his death didn't bother her. She had doubts about he having any further use, as well, though it could have been.  Whether he'd lived or died, any neutrality they'd had with those creatures was now done. Dysis sighed.

"Best we save our barbs for our enemies, eh?  To my thinking, the greatest misfortune of this would be its effecting our ability to work together.  That sort of issue we can't afford.  Since I don't believe any one of us will achieve our goal alone. Eurenomes - can you see to Agmund?"

As the Elementalist concluded speaking, she knelt to inspect the golden belt the leader bore.

"I will try and determine what this is.  I don't fancy I'm laying any claims to it.  If I figure it out, and it can aid us, we'll give it to whomever is best suited to wear it."   
__________

Dysis has the scholar skill, and will try to use that with her occult training to get some idea what this might be.  If Eurnomes has a better way, she'll hand it over to him, or anybody else who might.   
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

"I agree, what is done is done. I am not going to shead any tears for it and we need to stick together to win. Now lets get moving. I hope if we get rid of this thing holding the girl, the rest of the Calibans will stay away from us." she shoulders her bag and starts walking.

"Dysis, if you figure out what it does, let us know and then it can help who ever it is best."

For the moment, Eurnomes seemed disinterested in the belt, or at least was willing to allow Dysis to try her hand at looking at the item first before he attempted any kind of divination regarding the properties of said item.

He seemed slightly weary - it was possible that the vision that Hermes had provided the young priest had taken a slight toll on him, as he began to trudge up the hill along with a few of the others.

Meanwhile, Dysis examines the golden belt, carefully examining it...

---

For the moment, Dysis would have to put the belt away as her companions left the scene of carnage behind them to trek up the hill where they had awaited their ambush. From there on, Lord Joris' guide would push them ahead towards the location of the caves, and while they'd occasionally catch a glimpse of Itylus through the trees - it seemed to be more for their benefit that they know he was still around, as opposed to somehow catching the hunter off guard.

Hours pass.

While the group is on guard either for an attack from the trees themselves, or wrathful Calibans, and elusive boarmen, no attack ever comes.


Finally the group catches up to Itylus, who gestures on up ahead past a small grove of trees. It was there that the hunter had spotted a gaping cave mouth, tall enough for even a centaur to pass through, and wide enough to fit at least two of the same side to side. The path towards it is well worn, but is extremely muddy, especially in front of the entrance to the cave itself. It is laden with tracks leading up to and in it of various sorts of creatures, which Itylus easily identifies as boarmen, or boar-like creatures. Tracks belonging to humans, or human-like creatures are also seen, but these are far fewer in quantity.

Joris' guide nods and points ahead towards the caves. "This is the place. Those are the cursed Caverns of Voros." he says, his voice shaken in fear. "Gods protect you if you go into that evil place. For I will not follow." he says.

Dysis glanced toward the caves, but her attention was back to the earlier matter.  The magical matter.  Like any good scholar of the occult, her mind was seized upon a mystery.   One that actually could be of value to them, at least...

She took out the belt, once again.  "It is magical," she said, almost as much to herself as those about her.  "There is power there. The Caliban didn't know that. With a little more time, I might be able to deduce how to tap it..."

Euronomes looked very pale after the slaughter, glanced at the belt but did not take it. "I... I don't think I have enough power left to examine the belt and do healing. Even the gods are sparing in their gifts to their servants to teach us not to take them for granted." The priest looked humbled and miserable at admitting his limits and quickly hurried over to investigate Agmund's wounds.

Aleta leans against a tree looking at the cave enterence. "So Euronomes, how long till you are feeling more up to healing us when we get hurt?" she hated going inot a place with only one way in and out.

Itylus stood there, watching the caves, while the others caught up with him. It was too quiet in the entrance of the boarmen's lair for his liking. Where were the boarmen? Deep inside the caves? Hunting somewhere?... Or waiting to ambush them?  He didn't liked the muddy ground neither. It would be difficult to move through all that mud, which made the entrance of the cave a perfect place for an ambush...

He saw the human footprints in the mud and a sudden thought came to his mind: was that what had happened to the first group Lord Joris had sent here? Had they been ambushed in the entrance of the cave?

"This is a too good spot for an ambush for my liking." he said quietly to the rest.

Itylus' eyes fell then in Joris' man's pale face. How was possible he hand't remembered to ask him this before? Approaching the man and putting a hand in his shoulder to soothe him, he asked: "You were part of Joris' first rescue party weren't you? Tell me exactly how you were ambushed."

"My master had sent us, a small band, to save the fair lady Veda." He said mournfully as he looked ahead at towards the cavern entrance. "We made great haste, pushing ourselves as quickly as we could until we had found the spot where she had been initially overtaken by the boarmen. From there, we made our way here."

He pauses a moment, swallowing hard. "We were united in our purpose, and our morale was high until we discovered that the tracks led to the cave. Many, including myself, wanted to wait before we ventured in. The caverns are said to be cursed, and to enter them will invoke the wrath of the Furies, but others in group demanded that such fears were nonsense, and that the Gods favored our mission."

He shakes his head. "As we argued, a horrible, inhuman bellowing began to come forth from the caverns themselves. I do not know how to describe it, save that it was an unearthly hollow sound that struck fear into our hearts and made our veins run cold. It frightened at least half our number, who began to scatter in all directions. It was then that the boarmen came out from the cave in great numbers. In our panic, they overwhelmed us within seconds."

He continues "Those that fled were all killed, at least, I think they were. On my return journey I saw many struck down throughout the woods. I think that the boarmen had snipers, or were just waiting to ambush those others who ran off in panic."

He concludes "I was nearly killed myself. I had taken several blows upon their initial attack and was knocked over by a comrade who had been struck by an arrow. I only survived because my head had hit something that knocked me unconscious...

By the time I woke up, it was dark, and all around me were dead and the boarmen were nowhere to be seen. I do not know how I made it back alive, without being killed by the boarmen or worse, but by the grace of the Gods I made it back to my master"

Tears fall down the guide's face now. "Please ask me no more of this."

Itylus pondered about the words of the woodsman for a moment, then turning towards the two magicians he asked: "Is there anyway you can find out if there is really some sort of curse in this caves?"

Arthanos stared intently at the caves, his mind ticking through possibilities. As the man recounted what happened to the last group, Arthanos nodded to himself.

"Itylus, can you check this area quickly? If they have watchers and we haven't seen them, I'd hate for them to hit us in the rear if we were fighting near the cave?" he said before looking at the two magicians himself. "On top of sensing curses, can either of you start fire from a distance?" We could try to smoke them out. If not, we could try to bottleneck the cave mouth. It's only two people wide, so me and Petracles could seal it. If we make some spears from trees, others can also hit the boarmen in front.

Aleta looks at the others "If the first party waited too long, they got found and the boarmen surrounded them. Which probably means that there is another exit. If there is, they could be moving around us now. So lets make a decision and do it. "

Petracles had nodded along with Arthanos' assessment, adding "While we prepare, we should have others scout out the enemy position if possible." he gestures towards the cave entrance "Perhaps Aleta or Itylus could enter the cave just far enough to see how far back they go. If they can keep quiet, perhaps they could even get an accurate count of how many boarmen are inside, or if the lady Veda is present with them."

He then points to the woods around them "The other, or both I suppose, could scout the woods to see if our enemy lurks out there, and see if there might be another entrance to this cavern. I somehow doubt that there is only one way in and one way out." he says with a smile toward Aleta.

Agmund had been staring at the cavern for some time, listening to the others speak. He then says "Those gifted with magic might be able to tell if the cavern is cursed, but I for my part... I can feel a darker power radiating." He nods slowly "Death." he mummers softly.

"I cannot tell if there is a curse, specifically.  And might have written off the sound the first expedition heard as something produced naturally. To frighten.  But the Norseman's feeling would seem to say otherwise," she glanced briefly toward the barbarian.  "Hopefully Eurnomes may tell more. And flame is not my element.  But I say this --  I agree time is likely against us, and I very agree it is still worth the risk to know the situation better. I vote for sending one afield and, maybe, one into the cave.  The latter could take and wear this belt..." she held it up again.

"I cannot say what it does yet.  But I believe it consecrated to Apollo. And surely magical. It should offer protection, though I don't know how, exactly."  She shook her head.  "It's a risk, with what Agmund has said. But probably wiser than several going in, with no protection, not knowing what the source of it is." 
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Fri 22 Mar 2013.

Itylus watches silently while his companions talk, taking in account their arguments, measuring the risk, evaluating the situation. To Arthanos and Petracles' suggestion he answers: "Yes, myself was already planning on doing just that. I´ll scout the area surrounding the caves, and try to find signs of the boarmen and what they are up to. I also will see if I can find a more discrete way in to the caves."

He pauses then for a second, as if debating with himself, an then, as if reaching a resolution, he continues:"If I don´t find anything... then I will be the one to scout this entrance. It is already bad enough to go in to the lair of a creature one knows so little about, but if there could be some dark magic at work in there, then entering blindly this cave could prove fatal. To avoid we all walk right in to a trap, or something worse, someone has to  go in there first and explore the entrance to the caves. Being the most experiment in this sort of environments, I will be the one to go."

"So," he said, adjusting his bow in his shoulder, and getting ready to depart."withouth further delay, I'll go scout the area. In case I don't find another way in, then I'll take my chances and go in to the lion's den through the main entrance."

He turns to Aleta:"If you wish you may come with me to scout the area, and extra pair of stealthy eyes is always welcome."

---

_{OCC: Independently of Aleta's answer Itylus will depart immediately after it.}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:06, Fri 22 Mar 2013.

Aleat looks at Itylus "Yes, I will go with you. I just think we need to act quickly before the boarmen figure out there is someone out here" She follows where ever Itylus goes, trying to move as quietly as possible.

Itylus and Aleta take their leave of the party, and begin to search the perimeter surrounding the caves. Initially they find nothing out of place or unusual. As they walk 'up' onto the rocky hill above the caves, they can both determine that the caves either must be very shallow - only taking up the space of the hill itself, or they descend deeper into the earth, in which case it would be impossible to tell how far down it would go.




Finally, as they almost complete their circle around the caverns, they pass by a large mossy boulder against the hill wall. (OOC: 'H' on the map)  Although something as everyday as that might be ignored if they were merely passing by, something tells the two that they should stop a moment to investigate. As they examine the edges, Aleta confirms to Itylus that she can feel a slight breeze (and a slight unpleasant smell) coming from where the boulder met the wall. Itylus judges that it would not be easily moved, though somebody strong enough might be able to push the boulder out of the way to grant them access to the cave.

Itylus also judges that it seems unlikely that the boarmen know about this entrance, given that the moss and other natural growth on the stone appears to be untouched by man or beast.

Back at the main camp, Arthanos put his plan into motion, though he learns from the magicians that neither of them have the ability to magically create fire. Euronomes suggests that he could try to invoke his patron Hermes to determine whether there might be an actual curse, but he would need time to recover from his most recent appeal to the Gods (that, and while the Gods enjoy meddling in the affairs of humans, they get annoyed with constant questions)

Arthanos, Petracles and Agmund began hacking down some smaller limbs from trees as to fashion crude spears. They would not have elegance or endurance, but wielded correctly, they might be able to kill.

She looks at Itylus "I wonder if we could put some stones against this boulder to make it ever harder to move, so it would be harder for them to try and flank us. I am not sure if we could move it"

Itylus examines the boulder and then says:" I think that perhaps with the help of the others we would be able to move this boulder just enough for us to pass through. It would be a lot better than entering the boarmen's lair through the front door or smoking all of them out into an open fight. And if we aren´t capable of moving the boulder I doubt the boarmen will. This moss in and around it shows that the boulder has been like this for a long time."

"In any case," he says, moving away from the boulder "we've better go tell the others about this, and then decide what to do about it."

"OK, I agree with you. Let see if we can get the others and try and move it just a little. Or we could start a fire in the opening and smoke them out the other end?" she says with a grin.

"Hmmm... that actually sounds like a good idea. We could smoke them out through here, they would come out through the main entrance to try to find out what is going on, and then we would enter the emptied caves through here undetected." he said thoughtful."Of course we would have to be quick and we would have to worry about the smoke ourselves, but it could work."

"Anyway, come Aleta," he said walking away from the boulder "let's tell the others what we found out." And with this he starts to head back to where they had left the others.

Aleta follows him back to the others. "OK, lets go see what they think"

Aleta and Itylus return to where the others were waiting and relay to them their discovery of the large boulder, as well as the idea of smoking the boarmen out of the caves.  After some discussion, they agree to attempt to try to move the large boulder first.  The three strongest of the group are (perhaps unsurprisingly) Itylus, Petracles and Agmund.  Each of them attempts to use their strength to push the boulder away, but either their strength fails or the boulder is just too firmly entrenched in for them to budge it enough to get momentum to push it away.

Apart from looking foolish, there was little risk except for that of losing a little bit of time.

"At least we know that if we can't move it, it is doubtful that any of them can." comments Agmund as he wipes sweat from his brow.

OOCL

23:43, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Petracles, rolled 7 using 1d10. Feat of Strength (Target = 14).
23:42, Today: Agmund rolled 3 using 1d10. Feat of Strength (Target = Secret).
23:42, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Itylus, rolled 9 using 1d10. Feat of Strength (Target = 13)

If nothing else, this failure now paved the way clear for them. They will have to attempt a frontal assault on the boarmen. The attempts at building stakes to impale the boarmen was slow going, and after some consideration, it would be difficult to start a fire at the entrance of the cave.

Strangely - as they begin their entry into the caves, it is eerily quiet.  They go in about 60 feet before there is a split in the paths.  There is a pathway to their left (northwest), that descends downwards. Examining the path from their location, Itylus determines that the pathway is little used. Dysis and Aleta determine that gauging from the smell, something dead or rotting must be down that path.

To their right (northeast), the path remains steady.  It is obvious to everybody that boarmen use this pathway, given the tracks in the dirt, as well as bits of fur, or the occasional old broken weapon, such as a spearhead in the corners of the passageway.  Aleta briefly scouts ahead, and comes back to report that after about another 30 feet going northeast, there is yet another split of path heading southeast.   She also reports seeing some torchlight if they ignore that split and continue going north.

Thus far they were undetected, but choices would have to be made.  Would they investigate the rotting smell to the northwest, or tread up the path towards the torchlight (and probably the boarmen) to the northeast instead?

After hearing Aleta's report, Itylus whispers to the others: "What way do you want to go? I think we should take the path to the right - It seems that's where the boarmen are and, therefore, their prisoners. Besides," he continues while throwing a suspicious look towards the left path. "I doubt I am the only one who has a bad feeling about the other path. I don't think there is anything good down there."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Sat 10 Aug 2013.

Arthanos keeps towards the front of the group, hoping to use his shield to limit any attack that comes up the tunnel at them. When Aleta returns with her report, he hefts his shield slightly, taking the time to settle it and thinking about what she had said.

"I agree with the idea that there is nothing good down there...but I am worried about leaving an unexplored path behind us." He thinks for a few more seconds. "I think it might be best if we go in quickly and try to take them by surprise. We can always return with more people later to search this place fully."

Aleta whispers "I think we can't avoid leaving tunnels behind us if we are to continue forward.  So lets just go along the path that looks the most used." When she scouts, she keeps her hand on her throwing knives.

Agmund nods in agreement with Arthanos, though given the darkness of the cave and that the party was using little light, it might have been the shaggy barbarian just shaking off dirt or cobwebs. "We should go in front." he suggests "As soon as we see a boarman, we attack."

He turns to peer off down the passageway that smells of death, a frown on his face.

Dysis had no reason to refute the selection.   Having used a good deal of her power, she would need be to personally careful, though.  Armed with dagger and wooden shield, she was hardly any combatant to go toe to hoof with a berserk boarman.

But though she had used up her more overt powers, a few more subtle things were yet possible.  Either in defense of the party, if projectile attacks were used against them. Or an approach that had nothing to do with meeting an enemy face to face.

She noted the Hyperborean's expression.  And decided to inquire.  She asked him:

"Is it just that it stinks of death?  Or some more specific death, perhaps?"

Personally, she was doing her best to breathe through her mouth...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Tue 13 Aug 2013.

She looks at Agmund "I still think I should be sneaking up front. I might sneak up on them and then hear something good.  Or see a better time to attack."

Arthanos looks down the tunnel, then back at Aleta.

"If you do go scout ahead and run into trouble, head straight back to us. I'll move my shield enough for you to get past then we'll block the passage." Arthanos says, and gestures at Agmund as he says the last part.

Itylus considered offering to go scout ahead with Aleta, but he realized that in the narrows ways of the caves that only would make them more easy to spot. Besides he had already seen the scouting skills of Aleta in action, and he knew he could trust her to do a good job and not get caught.

Instead, he decided to remain in the rear of the group and keep an eye to anything that eventually tried to sneak up on them from behind.

Having decided that, he readies his bow and walks to the rear of the group while saying: "Well, are you all ready to continue then? The day grows old and we have better hurry." from the back of the group he adds: " I'll be bringing up the rear."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:30, Thu 15 Aug 2013.

Aleta grins at Arthanos "Don't worry, If I run into anything, I will be right back. If I come to a split, I will wait. she then pulls a throwing knife and starts up the hall. She tries to move up the hall as quietly as possible.

"Fortuna bless you." Arthanos says softly as Aleta heads off down the tunnel.

Turning to face Itylus, Arthanos nods. "Yes, we should be ready. Try not to let anything sneak up on us." he replies cheerfully. He then turns and gestures for Petracles to stay with him as they move into the tunnel.

Itylus eyes follow Aleta as she disappears in the darkness of the right tunnel.

Then with a smile he replies to Arthanos: "Rest easy, not even a fly will pass through us without my knowing. Just be sure you don't let anything break through you neither!".

When the others start moving after Aleta, Itylus softly murmurs under his breath "May Artemis guide us and protect us all!", and then follows silently. All five senses in sharp alert as they plunge in to the darkness of the tunnel.

Agmund shook his head in response. "I do not know. There is a wrongness about whatever it is." he says grimly.



Aleta moves ahead in the cave, taking the the northeastern passage.  While she noted there was yet another split in paths, her observation of the new split heading southeast was that it was not often used by boarmen, given lack of foot traffic.  She continues forward.

Aleta goes about fifty more feet in the northeastern passage before finding another split.  Directly ahead of her is a large cavern filled with various wooden crates and boxes.  Sneaking forward (and seeing nobody around for the moment) Aleta peers in and sees that they contain various provisions: some food, various weapons varying between almost brand new and completely rusted or worn with age or use. There are other items that would be best described as 'worthless junk'. While it was certainly possible that there might be something of value here, they would have to search the room first.

Returning back from the passageway, Aleta sees two passages. One to the west, and another to the east. Both are well used by the boarmen from the looks of it, though as she tentatively moves in the western passage she notes a stronger smell of animal (undoubtedly that of boarmen) as well as the sounds of some of them conversing further up in the passage. How many or how far up is uncertain to the young woman.  From the eastern passage Aleta hears no conversation and the smell is not as strong.


OOC: A more detailed map of the caverns is pending.  The storage room, as well as other passages not yet taken will be marked off on it if the group decides to explore further.

Aleta sneaks back to the group and tells them what she saw and heard. "I would like to sneak up closer and see how many boarmen there are. If you hear a whistle, come running"

So far so good... Or so it seemed. They had managed to go this far without being detected, and it had been almost too easy. However Itylus knew that easiness couldn't last much longer.

While Aleta was speaking he checked once more the path from where they had come... Nothing. His grip on the bow tightened.

Once she had finished he nodded and said: "I agree with you Aleta, but be very careful! Also, try to see if you can overhear anything that may give us a clue to where the Boarman keep their prisoners. Meanwhile I'll be checking the other path and see where it leads."

Turning to the others Itylus nods to the room before them and suggests: "In the mean time perhaps you should try to search this storage room to see if there is something useful in it."



OCC: Itylus won't depart immediately, he will wait to see if everyone agrees with this.

Arthanos frowns slightly as he hears the layout, then speaks.

"I think we should move up to the junction as a group. If that room has weapons, I'd prefer to cut the boarmen off from them. Plus it may have other useful supplies we could use. While you guys scout, we can check the room out." he says, looking at the others.

Aleta moves up to the split with the party and then sneaks off up the western hall.  She makes sure she stays quiet and keeps her eyes peeled.

(ooc-Aleta rolled 11 using 1d20+7. stealth.
GM edit: with +4 thievery bonus, actual number 15)
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

Itylus watched Aleta sneak in to the left path once the party reached the junction.

He looks around for a moment, making sure no one is coming from any of the paths. Itylus then brings out his spear from the place in his back where he usually kept it while he didn't use it, walks towards Arthanos and tells him:

"Here, take care of this for me while I go scout the other path, please. Though  its a loyal spear in combat, it will be only a hindrance down there." He gives Arthanos the spear, and then says: "I'll be back soon."

Without further ado, Itylus turns around and disappears in to the right path, moving as silently as he is able.

OCC: 09:55, Today: Itylus rolled 27 using 1d20+10. Stealth (Target = 12).

+10 Because I use both my danger evasion (+6) and my hunting bonuses(+4)
Target 12 since I gave the spear to Arthanos (Normal encumbrance: 14)


This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

Aleta sneaks away. Her feet hardly making a sound in the earthen cave, and before anybody knows it, she has blended into the natural shadows and darkness of the caverns as well as she began to take the left path.  It is clear that this way leads to the heart of the boarmen's activity as Aleta finds yet another split in passages.  Fortunately, they are not too far apart. She first travels south (Chamber D) and finds herself looking into a large communal cave that the boarmen use. As she looks around from her vantage point, she notes crude tables, and mattresses on the ground, as well as what looked to be either dried blood all over one of the closer tables.

More importantly than that, are the three boarmen that are currently in the communal chamber. One of them is sleeping, or at least it looked like he is sleeping. The other two were sitting at a table further away and seemed to be conversing in their guttural beastly language.

Aleta heads back and peeks into the northern chamber. (Chamber E) The presence of a human woman - who could be none other than Veda is the first thing that Aleta sees. She appears to be unharmed, and unbound as well, sitting on a small mattress in the furthermost corner of the room. She hugs her legs and keeps her head down, hair spilling over.

There were three boarmen in this room too.  One of them Aleta assumed to be the leader, as he stood closer to Veda, and looked, as far as boarmen go, more dignified, or even gentle then the others that she had seen so far. He carried a deadly looking crossbow though, and obviously was still a danger.  The other two boarmen looked to be guards, standing at attention keeping an eye out for intruders.

As one of them begins to sniff the air, Aleta moves back towards the party so she could remain undetected.

Itylus snuck away, heading about forty feet down a very narrow passageway, before finding himself face to face with the same large boulder that he had encountered on the other side. Little bits of natural sunlight peer from small cracks.  As he turns around to head back, he notes a small passage heading north (Chamber G) Heading into that cave, he discovers it is actually a small shrine, containing a crude wood carved statuette of Og, who Itylus recalls to be the beastly god of the Boarmen.  This statuette is surrounded by various offerings that the boarmen have left behind. Mostly dead birds, rabbits, an occasional chipmunk or squirrel.  All were in various states of decay.  While at first glance the chamber appears to be empty, Itylus spots two boarmen wearing, strangely enough, robes who were kneeling at the shrine, as if in prayer.  Given that the two were not moving, the robes they wore made it almost seem like they were part of the chamber itself.  Perhaps there was a magic in what they wore?

But one of them begins to move. It turns its' head and begins to sniff the air, and thus Itylus made his exit before his scent could be detected.

The rest of the party examines the other crates in the storeroom.  Clothing, weapons (mostly spears, but occasionally crossbows and arrows) are found in several of the crates. Most of the others contains food. It seems that the boarmen are not keeping any treasure here though.



Legend

A = Front Entrance to Caverns
B = Unxplored passageway (smells of 'Death')
C = Unexplored passageway
D = Communal Cave
E = Leader's Lair
F = Boarmen's Storeroom
G = Boar Shrine
H = Hidden Entrance / Large Boulder

Aleta sneak back and tells the party in a whisper what she saw. She whispers "there is only 3 with the woman but at least 3 more will come quickly. I wonder if we could set a trap for the 3 that might come to help"

Itylus returned in time to hear Aleta describe what she had found out. Once she was done he reported his own findings.

 In the end he added: "I think there is something odd going on here. Eight boarmen certainly don't sound like the terrible horde that annihilated Lord Joris' first rescue party. Where are the rest?"

"I suppose we could have been lucky and infiltrated the caves while the boarmen are in a hunting trip, and I guess we might have missed some in the passageways we didn't explore, but... I feel there is much more going on in to this than we know. We have to be extra careful when we go in there to save your friend."

"Would it be worth our while to take out the shrine first?" Arthanos asks after the others report their findings. "If something is causing problems, would it not be from their...god?" he asks, the pauses as he thinks, then something Aleta mentions clicks.

"Maybe we could trap them...except we hit the entire group in the trap." he says, "If we hide in the store and create a noise back towards the entrance, when the go past to see what it is, we hit them in the rear. Those cloaked guys, and maybe the boss, are likely to be in the rear, so clear them out and we could discourage the others."

Itylus nods as he hears Arthanos speak:

"I was thinking something along those lines too. What about burning that cursed shrine?" he smiles. "I am sure we can easily handle those two boarmen "priests", and once we burn the shrine the rest are bound to go there see what's going on."

He continues: "That's when would have our chance. To either ambush them, or try to sneak past them for the girl." Itylus turns to look at Dysis. "Either way I think that your proficiency with... shadows, could be of great help to avoid an upfront battle. Could you do something to blind the boarmen or hide us from them once they reached the shrine?"

Dysis nodded.  "It will need my remaining power, but yes, I can.  Blinding them is a better approach.  I can hide myself in shadow. A larger area of darkness will be obvious as unnatural.   It will not cling to them, you understand. They can move out of it. Though I'm guessing their exit would be a confused, clumsy one.  And I agree with you, in both things.  So few of them is odd. And burning the shrine a good tactic."

"but remember, if you start a fire down here, the smoke will start to fill the caves. It could help cover us or it could hurt us as we might get lost in it" she says in a whisper.

Itylus nods: "Yes, that's true. Playing with fire always brings risks. But we'll have to take risks one way or another."

"If we act quickly I think the smoke won't be much of a problem. Besides, once the whole shrine has burned the fire will probably die by himself. There won't be much else for it to burn."

"If we time it right, the fire might cover our retreat.  I would like to set up traps but I am not sure how much stuff we have to make one."

The party gathers close together and discusses the best way to proceed. Having a general strategy in place, they decide leave Agmund and Petracles behind with instructions to wait for either the sound of battle or some other signal that they were attacking, at which point they were to call out the boarmen waiting in the leader's lair and the communal gathering place and draw them out.

Before departing, a quick check of inventory reveals that Dysis and Itylus carried rope. While it seems that at first they have no way to actually secure a rope trap in place, Aleta discovers a few small iron spikes nearby the crates in the storehouse, which were likely used at one point to keep the crates secured shut. Tossing them to Itlyus and Arthanos, the two hastily set up a trap that would snag and trip the boarmen's ankles if they were to come down this passageway and weren't being especially cautious in doing so.

Set and ready, Agmund nods to the others "We will wait for your signal." he says.

The party proceeds down the narrow passageway, and halt when they get to the abrupt turn leading to the cavern where the shrine was. (Area 'G' on map, Boarman Shrine)

14:46, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Itylus, rolled 25 using 1d20+11. Stealth: Target = 10.
14:45, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Itylus, rolled 12 using 1d20+10. Stealth: Target = 12 .

Aleta masterfully blends in and moves softly towards the shrine, while Itylus follows. By appearances he is not quite as masterful as her, but he is able to move without making noise as well.

As they approach the entrance to the shrine, they look around, and after a moment, spot the two boarmen sentries that Itylus had spotted before, only this time seem to be in the middle of a sacrifice. Hunter and thief watch as one of the boarmen lifts up a live rabbit to the small wooden idol and say  It then twists the neck of the rabbit, breaking it before dropping it down onto the altar, while the other draws a knife ready to begin whatever part of the ritual took place next.

Back where the others are, Eurenomes begins to look a little nervous. "My patron, the great Hermes, or any of the other Gods should be pleased if we destroy the boarman's shrine in their honor. Still, one never knows when it comes to matters such as this. Gods are fickle creatures, and might not like us intruding upon another's realm, even such a minor deity as the boarmen's beastly Gods."

---

OOC: Itylus and Aleta the boarmen are distracted, if you wish to try to stealthily enter the chamber, you will gain an additional +4 circumstantial bonus to your roll.  (and please make that roll and include it with your post).  If you wish to immediately attack from your position, you can do that as well, and will take them by surprise, gaining either a +4 circumstantial to hit for a ranged weapon, or a +2 circumstantial to hit for a melee weapon. You cannot both move stealthily into the chamber and attack at the same time this round.

(Also note: whispering to one another would not go well given your proximity to the boarmen, they would undoubtedly hear you.)

OOC Everybody else: You are waiting for your allies up ahead.  You cannot hear anything going on up ahead. It has been a few minutes and you could try to go see how they are progressing.  If you wish to do so stealthily, You can make that roll: 1D20 + Danger Evasion Mod, Target number = Your Encumberance Mod.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Thu 05 Sept 2013.

Aleta puts her finger to her lip and motions for them to attack now, yes? she pulls out one of her throwing knives.

Itylus sees Aleta's signal and gives her a slight nod. Then, silently, he rises his bow, nocks an arrow in place, aims at the back of the neck of the closest boarman priest... and releases the arrow.


OCC:
10:54, Today: Itylus rolled 22 using 2d20+10, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 6,12. Missile Attack with Weapon of Choice.


This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

Aleta throws her dagger at the Priest's throat (as long as its un armored).

(ooc- Today: Aleta rolled 26 using 1d20+7. throw dagger. I forgot to add the +4 circumstantial to hit for a ranged weapon so I got a 30 to hit. Is that correct?)

While Arthanos is tempted to try and sneak forward to see how the others are doing, he knew it would be a wasted effort with the armour he was wearing. Sighing quietly to himself, he waited for the sound of combat being joined and prepared to charge to the aid of his team mates.

Aleta and Itylus' attacks take the boarmen completely by surprise. Within a mere matter of seconds, they are killed. One by a dagger to the throat, the other by an arrow. Any squeals or shouts of surpise or alarm are drowned out completely as both boarmen choke on their own blood.

Cautiously, Aleta and Itlyus enter the room, checking to make sure that the boarmen are well and truly dead, but it only takes a quick glance at the bodies to tell that they had done their work well.  They do a quick search of the room, and find it empty. No other passages elsewhere from what they could tell, just the remains of animal sacrifices.  Though Aleta does notice a small wooden box underneath the boarmen's altar that is currently locked.

The Discovery of Veda

Pleased by their success in taking down two of the boarmen's number without incident, the party gathers their strength and launches an attack on the boarmen in full force. While they take a few wounds, they are insignificant to the number of boarmen that they fell with dagger, arrow, sword and spell and soon all save for the leader and his two bodyguards remain, guarding the terrified Veda who cowers in her corner of the leader's lair.

Arthanos and Petraceles step forward, each one quickly dispatching the bodyguards while the leader remains close to Veda - acting almost as if he were guarding her instead of threatening her in any way. Still, not wanting him to kill the terrified young woman, the group keeps its distance, save for Aleta, who blended into the shadows. Taking advantage of her stealth, she inflicts a grievous wound on the boarman chieftain, distracting it from his task. An arrow from Itylus and a quick sword thrust from Arthanos is enough to dispatch him from there.

All are shocked to discover the lead boarman change form! From boarman he shifts to a human. Naked, bloody and dead, he lies on the cavern ground. Veda's eyes grow wide and she begins to sob with a tremendous outpouring of grief. The only words she says being " Lelios! Why did you kill Lelios?!"

The Shapeshifter Son

Comforting the grief-stricken Veda, the party exits the caverns and begins their journey back towards Lord Joris' estate.  It is by the campfire that evening that she recovers sufficiently enough to tell them her story.

"The boarman you killed was my twin brother, Lelios." she says. "He was a shapeshifter.  A year ago he had discovered his ability.  He came to me one evening and told me the truth, but our father would not allow it. He disowned Lelios, and banished him.  My brother transformed into a bird and flew away."

"After he had captured me, he told me how he had been living. He had survived as best he could in the wilderness, spending his time in various animal forms and trying to avoid my father's men who had been ordered to hunt him down and kill him. If you could have only heard him. The despair and sorrow that he felt, the same as my own once he had been driven away!"

"I had tried to run away before, to find him, but my father's guards had always prevented it. " she gives a nasty look to the guide who had accompanied the group as she says this. "My brother was misguided." she says "He wanted to destroy our father for casting him out. We were always very close, so kidnapping me was a way to hurt our father and have me for company as well."

"I know now that I could not have helped Lelios give up his rage. He had spent too long in the form of a boarman, and could only barely restrain the others from hurting me. He convinced them that the servants my father had would provide more then enough sport for their desires." she shudders. "I wish there could have been another way."

The Return to Lord Joris

The group returns as heroes, as the sight of Veda and news of her return travels quickly throughout the nobleman's estate.  Both father and daughter are reunited, and although perhaps some in the group are not pleased that Joris had not told them that Veda had a twin brother who was a shapeshifter, the welcome they receive and the gratitude not only from Joris himself, but from everybody present is almost a little overwhelming.  It is here that Joris is introduced to Eurenomes, and learns the role that the priest had played in rescuing his daughter.  He also is introduced to Itylus and learns how the Hunter had helped track down his daughter as well.

After a celebratory dinner, and a private meeting with Agmund about his vision, Lord Joris summons the group together for a private meeting. "You have done as I have asked and returned the most precious thing in the world to me. For that, you have my eternal gratitude. And, as promised, you will be gifted with the three thousand silver pieces I had promised you.  My daughter has told me that you slew the leader, who was her brother." a look of shame crosses his face. "I thought he had died long ago, else I would have told you about him. I hope that he can rest in peace now that he is gone."

"But let us speak of happier tiding. I promised you my patronage, and you shall have it. You are and will always be honored friends. You may stay as long as you wish, my estate will be at your disposal.

"I am also a man with some influence in Thena. Although I have been absent for some time, I still receive news and have connections within the great city. There are others who would need the help of adventurers, and if you are interested, then I will endeavor to let you know about them.

---

REWARDS

- Group Pool of Three Thousand Silver to be used at the party's discretion.
- A "Home Base" in Lord Joris' estate.
- Experience / Wisdom / Glory Gains  (everybody receives 1000 points each. This will be enough to get everybody to level 2. Please PM me with the increases for your levels.)