The afternoon turns to evening, and the searing heat subsides, though the blanket of humidity remains, giving halo to the moon as she rises, cold even here, pushing the stars out of her way as she wanders the dark byways...

13 Utkar, 1375

Up with the dawn, early the next morn, gathering all your things, and waiting until the high pallisaded gates are thrown open.

Ahead of you, a dry track through the cultivation fields, and beyond, the edge of a colossal jungle, so dark–green as to be almost black, hewed straight, like a ruled line, far, far away...the sun was fierce, and the land seemed to glisten and drip with steam.

Ever practical, Balrok gets straight to details.  "Duin's Left Eye if I gots a clue where wure goin'," he says gruffly, as he moves to the front of the line,"but I'm goin' der first.  Rest of ye can line up behind me as it pleases ya, but if you want me advice I'd have Sabu at du back an' me brudder jus' in front uh her cuz he got a keen eye (not jus' for Sabu).  Wizard, Muley, an' Wicky somewhere in du middle.  I 'sume our elf an' jungle boy are scoutin' an guiden', so I'll let ye two work dat out fer yerselfs.  Maybe one shuld stay with us so we don't get lost an du other look ahead for stuff wantin' to eat us?  Anyways, we're burnin' daylight!"  Balrok draws his dwarven waraxe, slinging it easily over one shoulder, and stumps off towards the edge of the jungle.  When he gets there he will peer in while waiting for the others.

OOC:  Balrok knows how fast Ovi can walk (slow!), so he will set that as a pace.  Probably can't move faster than that through the jungle anyway.  Hopefully we are following some sort of guide to at least find game trails if nothing else.  Balrok will keep his axe out and chop a trail when necessary.  (Endurance feat, Tireless feat, drinking lots of water from his cloak!).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Wed 06 June 2007.

Ovi appeared particularly enthusiastic this morning, as they went about preparing to leave. Yer damn right, brudder. We're burnin' daylight...time is money. An' ya know what me motto is? Heh. He turns to the others and lowers his voice a bit. Now, it might be best t' not listen to most o' what me brudder says, but I think he's got a good sound plan here. He looks over his shoulder at Balrok. You dun worry 'bout a thing brudder, I'll keep a sharp eye on da rear... Heh, if somethin' comes our way, Sabu'll charm 'em wit' her good looks an' all trip 'em up somethin' fierce. He winks at Sabu and laughs while raising his coiled chain as if demonstrating a tripping motion.

OOC: Ovi will take his position in the line while keeping his eyes and ears open. And, of course, drinking plenty of fresh water as they travel.

He will use take 10 on both Spot (14) and Listen (14) checks
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Wed 06 June 2007.

"I'll guide,looks like the three of us are going to become good friends..."Alexandru states dryly to Balrok as he takes point.
"...Lumpy already likes you soley based on your blood."
He adds,taking up his spear and unslinging his Darkwood shield as he walks a few paces infront of Balrok.
"And I don't believe your half as bad as your going to smell after a day in this jungle and in that armor."
The jungleman of unknown origins draws upon his expertise as he leads the foolish adventurers into the green jaws of Chult.

OOC:
Some skill checks,not sure which ones you'll deem relevant but here they are!

00:31, Today: Alexandru rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Knowledge:Local Check.
00:32, Today: Alexandru rolled 21 using 1d20+10. Track Check.
00:33, Today: Alexandru rolled 14 using 1d20+10. Survival Check.
00:34, Today: Alexandru rolled 27 using 1d20+9. Spot Check.
00:34, Today: Alexandru rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Listen Check.

Sabu listened to the dwarves banter and nodded. As they set out into the jungle, she disregarded their suggestion and walked alongside Khalid. When the path grew narrow she took her place slightly behind her charge.

A few times during the walk, she made sure to embellish the sway of her hips to taunt Ovi. Her previous irritation at his remarks was forgotten.

After spending much of the morning gathering and arranging his things, then speaking with his father's household servants giving them instructions and whatnot for while he is gone and what to do if he shouldn't return, the Calishite nobleman will briefly describe what to Alexandru what information he has on where the mine could possibly be found.

He is dressed down, no longer in silk and sashed garments, favoring instead an open chested and sleeveless brocade with loose fitting pants that open up at the knees.  His equipment is light and easily accessible and he carries a staff which he uses for balance or brushing away obstacles while traversing the natural terrain.  One might also notice a toad perched on his shoulder, blinking indifferently at the surrounding jungle.

"Each of you would have the advantage of me when it comes to the strategies of movement.  If you think it best I find a spot in the middle, than that is where I will be," and does as stated.  With a few squinting glances through the jungle canopy above, he dabs at the sweat along his forehead with a cloth as me moves.  "Any advice on what to avoid touching or stepping in while we move, Alexandru?"

Ovi walks along, keeping a keen eye on his surroundings, though occasionally being distracted by Sabu's embellishments. Heh, despite bein' a li'l lonely back here all by meself, I can't complain one bit 'bout da view.

"Everything."States Alexandru tersely without looking back.
"Follow in my step and do not disturb any plant or animal lest it disturb you back."
After having gleaned as much information as Khalid had to offer,Alexandru forges a trail through the thick sea of green towards where he believes the mine lies.

"Smell, lad?  A week in du jungle in dis armor an' gettup an' no dwarven lass wuld be able tu resist me--true as Truesilver. " Balrok explains as the group troops into the jungle, expounding upon the subject as he hacks at jungle vines with his axe.  "Dwarfs ain't got nambsy-pamsy human perfume, yu know--hurts me delicate nose.  'Stead, we jus' use sweat!  If I'm fer gettin' extra of it here in du jungle, I'll jus' bottle it up an' bring it back to du Great Rift an' sell it fer some coin.  Can't do bedder den freshly-bottled Balrok jungle sweat!"

If Balrok hears "Lumpy" speaking to Alexandru (out of the ground or otherwise) complimenting him on his dwarven heritage, he will reply in Terran:  "An' ya got du good sense not to be no water or air creature, so 'sider it mutual.  Guess yur druid friend ain't all bad if he spends more time hugin' rocks den he does huggin' trees."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Wed 06 June 2007.

Nikolai walks into the jungle full of quiet anticipation, as the ambition of half a lifetime is fulfilled. He tunes out the good-natured banter of his companions, and instead focusses on the sound of the jungle, trying to gauge its subtle tones and rhythms, all the better to detect any potential predators. Nikolai stays towards the rear of the group, although he has made clear he is willing and able to scout ahead when necessary.

"Your own sweat as an aphrodesiac eh?Just as the creatures of the wild,perhaps there is a bit of druid burried somewhere beneath all that steel and sweat."
Alexandru jests with a smile.
"Tell me now,how is it you've strayed so far from your element to this great green graveyard?Few things can motivate a dwarf to do so,must be something dire or of ardent desire."
The jungleman cranes his head back for a moment before continuing.

"And speaking of desire,who is the pretty piece of flesh and what in the nine hells is she doing with a troupe of "nobles" such as ourselves?"

OOC:Lumpy has yet to speak or make his presence known to the group and Alexandru will ignore or deflect all questions regarding who exactly Lumpy is.But it's good to know that you speak Terran,now if Alexandru and him have a conversation you'll be in the know!

At the edge of the jungle, Balrok will pull Alexandru and Nikolai aside and coordinate with them as to scouting, guiding, and danger warnings.  When it is said and done, Nikolai has (with a certain enthusiasm) agreed to scout ahead of the group, moving quietly and keeping to foliage, and Alexandru is going to walk beside or just ahead of Balrok and guide us.

Alexandru will communicate directions to Nikolai as necessary, and Nikolai will ask Alexandru about local knowledge as necessary.  The three also set up a signal system, with Alexandru giving us three different bird calls to learn, one each for "stay where you are", "come to me", and "I see things the dwarf will want to kill!".  This call is repeated twice if it is urgent.

Balrok is takes the situation with dead sincerity as he leads the trio in a round of practice hooting and squawking.  Presumably Alexandru and Nikolai are excellent at bird calls, and hopefully Balrok can do a passing job of them himself [4 ranks Survival].  Anyone else who wishes to learn them can also join in.

When that is done, the group will venture into the jungle, in the following order:

Nikolai (advance of us; scouting; moving quietly etc.)


Balrok | Alexandru
Wicky
Mule
Khalid
Sabu
Ovi (watching our backs, at least when he isn't watching Sabu's).

OOC:  The OOC post was becoming long enough I thought we should have a summary IC.  Hopefully this is accurate.  Nik, if you have a specific scouting routine, post away.

Balrok nods as he hacks aside a vine.  "Aye, der probly is uh little bit of druid buried somewhere in me armor--last time I killed one of 'em it was downright messy, and I ain't cleaned it since."



"Treasure--both Khalid's fer du dwarves, an' then a liddle somethin' of our own on du side.  Uh lost temple..." Balrok gets a far off look in his eye, as he remembers the stories told to he and Ovi as they grew up as wards of the Laughing Dwarf. "... du Lost Temple of Vergadain.  Richest temple of our god of riches, packed with gold and gems and relics and tomes--disappeared milinea ago, ain't nobody found it yet, leastwise whose come back alive and stayed dat way.  Fer dat matter, we've been huntin' it off an since 'fore yu were born, jungle boy, since we were knee high tu a nome, and ain't seen hide of it and ain't heard hair of it, tell recent.  But we heard tell of a dwarf who, lost an crazed in du deep jungle, stumbled on uh temple with dwarf runes, one dat looked more like it shulda been buried in stone den covered in vines."

Balrok's eye gleams in excitement as he talks, but he quickly comes back to himself.  Caught up in his childhood memories he had given more personal information than he was comfortable with.  Gripping his axe tightly he coughs uncomfortably, then takes a few particularly savage swings at the foliage.  "Damn vines," he grumbles, "Anyways, dats why we're here, more or less--temple culd be in du deep jungle, an we gotta job collectin' a debt."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Thu 07 June 2007.

Alexandru grins at Balrok's druid slaying comments but falls silent as he speaks of the lost temple.



"Ardent desire it is."

As they pass through the heavy undergrowth, Candlewick peers excitedly around, pointing out wonders of the jungle and telling tales of the spirits that are said to inhabit this domain.

"Ahh, do you see that dead tree trunk?  Well, it's not really a tree trunk, it's actually a log buried halfway into the ground - you see, some of the ancient tribes used practice a ritual where they buried their dead with a log sticking out of the ground.  No, no, don't touch it, those things are said to be cursed should the burial sites be disturbed.  Probably a minor warrior fell in battle here, the carvings do not denote anyone of importance.

The ancient tribes believed that burying the dead with the log on top would keep the spirit from rising.  I didn't know that the ritual was still followed in current times.  Amazing!"

Nikolai ranges ahead of the group, sometimes pulling further away, sometimes slowing the pace and sometimes remaining hidden until the party has passed to check for any pursuit. He makes certain to leave a clear trail for Alexandu, and frequently checks back with the scout for directions.

OOC: Taking 10, I get Hide 20, Move silently 20, Spot 19, Listen 18, Survival 16

Seein' as how da lady's right here, ya might want t' address her directly wit' dose questions, rather den askin' me brudder. He dun know nothin' 'bout women anyway.... Well, 'least not 'bout dun ones wit' no beards.

He pauses a moment before continuing. That ain't a bad question doh. Wicky? Nikky? Jungle boy? What brings all you t' dis place?


As they they were proceeding along and Balrok spoke of the temple, Ovi jumped in at the end.

Hell, I like money an' all. But damn, when you think 'bout it, ya act like I do when I see a pretty face. Why dun ya tell 'em yer baby stories while yer at it? Am I gunna have t' start thumpin' ya too?

He gives an exasperated sigh and resumes watching his surroundings.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Thu 07 June 2007.

Balrok grumbles under his breath and takes several additional vicious whacks at the foliage.

Balrok one way, Nikolai and Alexandru other ways, Ovi with muley, Khalid, Candlewick and Sabu all in the middle-ish...

The slog through the jungle takes it's toll as they press from the edge of the cultivation fields, swallowed up as swiftly and completely as a stepping through velvet curtains, the faint trappings of civilization left swiftly behind.

As the sun creeps ever higher, the heat and humidity increase; the biting insects grow hungrier, and the sweat mixed with dirt and detrius forms a thin hot mud that seeps into every crease and fold, clothes stuck to skin, and armor steadily rubbing skin to raw.

It's somewhere near a half-day, with the canopy filtering the blazing sun into swathes of dim, dark, and darker.  Absolute thickets are interspersed with sections of fallen trees, the thin, nearly invisible paths made only slightly more open from the disturbances of those scouting.

One thing that the scouts do discover; that moving quietly and blazing a trail are not both possible.

And it's Balrok's bad luck to hack at an obstructing sheet of beautiful yellow and black creeper vines only to disturb, nay - surprise - a beetle of such size and magnificance that can hardly be described.  Three upwardly curving horns from it's comparatively small face - but wicked sharp, scissor-like mandibles, and a large black body nearly twice the size of a horse are good indications of the danger it presents.

It charges.

Heh, well look at da size o' dat thing. Yer not gunna need all dose rations at dis rate, Balrok!

He shouts to the others Scatter!

Ovi will glance around to make sure no other giant beetles or spiders are sneaking up on them while uncoiling his chain and beginning to swing it slowly in a circle as he moves out of the line and off to the side, making his way around into a flanking position.

OOC: Ovi will move to be in a flanking position (if possible) and will stay at reach range (10') from the beetle when preparing his attack. He will then attack the beetle with his spiked chain.

22:13, Today: Ovi rolled 3 using 1d6. Damage, Sneak Attack (if flanking).
22:12, Today: Ovi rolled 7 using 2d4+3. Damage, Spiked Chain.
22:12, Today: Ovi rolled 14 (16 if flanking) using 1d20+5. Attack, Spiked Chain.
22:07, Today: Ovi rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Fri 08 June 2007.

With a flash of her right arm, Sabu drew the kukri hidden at the small of her back. With her left hand she guided Khalid behind her as she stepped in front of him.

Something’s wrong, my lord.

(OOC: 5’ adjust to Khalid’s side. Move action to draw her kukri. Standard action to fight defensively with an additional +3 to AC from Combat expertise. Total AC 20.)

21:18, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Initiative.

21:20, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 11 using 1d20. Attack with Kukri (if needed).
21:20, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 7 using 1d4+4. Kukri damage (if needed).

Balrok and the gargantuan beetle react in a macabre mirror to one another's actions.  As Balrok hacks aside a branch, revealing the beetle, both pause for a heartbeat in surprise; then both immediately roar or squeal and charge at the other!  Balrok grips his axe in both hands, muscles rippling with an extra surge of adrenaline.  "Moooradiiiiin!!!" he bellows, as he crashes through the underbrush to collide with the huge creature (hopefully with his axe!).

Free Action:  Rage (-2 AC, +4 Str, +4 Con) (stats in legend to left are adjusted) 9 rounds left
Full Round Action:  Charge +2 hit, -2 AC (not reflected in legend) Power Attack -3.
Attack:  11
Damage:  17 (if hit)

22:46, Today: Balrok rolled 17 using 1d10+13. Damage (if necessary).
22:44, Today: Balrok rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Charging power attack.
22:44, Today: Balrok rolled 18 using 1d20. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Fri 08 June 2007.

Upon hearing the outburst from Balrok,Alexandru dashes into position to catch a glimpse of what the dwarf had encountered.
How lovely...
He mutters as the monstrous insect comes into view.Quickly he glances about to make sure the beetle is the least of their problems before snapping into action.
"Back away!Spread out!Do not attack until I have attempted to tame it!"
Shouts the jungleman to those not engaged with the beetle as he begins to gesture towards the massive insect,punctuating the movements with a shout.

OOC:
20:32, Today: Alexandru rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Initiative Check.
Free Actions:
Designate the beetle as an enemy for the purposes of the dodge feet.
21:01, Today: Alexandru rolled 22 using 1d20+9. Spot Check.
21:02, Today: Alexandru rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Knowledge Nature:Check to identify the beetle.
Standard Actions:
Move just enough to view beetle
Cast Charm Animal,the Beetle must make a Will save of 14 or greater to resist or be charmed for one hour.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Fri 08 June 2007.

Khalid looks forward with a raised eyebrow, stretching his neck and tilting his head in an attempt to see what all the noise was up ahead.  As Sabu steps up and guides him behind her, he offers no protest.

"Indeed," are all the words needed to express his agreement.  His next words are of the arcane variety and spoken with a methodical and low tone.  While speaking, he removes a small strip of leather from a belt pouch and clutches it to his chest with a tight fist.

When his spell is complete, the wizard produces a wand from it's easily accessible housing along his beltline.


OOC:
07:06, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 13 using 1d20+1. Initiative

Free Action:     Prepare spell components for casting.
                 5' step to move behind Sabu (if needed)
Move Action:     Draw Wand of Magic Missles
Standard Action: Cast Mage Armor (self) +4 AC bonus for 3 hours

Nikolai hefts his longbow and notches an arrow, but does not fire at the beetle, as his companions seem to have the matter under control. Instead he scans the environs, in case some other predator is attracted to the sounds of combat.

OOC:
17:57, Today: Nikolai rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Init.
17:59, Today: Nikolai rolled 9 using 1d20+5. KS: Nature (indentify beetle).
18:34, Today: Nikolai rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Fri 08 June 2007.

Only a split second passes before Balrok utters his shout, and stirred to a sudden rage, leaps forward...the axe skidding harmlessly off the thick shell of the beetle, followed quickly by Balrok, also colliding with the shell, his vigor propelling him perhaps further than planned.  The beetle is quick, though, for one so large, and it's mandibles while not slicing through the chain mail that Balrok wears, clamp tight enough that several ribs crack from the force...

Ovi maneuvers closer, his whirling chain kept short to limit the chance of snagging, and Alexandru rushes to aid, scant seconds too late.  A few mystic phrases from Khalid, Sabu drawing her weapon and holding a safe position, and does Nikolai notice something...?

Inits/status:
Alexandru 24
Nikolai 23
Beetle B 22
Balrok 18 Seriously Wounded
Ovi 14
Sabu 14
Khalid 13
Beetle A

[Private to Alexandru: True - can't tame a rhinocerous (stag) beetle...while they are not exactly aggressive, they don't back down, and they'll eat nearly anything.][Private to Nikolai: Welll...even though it's black and has horns, it might be...hmm.  It's a beetle.  Stag, maybe?][Private to Ovi: I'll apply your attack and damage in round 2; moving over and getting your weapon out and ready can't happen in the first round...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:38, Sat 09 June 2007.

Nikolai cries a warning and spins round to confront another beetle that has just charged out of the jungle towards him.

The ranger looses an arrow, which falls short, but in a fluid motion he hefts a second arrow and sends it thudding into the beetle's shimmering carapace.

OOC:
I assumed +1 for point blank shot, if it's within 30ft
09:15, Today: Nikolai rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Arrow 1.
09:15, Today: Nikolai rolled 24 using 1d20+9. Arrow 2.
09:16, Today: Nikolai rolled 7 using 1d8+2. Damage.

Balrok grunts as the creature squishes him between its mandibles.  "Damned varment!" he growls as he struggles free, the mandibles snapping back together like a trap.  "Heh, it can fight," Balrok says, feeling his ribs briefly with a wince.  "Wiccckkyyy!  Gunna need a combat medic!"

Deciding that the beetle is an opponent worthy of more caution, Balrok grabs his shield from his back and uses his waraxe one-handed.  Advancing on the beetle, he shifts into some foliage for concealment and guards himself warily until Ovi moves into position, then takes a more calculated swing at the gargantuan bug.

OOC:  I am going to list the adjusted old numbers, to change it to one-handed damage with no PA using the old dice rolls, since using the same dice rolls seems like the most fair thing.  (I deleted the new rolls since they seemed to be causing more confusion than help.  Below are the edited old rolls.  Originals in the combat log.).

AC increases by 2 above what is shown in the profile.

Move action:  Equip shield
Standard action:  Attack with waraxe (delay this until Ovi is flanking)
Free Action: Speak
Free Action: 5' Step into any square with cover or concealment (a small tree to get an AC bonus, some undergrowth for a concealment bonus, etc.)

Adding flanking bonus to the below rolls.

Adjusted old rolls to reflect shield

Attack: 20
Damage: 7

OLD, Edited: 11:48, Today: Balrok rolled 7 using 1d10+5. Damage (if necessary).
OLD, Edited:  11:47, Today: Balrok rolled 20 using 1d20+12. No Power attack.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Sat 09 June 2007.

Ovi continues his action from the previous round.

OOC: I'll act as follows assuming that I currently have the needed visibility to see and identify a target.  If not, Khalid will simply look ahead and around in confusion

"Abdul, you know what to do," the wizard exclaims to the small creature on his shoulder.  The toad offers only a brief "ribbit" before hopping off of his shoulder into the surrounding jungle.

Khalid will drop to a crouch to try and gain any possible cover from either Sabu in front of him or the terrain around.  He will then search ahead for a target and once one is acquired, preferrably the beetle crushing Balrok, he will charge his wand with an arcane word and send a missle comprised of magical force towards the beetle with unerring precision.


Free Action:       Communicate/Order Familiar
                   Share Spell Mage Armor with Familiar
                   Toad will move within reach to deliver touch attack on beetle attacking Balrok, reserve further action pending
                   instruction.
Standard Action:   Expend wand Charge Magic Missle:
                   11:03, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 4 using 1d4+1. Magic Missle Wand charge.
                   Target: Beetle on Balrok
Move Action:       Using Sabu or nearby foliage as cover:
                   11:05, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 17 using 1d20+1. hide check.

Alexandru grimmaces as he watches the gruff dwarf nearly severed in two by the monstrous beetle.In a flash the lithe jungle man is behind Balrok,wand in hand,chanting a few words before a flash of green erupts from the magical device and seems to seep into the wounded dwarf.He then shouts out in a foreign tongue.

(Terran)
"Attack!"

A smallish humanoid figure erupts from the earth without a ripple and charges towards the hulking beetle.It is composed of earth and stone,faceless,and covered in thick jagged spikes.It takes a feral swing at the beetle with it's oversized hand clenched tight in a fist so that it now resembles a morningstar more than a hand.

As the diminutive but ferocious earth elemental makes war upon the beetle,Alexandru calls out to all.

"To stay and fight is folly! Rhinocerous Beetles are the siege engines of the wild,flee while you can!"

OOC:Actions
Free Action
Draw Wand of Cure Light Wounds
Move Action
Move directly behind Balrok
Standard Action
Cast Cure Light Wounds on Balrok
21:50, Yesterday: Alexandru rolled 8 using 1d8+1. Cure Light Wounds.

LUMPY is going to make his entrance and attack the beetle that chomped Balrok.
21:48, Yesterday: Alexandru rolled 16 using 1d20-1. Lumpy Initiative Check.
22:11, Yesterday: Alexandru rolled 9 using 1d20+6. Lumpy Slam Attack vs Beetle
22:22, Yesterday: Alexandru rolled 9 using 1d6+5. Lumpy damage vs Beetle.

"An' what makes yu think dey won' chase us down an' eat us startin' with our feet 'stead, jungle boy?" Balrok growls as he concentrates on fending off the giant beetle.  "Me brother's slow as dirt!"  He takes several quick, ineffective swipes at the creature as he talks.

OOC:  Balrok is hopefully at least a decent judge of the skill of an opponent.  Does he think we are doomed?  It doesn't really require knowledge of the beetle to take a guess from how hard he is being hit and the "armor" of the beetle.  If Balrok also thinks it is something approaching "doom" then he would be much more apt to snap out of his rage and run, otherwise he has some bugs he wants to murder.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Sun 10 June 2007.

Six little seconds.  It's not much...except when its a lot.

Start Summary:

Inits/status:
Alexandru 24
Nikolai 23
Beetle B 22
Balrok 18 Seriously Wounded
Lumpy 16
Candelwick 16
Ovi 14
Sabu 14
Khalid 13
Beetle A

R2:
Alexandru moves toward Balrok, drops his spear and draws a wand (shield in the other hand, right?), employs the wand and orders Lumpy to attack.

Nikolai engages Beetle B, first arrow snaps on the back, second penetrated deeply.

Beetle B lurches out of the undergrowth, and seems to hesitate…

Balrok draws his shield and swings, the axe tearing a rivulet along the carapiece, then ducks away

Lumpy attacks, misses B-A

Candlewick moves toward B-B (Nikolai)

Ovi moves up, attacks B-A, misses

Sabu holds defense

Khalid looses a MM @ B-A; Abdul moves

Beetle A engages the closest target, now…Lumpy, misses
____________________________________________________

A flurry of activity:  Ovi and Alexandru swifts wend their way through the thick growth to close with the first beetle...and while Ovi's chain fails to make a dent on the black beetle, Alexandru's veridian healing touch infuses Balrok with new hope.  Then at Alexandru's command in the ancient tongue of Terran, a squat, muddy lump, fashioned like a steriod goblin though not as tall, emerges from the very earth, swinging a stony mace-fist as the beetle that is neatly, if unconsiously, sidestepped.  Khalid moves a bit as well, with the sinuous Sabu shadowing his every move, her eyes alert of all dangers.  As he dispatches Abdul, deft hand and sure eyes call the stored energy of venerable sorcerors embedded in the wand, and a green mote of destruction, zipping like a plague-sickened pug toward the beetle and splashes like a glob of spittle on the hard shell...

End Summary

Beetle B One arrow sticks like a bristle
Balrok 18 Seriously Wounded
Beetle A Scratched & MM'd

R3 Starts now!
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:55, Tue 12 June 2007.

Balrok, still in melee range of the beetle, makes a point to move in closer to the big, staying opposite his twin brother as they have fought for many years.  Muscles bulging, he watches the bug from over his shield and through the shrubbery, concentrating on figuring out ways to put his axe through the armored carapace of the beetle (they always say it is best to visualize what you want!).

Seeing the beetle turn upon the small earth elemental who is apparently the until-recently mythical "Lumpy," Balrok clangs his axe loudly on his shield, making noise and waiving his arms around.  "Hey bug-breath, pick on somethin' yer own size, heh heh."  To punctuate his point, Balrok takes a well-timed strike at a crease in the creature's carapace.

OOC:  Lumpy is the closest target?  If Balrok isn't in melee range he will step into melee range.  Basically, I would like to be in melee range but under a bush or some sort of concealment.  If not I will take my chances on the miss chance to be in melee range and the monster's closest target.

Affects:  Rage, 8 rounds remaining (stats reflected in left)
Free Action:  Talking, banging shield, 5' step if necessary
Move Action:  None
Standard Action:  Attack with Waraxe
Attack roll:  hit AC 15
Damage if hit: 11

22:45, Today: Balrok rolled 11 using 1d10+4. Damage.
22:44, Today: Balrok rolled 15 using 1d20+12. Axe, flanking, no Power Attack.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Mon 11 June 2007.

Khalid grimaces at the sight of the beetles from his crouched position near the group's flank.  "Look at the size of them, extraordinary," the wizard comments more in awe of the insects than indicating any amount of real fear.  A fellow hiding in the thickets removed from the threat of those mandibles can, however, afford the idle observation.

Realizing his familiar is moving away from him, he snaps out of his distraction.  "No wait, Abdul... cursed creature, come back."  In his immediate haste, he had sent his familiar off too early and receives a mental accost from his little leaping friend.  "Quiet down, you act as if we've never done this before."

Dropping his wand, he waits until the toad lands on his open hand and he makes a gesture with the other while speaking more arcane words.  A small glow of arcane force radiates from the familiar and with his spell complete, he sends it off to do his dirty work.  "Now you can go, be swift... be careful."


*snickers* That's me playing off the fact that I forgot to store the spell in the familiar before sending him off for a touch spell by roleplaying a bit of absent mindedness on Khalid's part.  It's going to cost me a round but rp is fun hehe.  Anyways:

Free Action:            Lots of talking and carrying on
Familiar's Move Action: Return to Khalid to recieve touch spell
Khalid Move Action:     Set wand at feet
Standard Action:        Cast Shocking Grasp; Deliver Touch Attack Familiar

Toad will move back to the beetle to deliver the attack at the start of next round.

Rolls:
22:30, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 5 using 3d6. Shocking Grasp damage.
22:30, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 9 using 1d20. Toad Deliver Touch Attack.

OOC - Well that was pointless hehe, size bonus for the touch attack maybe?  Tiny toad leaping at massive shelled thing?  Awesome rolls of 1, 1, and 3 on damage so it might just get a really good caffeine buzz from the whole thing.

Seeing her companions engaged in combat with large insects, Sabu’s first instinct was to jump into the fray. But, she had a job to do. She stayed in front of Khalid.

She kept her eyes open for more threats. Although her knowledge of the wilds was limited, she did know that the sounds of a fight tended to draw attention.

(OOC: Maintain cover for Khalid. Ready action to attack with kukri if an opponent gets within range. Still fighting defensively: AC 20. Or Move Action: approach a beetle, Standard: Attack beetle with kukri.)

22:36, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 20 using 1d20. Attack with Kukri (if needed).
22:36, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 15 using 1d20. Confirm crit.

22:37, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 7 using 1d4+4. Kukri damage (if needed).
22:38, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 7 using 1d4+4. Additional damage (if critical).
This message was last edited by the player at 06:45, Mon 11 June 2007.

The nobleman looks ahead to the battle with a moderate amount of interest and tries to keep track of his familiar bounding forward with a soft blue glow.  He then notices the lovely figure of his bodyguard poised with such deadly intent on his cover.

"Sabu, put those blades to work, I'll be fine from this distance."

Heh, we'll be here all day if ya keep swingin' like dat, brudder! Guess ya want me t' do all da work.

Ovi chides his brother as he readies his chain. He waits for an opening as his brother distracts the vermin from its flank and slings his chain out at the side of the mammoth vermin.

OOC:
Free Action:  Talking
Move Action:  None
Standard Action:  Attack with chain
Attack roll:  27
Damage if hit: 10

00:24, Today: Ovi rolled 1 using 1d6. Damage (SA).
00:24, Today: Ovi rolled 9 using 2d4+3. Damage.
00:24, Today: Ovi rolled 11 using 1d20+7. Crit Confirm.
00:23, Today: Ovi rolled 27 using 1d20+7. Chain, flanking.

"Yer jus' lucky ... I'm braver ... den jungle boy," Balrok grumbles through his exertions, ducking a mandible and positioning himself for another strike.  "or ... alla us ... an' muley...'d be high talin' it outta here ... while yu run along behind gettin' bug bites!" he finishes as he takes another ineffective swipe.  "Damn varmint," he roars, "who went an' gave yu plate mail!?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Mon 11 June 2007.

Nikolai sees the second beetle hesitate, and a sliver of doubt enters his mind. "Candlewick, hold fast!" he yells. "They may only be agressive when provoked"

The elf readies and arrow, but does not shoot unless the beetle attacks.

OOC:
07:58, Today: Nikolai rolled 27 using 1d20+11. Readied arrow if beetle attacks.
07:59, Today: Nikolai rolled 3 using 1d8+2. Damage.

Nikolai 23
Beetle B One arrow sticks like a bristle
Balrok 18 Seriously Wounded
Lumpy 16
Candelwick 16
Ovi 14
Sabu 14
Khalid 13
Abdul
Beetle A Scratched & MM'd

R3 (so far):
Nikolai and the beetle face off; the steady ranger standing stock-still, bow bent, breathing slow, letting the combat off to his right fade to near silence as he is fixated on the size and power implicit in this creature, in this jungle that he had long dreamed of...

Balrok and Ovi work like hammer and tongs, and while Balrok does not make a dent, Ovi's chain comes crashing down, torn leaves fluttering behind, and the wicked spikes and hooks drill into the beetle, stripping away layers of armor to let the soft tissue and ichor flow.

From underneath - a flash of blue light!  Could this be some kind of electric beetle, poised to jolt the metal-clad?[Private to Khalid Ahmed: Abdul actually only moves 5'/rd.  He's a toad, after all.  But the effect of a toad delivering touch spells that barely have an impact is too funny.  So it works!]

Whatever it was, the beetle's attention is diverted for a key second, and from no-where Sabu appears, her dancer's grace and swift, efficient movements, appearing at just the right place at just the right time; her honed kukri chopping through the shell like machete through coconut...

Nikolai lowers his bow and slooooowly backs away from the beetle. Although he has little affiny for vermin, he none-the-less is awed by the raw power and stark beauty of the insect.

Unfortunately it seems his comrades are too far gone in their slaughter of the other beetle to stop now, and Nikolai continues to tune out the sounds of combat off to his right.

Alexandru grins at the audacity of Balrok's barb over bravery as he once again expels a burst of healing from the wand upon the dwarf. The 4 foot tall elemental bobs under the insects deadly bite and heaves a spiked hand viciously in an uppercut at the beetle's mandibled face before melding back into the earth,leaving no trace.

OOC:Actions
Alexandru is behind Balrok,using the dwarf as cover as he heals him.
Standard Action
09:48, Today: Alexandru rolled 9 using 1d8+1. Wand of Cure Light Wounds on Balrok.

Lumpy takes a shot at the beetle before dissapearing back into the earth.

Standard Action
09:50, Today: Alexandru rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Lumpy Slam attack vs Beetle.
09:52, Today: Alexandru rolled 9 using 1d6+5. Lumpy Slam dmg vs Beetle.
Move Action
5 foot step back and into the earth,a diagonal 5 foot step lol
I had forgotten to add in the bonus for Lumpy's earth mastery ability last post,that's why his bonuses are greater in this one,my apologies.

Even as Nikolai relaxes and draws back, the beetle itself sort of shuffles and heads off; oblivious of the fact that it was stuck with an arrow?  Or somehow knowing that it mattered not?  No more than a half dozen steps had it gone when already the glossy black shell worked its camouflage magic - the glossy black reflecting what it could and absorbing what it could not.  Already, it looked like a shadowed hollow, a light-removed patch of jungle than a creature of immense size but nimble action.  Truly, it was not just a member of the jungle, it was part of the jungle.

Candlewick, for his part, intended to combat the beetle, but ended up staring as Nikolai was.  "Incredible.  You know, beetles are characterised by a particularly hard exoskeleton and hard forewings called elytra."  He whispers  "The exoskeleton is numerous plates called sclerites, separated by thin sutures, which creates the armoured defences of the beetle while maintaining flexibility. The elytra are not used for flight, but tend to cover the hind part of the body and protect the second pair of wings called alae. Of course, in some beetles, like that one, the ability to fly has been lost, so the two elytra fused together, forming a solid shield over the abdomen."  He breathes deeply.  "I've always wanted to see one.  I wonder what the others were so excited about.  I'm sure it wasn't as wonderful as what we saw."


Wonderful, no.  That much was certain.  As it turned out, it was just as well that Lumpy's attack finished off the brute, because by slinking back into the earth, he managed to not be covered with ichor...

But this remarkable beast, this near-pinnacle animal, it was a huge mess, and it was very dead.  It seemed only seconds before the first flies settled on the wounds of the beetle...

Balrok doesn't seem to mind being covered with sprays of ichor.  Muscles bulging, he spins to face the other beetle.  When it flees, he bellows, Yeah yu'd bedder run, varment!  Der's a lot more axe where dat came frum!. When the beetle disapears from view, Balrok visably relaxes (drops rage), but does not seem tired from his exertions (tireless feat).

Looking around at the mess, he grins. Welcome to du jungle, heh heh heh . . . I call its horn!!.  With that, Balrok moves over to the head of the creature and begins figuring out the best angle to hack off its horn with his axe.  As he does, he gives the body a nod.  Damn bug could fight he says with respect. Make uh good trophy!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Thu 14 June 2007.

Ovi began to coil his chain up, this time keeping it in hand, when he's finished, instead of hooking it to his belt.

He looks around, Everyone one all right? How ya doin' brudder? Yer tummy hurt? Heh. He chuckles as he chides Balrok, then glances at Sabu.

You jus' let my brudder take all da hits. He's good at it an' ya won't even notice a few more scars on his mug... 'sides, it'd be a damn shame t' get a mark on dat pretty face o' yers.

Ovi grins and then looks around again at everyone. Dat was a mean critter--we did gud takin' it down. However, I think we need t' be havin' a little pow-wow 'bout our combat tactics... He glances at the beetle.

We best be doin' dat in another area doh. No tellin' what a body like dat will lure to us. He nudges the dead beetle with the toe of his boot, before resuming his position in line so they can keep moving while chatting.

I think we could just have the "pow-wow" in the OOC thread, unless people prefer IC.

Sabu took a deep breath and relaxed as the large insect was killed and its companion fled. She wiped the blade of her kukri clean with a large leaf and returned it to its sheath.

She looked at Balrok as his brother spoke to her and then at Ovi.

He wears his scars well.

Without further comment, she turned her attention to Khalid.

Are you well, my lord?

Khalid springs up from where he had been crouching, retrieving his wand and staff from the ground - replacing the former to his belt loop for ready action at some later date.  "And a thrilling welcome it was," brushing himself off of any dust or debris as he strides forward to join his comrades in admiring their defeated enemy.

"An impressive victory for our first challenge of the venture, I have to admit,"  with a smile that twists into a sort of odd humor as he notices the ichor covering those close enough for the final spray.  A self concsious thought quickly follows and he searches himself briefly for any unwanted goo.  The sound of a Ribbit and the nobleman's search moves toward the ground.

"I hate to think of what size other creatures of this jungle can get to..." he grunts offhandedly while reaching down to allow his familiar to hop into his hand, "if these are it's beetles."

He nods to Sabu easily at her question of his health.  "Never better, though I could definitely use a drink.  Pity we used up the last of the icewine yesterday."

Balrok pauses in his task of hacking the horn off the beetle, and pulls out a crystiline flask with bug-gook covered hand.  "Good thinkin'!  Man after me own heart."  He takes a swig, then passes it to Ovi.  "Pass it 'round, brudder, I'm feelin a might generous!  GOOD stuff mind ye!  Dorfen garnet wine--garnets ground up in it fer flaver!"  Balrok resumes sawing at the beetle horn.

Now yer talkin' Ovi eagerly takes a pull from the flask and offers it to Khalid.

'bout dis pow-wow. Here's da way I see it. I am used t' workin' wit' me brudder. We usually work alone... I know he's got me back, and he knows I got his. Now, dat's not t' say I dun like da help. I do. I jus' want t' make sure we're all on da same page. He glances around at everyone with his dark golden eyes to ensure he has their attention before continuing.

Nodding, he proceeds. All o' us are here t' do a job. 'less I'm mistaken, we all have da same job--get t' da mine and investigate it wit' all o' our hides intact.

Now, wit' any job, it's best t' look at yer strengths and resources an' figure out how t' best do dat job. Durin' dat fight I got a sense we weren't really on da same page. I noticed a few things I thought we might want t' work out 'fore next time.

One, we need t' do our best t' communicate. Fer example, Nikky, I was a bit confused when ya stopped shootin' dat beetle. It would o' helped t' know why you were doin' dat when you were doin' dat. I dun mean t' pick on ya. Yer a crack shot an' whatever ya did seemed t' make him wonder off. I jus' think if ya, anyone o' ya... ...he looks around the group... know somethin' dat might help da group, even if ya ain't sure it will, try t' let everyone know, quick-like.

Two, Khalid, I know you hired Sabu t' be a bodyguard. Sabu, I can see ya take yer job seriously and......he looks to Khalid...I can see how it'd be temptin' to have her hangin' right next t' ya all da time. But in terms of guardin' ya, I also think she might be able t' do dat better if she could help us fight an' kill da beasties 'fore dey get dat close t' ya.

Ovi shrugs and looks back to Sabu. Dat's jus' my opinion doh. If ya dun like dat idea, we could give ya a bow or somethin'. I jus' think it might take more den a few smiles an' a sway o' da hips t' subdue most o' dese critters--dey jus' dun have da gud sense t' appreciate dat. He says with a smile, then glances at both again. But dats somethin' you two got t' work out. Jus' let us know what plan ya decide on.

Ovi exhales. Now dat was a lot o' talkin'. He looks to whoever has the wine flask. I'm gunna be needin' dat when yer done. He says with a grin and a wink at that person.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Thu 14 June 2007.

Balrok nods his head as Ovi speaks, adding in a grumble, And if yu ain't gunna keep shooten' du firs' beetle, how 'bout shootin' du other one instead--maybe yer at peace an all with Bug Num'er 2, but Bug Num'er 1 was still tryin' tu chew me up.  Don' get me wrong, I was enjoyin' du fight, but I tends tu enjoy du fights more in du end when I'm still standin' and der not."

Balrok takes another swig of his garnet wine, then puts it back in his pack.  "Other werds, do yer communin' w' nature on yer own time, when I ain't bein' e't, wouldja?  If yu don't trust yerself shootin' into a mess uh dwarfs, I gots uh selection uh things yu culd hack at 'em with instead, heh heh."  Balrok gestures to his armory of sharp and blunt objects hanging about him like orniments on a Christmas tree.  "Can't never have too many weapons, dat's what I say!"

OOC:  For the purposes of killing things more quickly, Balrok would, if necessary, be willing to loan out weapons for a limited time (except his dwarven waraxe) until other weapons could be purchased.  Choices include: Cold Iron Warhammer, greataxe, silver handaxe, throwing axes, and several cold iron daggers.  The Greataxe is masterwork.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:32, Fri 15 June 2007.

"Hmm," Candlewick stares intently at the buzzing flies decending on the beetle corpse.  "I would advise that you clean your weapons of any blood and gore as quickly as possible and leave this area.  Some of those flies appear to be Blood Flies, which are attracted by ichor and gore.  They will burrow into flesh in order to lay their eggs - and when the eggs hatch, the larva will burst out of the skin."

Candlewick frowns and shakes his head.  "Apparently these Blood Flies are used in ritual executions of prisoners in some of the tribes in these areas, it's said to be quite painful."

"I have a few healing magics at my disposal, is there anyone still injured?"

The jungleman watches in mute amusement at the conversation unfolding,leaning with both hands upon his retrieved spear.
"Let's be off."He says tersely.

Khalid has an expression of delightful relief as he accepts the flask and takes a quick nip.  It goes down with a bitter tinge on the nobleman's features and he sucks air in through his teeth before smacking his lips at the after taste, then passes the flask on.

"Ahh, Indeed, that was refreshing."

Listening to the dwarves, he idly shifts abut with his gear checking and double checking what was where and if it's still there.  Mostly satisfied with that, he checks himself over again for undesirable smudges, spots of ichor or blood or anything else out of place.  All the while he listens and nods in agreement.

"Well stated to the last, if danger is upon us it may very well be prudent to have all able hands attending to it.  I, of course, prefer not to venture to close to sharp edges or things like... mandibles..." he nods cursory to what was left of the beetle.  "If worse comes to worse, I can always yell for assistance.  Some situations might just require better judgement on the other hand."

Hearing Candlewick mention blood flies and the potential for egglaying, the Calishite twists his nose in horrific disgust and backs away quickly from the dead beetle.  "Let me see that again," he gestures towards Ovi and takes the flask for another quick swallow.

He will offer no protest to making haste away from beetles and flies.

Balrok, having hopefully hacked off some sort of horn or mandible from his worthy opponent as a souvinier, will also agree to be off.  He will resume his position at the head of the line with Alexandru.  As Nickky goes off to scout ahead again, Balrok will call, "Now no more missin' bugs du size uh horses Nikky, heh heh heh.  An' I don' wanna hear no 'xucses bout 'camoflauge' neither!!!"

Nikolai watches expressionlessly as Balrok hacks at the dead beetle, then murmurs a brief prayer in elvish, calling upon Solonor Thelandira to accept its spirit.

When Balrok offers to share some weapons, Nikolai shakes his head sadly. "I fear I would only cut myself"

At Balrok's parting shot, Nikolai flashes the dwarf a rare smile.

"Agreed, but next time a bettle comes charging at you, try moving out of the way first"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Sat 16 June 2007.

Eventually, Balrok manages to get a part of the mandible and the whole of the horn off...

and the party moves off a ways, to minimize the blood flies.

It's not too long though, before the effects of the heat and humidity have caught up with them, and you're forced to stop for a rest, about mid-way between mid-day and sunset.

The afternoon sun barely penetrates the high canopy, but yet the light is so omnipresent that there is no trouble seeing; except for the sweat in the eyes.  Each one of you is fairly well drenched, some more than others of course. [Private to Balrok; Candlewick; Nikolai; Ovi; Sabu Armiir: You all need nearly a gallon of water each to prevent heatstroke, and a rest of at least the time it would take to boil a pot of water on an open fire (about 30 minutes).  This is mostly related to climate adjustment, armor or both.  It's inexact, which is why i'm making a generality and including you all on one message.]

Ovi will reach into his cloak, removing a flask and drinking heavily from it. After corking it, he heads to Muley, removing some of the numerous skins of clean water from they had picked, offering them to the others who are in need of a drink. He will also take some time to give Muley some of the water. Good boy. Yeah, I know it's tough carryin' all dat water. Heh, good t'ing is it's only gettin' lighter as we go along.

When the muley has drank a sufficient amount of water, Ovi will take a few more drinks from his flask, before helping pack up the used water skins.

Balrok also drinks liberally from the magically-refilling flask from his cloak pocket.  "Brudder, I'm tellin' yu, we realla shulda foun' cloaks dat refilled flasks uh spirits stead of dis 'clean cool wader' gig."

Nikolai relieves Muley of a couple of skins and leans back against a tree, after checking it for carnivorous tendencies. He then proceeds to lovingly clean his bow with a peice of soft leather, taking frequent pulls on the waterskin while he works.

Nikolai looks about, wisely looking before, uh, sitting.  All clear, not just here, but also with an eye out to the others.

[Private to Nikolai; Ovi; Sabu Armiir: Will saves, please, 24hr time limit before i roll for you.  If I have to, the roll will be public, under your initials and W (so Ovi will be OW).]

Sabu waited for the others to finish their tasks. While she kept an eye out for danger she drank heavily from her waterskin.

[Private to GM: 21:24, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 9 using 1d20+1. Will Save.
16:35, Today: Ovi rolled 17 using 1d20. Will Save. ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:42, Mon 18 June 2007.

Wiping and dabbing at his brow with a folded handkerchief, Khalid welcomes the brief stop to rest.  "For such a sunny day, it sure feels like rain" he snickers sardonically and twists the handkerchief by each end to squeeze a spray of dripping, sweaty moisture collected over the last moments of travel onto the ground at his feet.

Replacing the handkerchief to his inside vest pocket, he busies himself with brushing loose strands of hair that have fallen across his forehead back with his hands and retying his ponytail.  "I can't see the sun's position with these bothersome trees all around.  Never ben good at that sort of thing anyway.  How much daylight do you think we have left Alexandru?  For that matter, what fearsome tales or cautions might you be willing to share for us come nightfall?  Beetles don't become undead in these wilds I hope?" speaking the last in jest but his smile is quick to fade and there is an uneasiness in his tone.

Taking his own waterskin to task, he sips sparingly - only drinking what is necesary even if thirsty desire compels for the need to gulp more.  "Nikolai, your input as well, how far have we travelled from the city walls so far?  Too far to run screaming and yelling for the aid of it's guards if the situation deems appropriate?"  Of course, now he is completely kidding or at least one would assume so by the mirthful laughter that follows.  One can never be sure how serious Khalid really is unless they have either known him for some time or search his motives with some amount of scrutiny.

It is brutally hot...extremely humid, and you have been pressing hard all day.  The effects of the battle have long since worn off, and the exaustion is setting in...

[Private to Khalid Ahmed: I need a survival roll and a Int roll]

Spot rolls, everyone.

Balrok has plopped down on a rock, not seeming exhausted in the least, but drinking heavily from his water bottle to replace lost fluid.  To pass the time while those with lesser constitutions rest, Balrok has dragged out the dwarven-forearm length of horn he chopped from the beetle and is sanding it smooth with his whetstone and dagger.  "Gunna make me a horn--yu know, du type yu blow on!  Purdy gud shape fer it."  As he whittles and polishes, Balrok glances around occasionally for threats, but with only one good eye he misses as much as he sees.

20:00, Today: Balrok rolled 13 using 1d20-5. Balrok's Spot roll.

20:04, Today: Ovi rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Spot roll.

06:21, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 6 using 1d20. spot.

[Private to GM: rolls
06:21, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Int Check.
06:21, Today: Khalid Ahmed rolled 18 using 1d20. Survival.]

Candlewick, seemingly unaffected by the heat, will remain standing near Balrok, watching the area behind the dwarf.

07:31, Today: Candlewick rolled 20 using 1d20+1. Candlewick Spot roll.

Sabu sat and rested in the nook of a knotted tree. The heat was oppressive, but different than the heat of her home of Calimshan. It clung to you like a blanket.

She looked around at the others, they seemed to be struggling with the weather as well, but none seemed to be succumbing to it either. The dwarves were sweating visibly but their endurance level was impressive. It concerned her that they and Khalid consumed so much alcohol before and during the trip. Heat and alcohol rarely were a good mix.

The march into the jungle was grueling and the rest was appreciated. All she could think about was catching her breath, and whether they were going to press on or set up camp.

10:59, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 17 using 1d20. Spot check.

"I fear so, Khalid" deadpans Nikolai, as he takes another pull on this water bottle, his eyes constantly scanning the environment for any hidden dangers.

OOC: 21:01, Today: Nikolai rolled 19 using 1d20+9. Spot.

The jungle is never truly quiet, but here, in the sweltering heat of the day, it seems to have grown less noisy...The bugs, frogs, birds and other creatures fading into a nice constant background pattern, almost peaceful, and if you look at Alexandru's face, very peaceful.

[Private to Candlewick: Ah-ha!  That's when you fully comprehend what you're staring so intently at - a rare terrestrial poison-arrow frog.  Very small, with that beautiful black/green striping?  Passive, quiet, shy creatures.  No harm to anyone unless you get the mucus from their skin in a wound, then, fatal.  Simply beautiful.]

Balrok isn't much of one for silence.  He glances up from his whittling and polishing of the piece of horn.  "Hey Jungle Boy, what's it mean when du bugs die down?  I ain't much for forests, and there ain't much noise when yer cavin'.  Jungle Boy, yu ok der?"

If for some reason he doesn't get a response, Balrok, ever suspicious, will look around for other "overly peaceful" faces in the group.  It's du jungle, he thinks--no one's 'sposed tu be peaceful....

Ovi takes another swig from his flask of water, then wipes the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

Yeah, what gives? Dis is da jungle an' we're on a job. We ain't got time t' be sittin' 'round reflectin' on da beauty of nature...'less its da gems in dat mine o' yers.

If were movin' on, we need t' get t' movin'. If were not, we need t' find a good, secure place t' hold up fer the night. I dun want any giant bugs sneakin' into me tent at night.

Ovi will urge the group to decide if we press onward or look for a place to camp. About what time of day is it right now?

Nikolai is also somewhat disturbed by the blissed-out expression on Alexandru's face. He scans his memory, trying to recall if he has heard of a plant that can produce such a narcotic effect...

OOC: 20:10, Today: Nikolai rolled 22 using 1d20+5. KS: Nature.

The midday sun heats the moisture of the ground and the foliage to steamy proportions...maybe that's what's behind the stillnessss of the jungle.

[Private to Ovi: Sabu's sound asleep against a tree...][Private to Nikolai: Sleep-inducing plants?  Oh sure, lots of them.  You don't see any right by Alexandru, and he looks happy, not sleepy - or asleep, like Sabu]

Hey, Sabu! He says, elevating his voice. Dis ain't no good time t' be takin' a nap.

Ovi will keep a sharp eye out and move toward Sabu. As he approaches, he will be wary to look around her for anything suspicious. He'll crouch down, and and touch her shoulder, shaking her slightly to try to wake her.


20:28, Today: Ovi rolled 22 using 1d20+8. Search.

She neither responds nor wakes.

Hey, uh...Wicky! An' Jungle boy! Sabu's out cold... She ain't respondin' t' anything. Somethin' ain't right. Can ya work some magic t' fix her?

Balrok comes to his feet, readies his dwarven waraxe, and peers around.  "Shards!" Balrok mutters, as he searches the jungle for a threat.  "I knew dis many trees 'd be bad luck."  Frustrated at the lack of an opponent, Balrok spins on his heel, looking around the clearing, and roars, "Show yerself, ya elf-livered varmint, whatever ye be!  Come out an' fight!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Sat 23 June 2007.

Ovi looks around, holding his chain up eye, scanning the jungle foliage.

Hey Bal, I think I see 'em...da ones dat did dis t' Sabu. Get yer axe ready, it's time t' bash some jungle critters.

Ovi is bluffing that he sees their location. He will listen and look for any signs of movement, in case someone shifts as they check to make sure they are still hidden in response to Ovi's bluff.


23:02, Today: Ovi rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Spot.
23:02, Today: Ovi rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Listen.
23:02, Today: Ovi rolled 26 using 1d20+8. Bluff.


This message was last edited by the player at 09:23, Sat 23 June 2007.

Candlewick peers at Sabu.  "I've never seen something exactly like this, although I've heard of various shaman from some of the remote areas are able to enter a trance-like state that sounds similar.  I don't really know what is going on and I wouldn't know how to stop it."

He sighs,  "And the magics that I have access to would not really help in this situation.  Although ..."  Candlewick gives a brief smile, "I suppose I could create a few waterskins of water and then dump it on her ..."

...zzzzzzzzzzz...

Nikolai springs to his feet, hefts his longbow, and notches an arrow, keeping an eye on any patch of foliage that might conceal a predator.

OOC: 12:27, Today: Nikolai rolled 24 using 1d20+9. Spot.

Feh, Ovi mutters as he shrugs. I'm not an' expert on sleepin' women...more o' an' expert on dem right 'fore dey get t' sleepin' He winks and chuckles.

Anyway, Wicky. Ya seem like a smert guy. If ya think water 'll work, le's give it a try.

Alexy? Nikky? he glances at both. Is a mid-day jungle nap common practice?

Anyway, I'll start clearin' some space on Muley. We can always throw her over his back and keep movin'.

Nikky, keep a sharp eye out, oh, yer already doin' dat. Good man.

Before doing that, Ovi will search the area around Sabu to see if he notices anything odd. He will also try to spot and listen again.

If nobody objects or has better ideas, he will get Balrok's help in loading Sabu onto Muley's back. He'll keep an eye out in case she tries anything funny!

08:38, Today: Ovi rolled 9 using 1d20+8. Search.
08:42, Today: Ovi rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Listen.
08:42, Today: Ovi rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Spot. 
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Tue 26 June 2007.

All goes as planned until Ovi tries to heft Sabu - she's...somehow stuck to the tree!

[Private to Alexandru; Candlewick; Nikolai: Kn: Chult or Kn: flora or ... something rolls]

Heh, brudder. Da tree ain't lettin' go. Bring dat axe o' yers!

Balrok drops Sabu with a "thump" when he sees she is attached to the tree, and quickly readies his axe.  "I reckoned du trees culdn't be trusted, didn'I tellya brudder?  Dat's ok--it don't know who its messin' with, cuz Balrok Treebane gots an' axe with its name on it!"

Balrok will search with Ovi for how the tree is attached to Sabu, and when he finds the attachment, hack it off near the base of the tree with his dwarven waraxe.

In the event Balrok can't find a clear connection to hack at, he will just hack at the tree in general, aiming for the areas closest to Sabuu he can attack without hurting her.

22:09, Today: Balrok rolled 7 using 1d10+4. Damage.
22:09, Today: Balrok rolled 27 using 1d20+8. Waraxe two handed.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Wed 27 June 2007.

OOC:
20:17, Today: Candlewick rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Candlewick Knowledge (Chult).

Khalid, having been a bit unresponsive, submitting to the heat and various degrees of personal involvement pruning his hair and whatnot by virtue of a crude portable mirror snaps to attention once he finally becomes aware that his hired bodyguard is not atached to her most necesary senses.

Rushing to her aid, he tosses a small piece of burlap over her person.  The cloth could very well have been a pixie's cloak, with hood even... but it serves another purpose currently.

A muttering, a gesture, an ensuant glow over Sabu's being.

OOC - Casting Resistance on Sabu - +1 to saving throws

Is the tree grasping her and appearing combatant at all?  Do I need to roll initiative??? because if so, I have some fire I'd like to let loose on that condition.

A little bit more description of what is happening might be in order.  Just saying I'm not sure how to appropriately respond right now.

Also, how much longer do I have on mage armor?

Yes, yes of course!...And as swiftly becomes clear to several parties through different means, it is not the tree, nor faries, nor monsters of some kind - it is a creeper vine...highly mobile (for a plant), capable of inducings sleep, and able to drive it's tendrils into flesh like the needle of a mosquito, and likely for similar reasons.

Yanking Sabu away will stop it, but induce much pain as the tips stay lodged in her skin; there is something else; it's on the tip of Candlewick's tongue...[Private to Candlewick: alcohol!  Or course!]

[Private to Nikolai: Also, you might want to caution the dwarves about randomly chopping trees...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:58, Sun 01 July 2007.

Nikolai's eyes narrow as he sees Balrok chopping at the tree.

"Balrok, hold with the axe-play! Many of the trees in this jungle can fight back when provoked"

He moves over towards the striken Sawu, but cannot determine the best way to free her and stands back, undecided.

"Bah, lettem fight back, elfy, Balrok'll use'm fer firewood--but dis one gets a pass, cuz it's du vine dat's got her, see?"

Balrok aims his axe at the vine rather than the tree.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Mon 02 July 2007.

Yeah, I dun see anyone steppin' up as an 'xpert in vine removal. Balrok jus' happens t' be an 'xpert in killin' t'ings wit' his axe, doh.

Give it hell, brudder!

Aiming at vines is fine, for light chopping at and around the tree...but the part that's attached to Sabu is too close to realistically risk chopping at.  Knife work would do it...probably.

After hacking the vine apart with his axe, Balrok holsters it and draws a cold iron dagger.  Having some experience at being a combat medic--he is the closest thing to a "healer" the dwarven duo has [3 ranks in Heal skill]--Balrok will pull one of his dark-colored, cold-forged iron daggers from a boot and heat it over the fire to remove impurities, and take any other precautions that would be appropriate.  He will then head back to Sabu.

"Hold'er down, brudder, an' someone have du spirits ready case she wakes up, dis'll prolly sting a mite."  He then squints his one good eye, sticks his tongue out of his mouth in concentration, and begins the work of digging the alien vine out of Sabu.  He will consult with Candlewick if "Wicky" has any idea what it is or how best to remove it.

"Wait - W-wait" cries Candlewick.  "Alcohol.  The tedrills; that is to say, little, ah, root-like fillaments, will have pressed into her skin already.  Cutting the vine won't remove them, and they will get infected.  Alcohol to induce them to move, and beware of the sleep-inducing moss to which it is attached; a symbiotic relationship, to be sure."

He looks around.  "If you dump the wine on her where the vine is, it'll come out."

Ovi frowns. A damn shame t' have t' use good wine t' kill a vine...Heh, dat was quite a rhyme. He nudges Balrok and chuckles.

Ovi will assist Balrok in pouring some wine on the vine to remove it from her back. He will be doubly careful to avoid any sleep moss.

Swiftly, the vines recoil.

While still some sleep scent eaks into the air, being aware of it helps...

Soon, Sabu is completely awake, though it doesn't take much for the travellers to appreciate that even plants of the jungle are hunters and trappers...

Sabu’s eyes open wide and she took a raspy breath. She looked at the group gathered around her. Her face showed a lingering fear.

I... I had the... It was like I was trapped in my own body.

She struggled to sit up, accepting the arm of Ovi as she gathered her strength.

I could hear you all speaking. But I was unable to see... unable to move.

A tear rolled down her cheek as she sat with her head bowed.

I have never felt so helpless, so alone.

She attempted to regain her composure but then fell into Ovi’s arms and sobbed.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Sun 08 July 2007.

Der der... he said while patting Sabu on the back. Must had been quite distressin' t' not have any control over yerself.

Ain't nothin' t' worry 'bout, now, doh. We'll all keep an eye out fer man eatin' plants an' da like t' make sure ya dun get in t' anymore trouble.

You could say me brudder an' I are "specialists" when it comes t' killin' plants. Heh. Ovi says with a grin.

Now once yer feelin' up t' movin', we can all head out an' show dose critters who's boss.

Ovi will be supportive and wait until Sabu is ready to get moving with the rest of the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:20, Sat 07 July 2007.

Nikolai watches the scene of emotional release impassively, and prepares to continue their journey. He approaches Khalid diffidently with some advice.

"We should start preparing our camp at least an hour before nightfall"

"Alright then everyone" started Khalid in a slightly flustered, vaguely haughty tone "Let's be off...I think we're getting close..."

Ovi will take his position in the party formation we were originally using prior to  stopping for a break.

Balrok will do the same.

After composing herself, Sabu began walking beside Khalid. She began to feel self conscious about how she reacted to her ordeal. She was supposed to be a hardened adventurer, at least she wanted to appear so, but she had shown weakness. It wouldn’t do to have her companions think that she couldn’t handle herself.

A small flicker of anger began building on the shame she felt.

Eventually eveyone gets moving; a veritable procession through the jungle of men, dwarves, and a mule.

The sun slides across the canopy of leaves; little change can be seen on the forest floor; for the sun filtered through so many leaves give everything a flat, non-directional light, heavily tinted with green - the 'emerald air' - that is impossible to describe unless you truly experience it...

Much of the rest of the experience, though, is not so pretty.  Biting and stinging bugs; impossible heat and humidity, and the sweat that burns the eyes.  From time to time, there is what seems l to be a mark (like a cut or a chop in a tree) or a definate mark (like a ribbon or a scarf tied to a branch), but Khalid shakes them off.  "Those are not ours" He said, "to be sure.  And following or tracking down the mine that they lead to is a concoction for calamity.  No, we need to be a bit further..."

Spot or track rolls everyone (who has a spot or track)

Nikolai scans the terrain carefully. "I think I've found something..."

OOC: 13:43, Today: Nikolai rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Track.
OOC: 13:43, Today: Nikolai rolled 17 using 1d20+9. Spot.

09:07, Today: Ovi rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Spot.

Balrok keeps his one good eye ineffectively peeled for trouble.

09:27, Today: Balrok rolled 2 using 1d20-5. Spot.

OOC: 07:02, Today: Candlewick rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Candlewick Spot Roll.

10:32, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 17 using 1d20. Spot check.

Shards! Wait up a minute. I t'ink a got a vicious jungle thorn o' a rock in me boot. Ovi halts in line and bends down into a crouch acting like he is fumbling with his boot. When the others look at him, he will speak softly to the others, using his talents to disguise the message.

Psst. Der be yeller eyes behind a leaf 'bout 60 paces ahead lookin' straight at us. Try t' act natural.

[Private to GM: Ovi will take 10 on a Bluff check to disguise the message: Check would be 18.

If I have to roll:

22:25, Today: Ovi rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Bluff (disguise message).

Good roll there.  I dropped it into PM for the 'natural' look.  Hope you don't mind.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Thu 12 July 2007.

"Hate dem jungle thorns," Balrok grumbles loudly.  "Don't yu worry brudder, I gotchur back, Balrok'll dig out dat thorn faster den yu can say 'Sleeping Sabu!'  Heh heh heh...."

Balrok crouches down by his brother, pulling a dagger in his off hand, and makes a show of poking it at Ovi's foot.  Quietly he murmurs to Ovi in dwarven, "Whatsit?  Shuld I go kill it?"

Ovi mutters a reply, also in dwarven. I dun know what it is, but it be watchin' us. Maybe we should just keep movin' an keep an eye on it 'til we get closer? Any oder ideas?

He then speaks up, loud enough so others can hear. Damn jungle thorns sure do be stubborn.

Ovi will also subtly glance over his brother's shoulder to keep an eye on the pair of eyes he saw.

Nikolai walks over to the two dwarves, pretending to be absorbed in their clumsy pantomime.

"I found Kuro spoor nearby" he says quietly, pitching his voice low.

OOC: Kuro are like hobgoblins/gnolls, apparently

Guess dat settles it, brudder. Ya kill 'em or capture 'em so we can find out where his buddies are. Ovi says with a grin. 'less o' course ya t'ink dey'll take t' me charm... Even den it might help fer ya t' hold dem still.

Ovi will raise his voice...Damn, dese jungle thorns hold on tight. Cut dat t'ing out already, brudder.

"Ifah cut anny faster, yer left toe's gunna be goin' du way of me left eye," Balrok grumbles, then mutters, "Maybe we should let elfy shoot it 'fer I charge it, udderwise he ain't gunna hit nothing with dose twigs 'cept Balrok, or I'm uh bearded nome.  Now, point it out, brudder," Balrok mutters, as he slices off a small piece of underfoot foliage and hands it circumspectly to Ovi, switching to Dwarven, "And uh... maybe get rid of yer thorn while yer at it, eh?  Heh heh heh." Balrok gives the slightest of winks as he says this.

Standing up, Balrok sheaths the dagger back in a boot, and rests his waraxe casually over one shoulder.  "Uh little down--'sides, its out alreadys, yu can quit yer blubbern'.  If yu'd complained one more time 'bout dat damn thorn, I woulda thought sumbudy'd come sprindled me brudder and 'placed 'em with an elf."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Thu 12 July 2007.

Ovi stands and takes the twig his brother handed to him. Askin' an elf t' shoot up da bushes. Dat 'll be the day. Heh. He says as idly tosses the twig in the direction of where he saw the pair of eyes 60' paces out.

Balrok will wait a moment for the elf to shoot if he so chooses.  If Nikky hesitates, or after he fires, Balrok will charge the bushes and attempt to smack whatever is there with the flat of his axe blade.  [Doing nonlethal damage, -4 to hit.]

11:32, Today: Balrok rolled 13 using 1d10+4. Nonlethal damage.
11:31, Today: Balrok rolled 18 using 1d20+6. Nonlethal charge attack (+2, -4).

Nikolai shakes his head gently. "We are sure to earn their emnity if we attack without provocation" he says softly. "What say you Candlewick, are these Kuro creatures to be feared?"

But it is too late. When Nikolai turns back from Candlewick, Balrok is already charging the bushes.

"Balrok you oaf!" he cries, while hefting his longbow and drawing an arrow. "At least do me the courtesy of waiting for my reply!"

Nevertheless, Niklai notches an arrow and prepares to support the premature dwarf if he is attacked.

Others watch, somewhat dumbstruck, as Balrok charges; but to no avail.  Simply - there is nothing there.

The jungle seethes with buzzing, humming, and the calls of birds...

But as Nikolai and others look, there are tracks...

Most recently, tracks of one of these that some call 'Kuro'...the 'dark souls' or the 'little giants' of the jungle...they are tall like men, not like the shorter Batarai or 'emerald men', so called because of their greenish skin, but tall like men, or taller.  Not stocky, but muscled; clever, dangerous, hostile...evil...

"I have a distinct apprehension that the proximity and temperment of these species is particularly disadvantageous to our locating the vinciniage of mine mine." Says Khalid, crossing his arms and tapping his feet on the dark earth.  "Nikolai - Alexandru; any thoughts here?  I have _no wish_ to sleep under the foliage.  What if I get wet?  Awful."

OOC: I'll assume Candlewick answered Nikolai's question and the answer is paraphrased in fbaker's post.

Nikolai considers Khalid's question. "If these Kuro are hostile and intelligent they will be back in greater force in the night, hoping to surprise our camp while we sleep. I suggest we scout out a good defensive position, make camp as best we can, and prepare an ambush of our own"

Balrok glares at the elf.  "Yu need tu sort out yer priorities 'fore next time, pointy-ears--didja'ever dink dey might earn enuff enmity from us fer spyin' on us to deserve been clubbed over du head an' questioned?"  Balrok shakes his head as he stumps back to the group.  "Course, when elfy here 'ventually decides du creepy jungle voyeurs are bad, den it's 'prepare defenses, start an ambush of our own,'" Balrok mimics in a high-pitched, bad impersonation of an elf. "But when Ovi an' Balrok do dat before du elf even thinks uf it, den we're 'oafs!'"  Balrok grumbles.  "Typical elf."

The thought of being watched by some hostile race in this unforgiving jungle made Sabu nervous. She preferred a stand up fight, where you saw your enemy and took the fight to them. Wading through this morass of vegetation until they were ambushed did not appeal to her. It was the anticipation of the attack that she found displeasing.

Let us make haste. She said to Khalid. I do not want to sleep in the open jungle either.

Alexandru looks back on the party.  "The Kuro are always hostile, always dangerous, and always stealthy.  Sometime their ambushes are preferable to their assaults...but not often. We need shelter, and defenses, and soon.  I did not realize that they were so close..."

Nikolai raises a delicate eyebrow at the dwarf's rant, but does not deign to reply. He realises the more perceptive members of the group will remember that Nikolai used the term oaf before he knew the danger the Kuro represent.

Having giving his advice, he waits silently for the party to decide the next move.

Good work, brudder, ya almost had 'em. He listens to what the others say and the shrugs.

Now, everyone seems t' be wantin' t' set up shop an' sleep. Now, I just want t' throw dis out der and see what people t'ink. If'n we set up camp and defenses, I dun think we're gunna be seein' much sleep fer da night.

An' if da assaults o' dese critters are worse den der ambushes, it seems it might be a good idea t' keep movin' and not sit in one spot t' give 'em a chance t' get together an' assault an' march it t' us?

'sides... maybe you jungle-types can help me wit' dis. But lookin' 'round it seems dat da best option for setting up camp would be some kind of treehouse, an' that don't sound too defensible--even if you could get me brudder up in one.

If ya had a cave or some old ruins, den I might t'ink twice about sittin' in one spot. But even wit' my keen eyes, I dun see any a dose 'round here.

Khalid harumphs:  "Well that's just it, isn't it?  'If'  If my fool of a brother hadn't lost the mine, we wouldn't be here...but wishing won't help.  I'm not a fighter; but I hear two competing ideas - one that we set camp and set for defense, and the other that we look for shelter.  I can't say which is better...I thought that I would recognize the land better...I usually have a good eye for these things...but we must be close.  There's is no guarantee that finding what we seek won't be more trouble..."

Khalid sighs.  "I would have the temper of those who accompany me.  Stay and prepare defenses or Go and seek shelter.

Alexandru?"  he asks

Alexandru grimaces  "I do not want to fight the Kuro, but neither do I want them to fight me.  Go.

Candlewick?" Khalid asks

Candlewick looks pale.  "Ah, stay.  Perhaps if the defenses are good, they will not attack."

Khalid asks each in turn:

Ovi, Blarok, Nikolai, Sabu...

And Balrok does not deign to comment on the raised eyebrow, since he knows the more perceptive elves in the group will recognize that Balrok said he charged the creature (and was called an oaf) not because of the specific danger the "Kuro" represent but instead because the mystery creature in the jungle was spying on us, a fact the elf knew at the time of his name-calling just as well as the dwarf!

But aloud, Balrok says, "Two ideas nuthin'--let's upit tu three:  I say Nikky here tracksem from der prints, and we go out an' show du little buggers we ain't du sort dey shuld be messin' with--I fer one would rather be ambushin' dem den du uther way 'round."

"Possible, I suppose.  But it risks much; dividing the group, stranding the pack animal.  I am not sure that is a good idea.  If you must, cast your lot with Chasing."

OCC: And no more jr. high sniping at one another.  This is a shake out cruise, remember.

Nikolai raises his eyebrow once again, but this time his expression bears a trace of respect. "I agree with Balrok. Tracking them back to their lair is an excellent plan"

OOC: OK, this is it folks, leaving for Portugal tomorrow AM. See you in a week ;)

Heh, now dat der sounds like a mighty fine idea. I'll side wit' dat. Let's find dem critters an' show 'em who da new kings o' da jungle are.

He raises his chain, pulling it taught between two hands to emphasize his point.

Sabu listened to the options and weighed them. She already voiced her opinion on staying. Finding shelter was her vote, until the dwarves brought up hunting the creatures to their lair. It was definitely a riskier option. It would mean fighting on their turf and negotiating their obstacles. It was dangerous and perhaps a bit foolish.

When Khalid looked in her direction, seeking her choice, she nodded and smiled.

Lets take the fight to them. I don’t wish to wait around for them to attack us.

Then she looked at the rest of the group.

Besides, if these things have been praying on travelers and miners they may have amassed some wealth. Liberating spoils from savage creatures has my vote every time.

"I like how dis woman thinks, heh heh.  Well, if there ain't no objections, let's gettu trackin' em!  Maybe somebudy can give us der vitals as elfy here tracks--anythin' we know 'bout how dey live?  Who der leaders usually are?  Anythin' else dat'll helpus fight'em?"

Alexandru knows the answer to these questions.  "The Kuro are similar what my people - Chessentians - would call gnolls, though their features are of course different, but they fill a similar role in the forest here.  They are smart, careful, deliberate and crafty.  They delight in pain, and invariably are hostile.  But they are wise to the jungle..."

"Where do dey tend tu live?  Trees, caves?  In udder words, assumin' we track dese gnollish-guys down, whadder we likely tu be walkin' intu?"

Alexandru considers.  "I...I don't really know." He shrugs "Caves, I guess.  Candlewick, mayhaps you know?  Regardless, I'm staying with Khalid.  I'm not chasing a bunch of unfindable natives into a trap for no reason."

"Der seems tu be a majority fer huntin' down some critters an' senden' a message 'bout manners--surly der mudder taught'em never tu stalk dwarves in du jungle, heh heh.

Anyways, if we're all goin', den it'd be putneer suicide fer Alexy and Khalid tu stay here or wander of on der own, aye?  So we'd best all be goin' if any of us are.  Won't be so bad anyways--der prolly not 'spectin us tu huntem down, so if we're careful-like we can maybe get du drop on 'em.  No reason tu dink it's uh trap, cuz most people'd prolly run, or setup defenses, like youse are planin'.  Dat'd be du trap, sure as sandstone."

"Well.  I fairly don't know about that." says Khalid, all snippy.  "But I want to look for the mine, and barring that, find someplace safe to rest.  I suppose I could move a bit on then, see about tracking them.  But won't we move too slow and obvious with a mule?  I mean, I'm glad it's carrying all the materials, but still.  Who is going to handle it?  Not I..."

Alex chimes in.  "No; you swift ones move along.  If you discuss, it's bound to have gone too far.  I know how to find shelter in the jungle and take care of Muley here.  Don't be overlong."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:43, Wed 18 July 2007.

Heh, everyone likes t' point a finger at Muley. I'll have ya know, Muley is as fast as da rest a ya. An' he be good at what he does--walkin' an' carryin' stuff. He dun need much attention, doh he sure does like it. Don't ya boy? He pats Muley warmly on the side and rubs his ears.

He turns to Khalid. Believe me. I be wantin' t' find dose minds as much as you. But I dun want t' be walkin' out after a big fight wit' a fist full o' emeralds only t' have sum jungle goblins jumpin' me. We know dey be spyin' on us. It makes sense we kill dem now.

He then glances at Alexy. Come again, jungle boy? My apologies, it may just be my lack o' familiarity wit' da Chultan accent. Are ya suggestin' we leave Muley behind wit' you?

I dun know if I could bare t' part wit' da feller...

Balrok nods as Ovi speaks, then growls, "Aye--durned critter is faster den slowpoke Ovi an' quieter den I am.  If Ovi an' Balrok are trakin', Muley might as well go too.  'Sides, we'd never find our way back to yu later even if yu find shelter.

Udder words, when I say it's suicide tu splittup, I mean for du mule too--I think ya should stick with du group.  Anythin' else is jus' uh blazin' proper ogurkh if yu ask me, and I ain't doomin' Muley tu stay wit' ya if yer fools an' don't come 'long.

If were worried we're noisy, den we send Nikky uh bit ahead tu scout, without none of du rest of us loud clangy folks--maybe Ovi if he's feelin' stealthy-like.  An' if du critters get a bit ahead, no matter--we're stalkin' dem not du udder way 'round.  Be bedder if dey didn't get ahead, but we'll jus' havta be careful cuz we can't keep up with dem anyway what with slowpoke here."  Balrok jerks his thumb at Ovi, emphasizing his earlier point that Ovi is extremely slow!!
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Wed 18 July 2007.

"From records that I've read of other travellers through Chult, the little that I know about the Kuro is that they generally live in caves, deep in the jungle.

Apparently they worship elemental spirits, in particular ones associated with Earth.  Other then that, I've read very little about them.

I don't know if it would be a good idea to confront Earth-worshipping creatures in a cave on their own territory, but I would be very interested in examining any shamanistic relics or whatever we can find."

In the end Candlewick shrugs, "I'll go along with whatever everyone else decides to do.  Perhaps I can wrack my brain for any additional lore on the Kuro."




07:26, Today: Candlewick rolled 20 using 1d20+5. Knowledge: Chult.

"So trakem down, lure 'em outta du caves."

Alexanrdu folds his arms.  "Tracking them down in a place like this is nothing but trouble.  We'll likely be caught in a place we can't defend, in the dark against an enemy we can't see, against overwhelming numbers and without hope.  Besides, if we move slowly, and we're all plodding along, we can't catch up to them anyway...Here's where I'd rather stay."

"No wonder yer uh tree hugger--it's dat sunny disposition, heh.  I canno' keep yu frum bein' stupid, lad, so if yer stayin' here yer stayin', but surely yer smart 'nuff tu realize dat stayin' by yerself in du middle of du jungle when ye know stuff's stalkin' yu is at least as dangerous, an' almost certainly more dangerous, den commin' with us, even if yu don' like du plan.

But commin' or goin', we ain't gettin' much killin' done sittin' 'round here yappin'--let's get uh move on!

Balrok will urge Nikky to start tracking the critters.

OOC: The following only occurs once the debate is finished.

Nikolai picks up the Kuro spoor again and attempts to track the creatures back to their lair. He makes sure to blaze a trail for the others, leaving notches on trees and what have you, and doesn't move too far ahead of the group, backtracking frequently.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Thu 19 July 2007.

"Well, if you are going to go off and try to track down these creatures, I can't let you go alone.  I just hope that it doesn't lead to a horrible disaster, so I guess we'll have to wait and see."

Candlewick pauses, glancing at Muley.  "I guess we can take him with us, especially since he's carrying the booze!"

Balrok nods sagely to Candlewick, "Aye, good point lad.  Can't leave du booze!"

Ovi nods as well and Candlewick's sage advice. Well said. Now le's get a move on.

Ovi will take his spot in line. He has his spiked chain in hand, in case he needs it. He also keeps a wary eye and ear out for potential danger.


15:27, Today: Ovi rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Listen.
15:26, Today: Ovi rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Spot.

"Ahh, phooey.  If you're going to plod along at a mule's pace, you'll never find them, and then you'll be chopped to bits, and then I will.  All right then, Alexandru, let's go along.  Have rocky watch our backs."

"It'll probably rain later, too." he grumbles...

Later...While Nikolai does pick up the trail, it's hard to follow, and eventually goes cold as the sun sets, and the jungle grows dim...

Despite his excellent night vision, it is just too difficult for Nikolai to make out the trail as darkness falls. "I can track no longer in this light. If the Kuro plan to hunt us down they will be passing this way. I suggest we look for somewhere to set up an ambush"

"Oh, this is great." grumbles Alexandru "Just great.  Well, let's get a look around then.  These Kuro aren't likely to wait around for us to get ready, once the dark kicks in..."

"Patience" counsels Khalid.  "Your skills, along with those of Nikolai, and Candlewick for the lands, and those of the Sabu, and the dwarves Ovi and Balrok for defense against our enemies, should be sufficient."  He narrowed his brow and his thin smile became a slash.  "I am confident that we should not panic, and instead, prepare."

The area, overgrown though it is, will have to serve; less than a 500-count remains of daylight.

Will you prepare a fire?  What defenses can you rig in a short time period?  Who will sound the alarms?

As you consider the possibilities, a sound, low but insistant, grows to the South..South west...ish...hard to place the direction in the dense jungle, the humid air...but it is drums...drums in the dark...
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:17, Sun 22 July 2007.

Balrok grumbles.  "So much fer makin' an 'xample out of 'em 'fore dey attack, heh.  Well, by duh Soulforger, der not takin' dis dwarf without uh fight.  Let's build us up some defenses, lads."  At this prospect Balrok seems almost gleeful; a fight against overwhelming hordes of jungle creatures holds no fear for the dwarf, for even if he dies, it will be a damn fun way to go out!

Balrok recommends the following:

Ask Nikky and Alex to scout around for some high ground, preferably a hill, maybe some rocks, something.  A clearing would be preferable so we can see them coming and Nikky can use his bow--if we can't find a true clearing, we will look for a spot with few trees but lots of undergrowth.  Anything hard to put our backs against to avoid being surrounded would also be ideal.  We are going to have to take what we can get quickly, though.

While the others are scouting, Balrok and anyone else free can start gathering rocks or chopping down small trees and branches a low log and stone wall for cover.  We will load these onto Muley and be ready to move them to the defensible location found by the scouts.

Once Nikky and Alex have found the most defensible spot, Balrok will recommend we move there at once.  First order of business should be to build a fort on the high ground, or with our backs against the rocks, etc., depending on what we found.  We will want low walls of logs for partial cover that we can attack over and get the cover bonus, while they don't get cover bonus.  If we can, we will want to stake some pointed sticks in the ground to prevent charges, but we might not have time for that.  If we have time, we will want some sort of higher structure for the casters to hide behind for full cover, but we might not have time for that either--they can lay prone behind the low wall if need be.

Balrok will clear away the brush from the clearing (except for the area we intend to make our stand), so that nothing gets concealment.  He will gather up that brush and stack the most flammable of it [Survival skill] around the parameter of the clearing, and spend his last few minutes cheerfully dousing it with lamp oil.  Meanwhile, he will give Ovi their bag of caltrops to spread around the edge of the small "fort", and get someone to pass out some torches.

Battle positions:  Presumably Nikky is still going to want to be up in a tree; Balrok will make sure Nikky takes something up in the tree that could set the brush on fire, like an oil-rag wrapped arrow or something (and make sure Nikky can get out of the tree if it catches on fire).  Balrok will take a position, shield and axe in hand, at whatever part of the fort is most likely to be attacked.  Muley will be placed at the back of the fort under full cover, if possible.  Ovi should have no trouble attacking from anywhere with his chain; Sabu will probably want the part of the "wall" by Khalid; Khalid and Wicky will probably want their backs against the most defensible part, perhaps laying prone to avoid being hit by missile fire (you can stand from prone without AoOs if you have cover, I think).

This is just a thumbnail of a plan, Balrok is flexible, and depending on the amount of time we have please let us know if we need to triage anything, and we can pick the most important defenses.

Guess we dun need t' track dem anymore. He listens to Balrok's plan, nodding occasionally as he does so.

Seems like a sound plan.

Ovi will begin assisting with preparations. He will cut down brush and small trees with his handaxe and loading the materials onto Muley. He keeps an eye out for malicious man-eating or sleep-inducing plants as he does so.

He will be ready with the bag of caltrops, so he can scatter the location with them when they decide on where they will make their stand.

Ovi will also keep an eye and ear out for the Kuro. He will be looking all around (in the brush, trees, etc.) for Kuro scouts that might be watching their position. He will also be listening closely to the drums and how quickly the sound is increasing in volume to attempt to gauge how far they are from the group. He will be giving the group updates on his estimates of how long it might be before they arrive based on what he can figure out from the sound.

Ovi will want to move into position and prepare some actions before they are upon us. He will want to leave himself enough time, after moving to the defensible location, to take 1 or 2 actions before before they are upon us.

15:25, Today: Ovi rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Spot.
15:25, Today: Ovi rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Listen.

At the 5 minute mark, Ovi will yank a critter from his bag of tricks.

He tosses the small ball of fuzz to the ground after grabbing it from a gray pouch. The ball expands, sprouting legs, a tail, and a head, elongating and refining the rough features until it turns into a rat.

The dwarf shrugs Not much help fer diggin', but you'll do. Hide over der in da bushes an' when da bad guys come, get behind dem an' nip at da ankles o' da one I'm attackin'

He gestures for the rat to scurry into the brush opposite from where he will be at the logs, so when it attacks it will hopefully be at the rear of the enemies.

16:23, Today: Ovi rolled 33 using 1d100. Bag o' Tricks.

Candlewick will do his best to help the dwarves and company move heavy logs and set up the defensive fort.

"I don't have many combat-oriented spells," he apologizes.  "But I do have a spell that summons a magical creature to fight for us."

Seeing no defensible territory, Balrok will make do with what he has.  "Dose big treese der are du best we got--Moradin's forgiveness fer usin' somethin' like a tree for a wall, but der ain't no helpin' it."

Balrok begins rustling around in his and Muley's packs, throwing things onto the earth--rope, grappling hook, pitons, caltrop bags, a large number of torches, and a spade.

"OK, der ain't much time so everybudy's gots a job.  Ovi's with me; he's got uh way with Muley.  Nikky, Alexandru, go look for logs whilese we make uh harness for Muley.  Flag Ovi an I when yu find a good deadfall, and we'll come buy with Muley, tack some pitons into it and drag it to the tree.  We need 3 of em, so look sharp.  Sabu, help us tu drag du logs.

Nikky, when yer done findin' logs, grab a rope an' grapplin hook and set yerself up a rope ladder to uh tree.  Den come help us drag logs.

Rest of yu, take dis spade or yer hands and start diggin' a ditch near du trees.  Yu jus' want it deep nuff dat you can lay down in it and be hard tu hit with arrows, see?  If yu finish dat, start diggin' ditches on du OUTSIDE of du logs we're gunna arrange, make it harder to move up to dem.

Once we get a log in place, Wickky, scatter caltrops round it.

Anyone who don't have nothin to do, help drag logs.  Any suggestions let's hear 'em fast, we don't gots much time!"

Balrok and Ovi will rig a harness to Muley, and then go to logs found by Nikky and Alex.  The goal is to get three logs and drag them into a U, with the open part of the U being against the tree.  Caltrops scattered on the outside of the logs, and we will make our stand on the inside of the logs.  A ditch for cover for the casters if they can get that done in time.

For dragging logs, Balrok will tack a few pitons into it or otherwise tie a rope to it, and hook that rope on Muley.  Then he [16 Str, Musclebound +1 strength checks] and Sabu [unknown strength] will left the log on one end, while Muley, led by Ovi, drags it.  If Nikky comes back he can either help lead Muley with animal empathy or he can help lift the log as it is dragged.

Hearing the rumble of the drums, Sabu hurriedly helped with the defensive position. She deferred to Balrok’s expertise in the matter of fortifying their area. She had no experience in those matters. She worked hard to assist, even with the heavy lifting. She did not want to be a burden on the others. She very much wanted to pull her own weight.

She took up the position that Balrok suggested for her and she quickly checked to make sure that Khalid was within reach if she needed switch to bodyguard mode. Her employer was readying himself and she nodded to him when he looked up at her.

She drew her short sword in her right hand while holding her kukri in her left. She was still learning to fight with two weapons at once, and she decided that if it became too much of a burden she would drop her sword and engage with her favored weapon.

As the drums became louder she looked at the dwarves as they made their last minute adjustments. Their aptitude for combat and calm demeanor relaxed her. She felt that as long as they stood, she would stand with them.

She looked at Candlewick when he mentioned his magic and gave him a smile. She was sure that his abilities would come in handy in the action to come, as would Alex and his elemental.

Finally she looked at Nikolai. His covering fire would be essential to her. Unlike the dwarves who fought with axe and chain, she fought with weapons that required her enemies to be very close to her. Nik’s arrows could mean the difference between fighting an enemy one at a time or being mobbed by a group of them. She gave the elf a respectful nod and then turned her attention back to her area.

As everyone works, Balrok will yell out strategy ideas as he drags logs.  In picture form:

Edit:  Wow it screws up this picture, but this is sort of right.  Just imagine the right side log is straight and goes up to the tree, and that Balrok is centered on his log.


..........c TTTTTTTTTTcTTTTTTTTTTT c
..........L______A__W_Mule_K___L
.....R.E.c.L.O.......N(T).................. S.L c
............L..................................L
.............L........B........................L
............c.LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL c
.....................ccc

T = Tree
L = Log
c = Caltrops - liberally strewn. Stops charging creatures; does 1 point of damage; halves movement of injured creatures.
__ = Ditch
. = Nothing, just the spacing is annoying otherwise.
B = Balrok (if for some reason there are not 3 trees, Balrok will take the spot with NO cover, letting Ovi and Sabu man the sides that have cover)
S = Sabu
N(T) = Nickky, up in a tree, rope dangling down into the middle of the fort, firing arrows
O = Ovi, getting flanking from Rats and Earth Elementals
E = Alexandru's Earth Elemental, which will pop up behind what Ovi is attacking to give him flanking
R = Rat from bag of tricks; helps to give Ovi flanking
A = Alexandru, on the side where he can keep an eye on his earth elemental.  Standing in shallow ditch--can lay in it to get cover (perhaps full cover) against missile weapons.
W = Wicky, in the middle since he is a wuss!!!  Standing in shallow ditch--can lay in it to get cover (perhaps full cover) against missile weapons.
Mule = Muley, safely in the center, with trees at his back.  We will convince him to lay down in the ditch, and tie him to the tree.
K = Khalid, on the outside where Sabu can keep an eye on him.  Standing in shallow ditch--can lay in it to get cover (perhaps full cover) against missile weapons.

P.S. - I drew a gap between the tree trunks, I don't know if that's accurate, if it is we will try to fill it with something like a log, and certainly put caltrops there.  Also, I didn't include any ditch outside the logs, since that's last priority, but if we have time we will do that.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Mon 23 July 2007.

Before climbing up his tree, Nikolai surveys their defences with an approving eye.

"Outstanding! Now all we need is a pack of cards" he channels.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:02, Mon 23 July 2007.

"Cards?" Balrok says, looking puzzled.  "I can agree dis is fun an' games, elfy, but what in du Nine Hells yu want with a pack uh cards when we got monster-pygmies tu kill?"

" I suppose so" says Nikolai sadly, before shinning up into the foliage above and getting comfortable.

"Having your mule turned out to be a good idea after all, gentlemen." offers Khalid as the war-camp takes shape.

"With luck, we'll be ready..."

Ready is always to what.

Right after nightfall, the drums increase; the rythmic pounding that echoes and carries on the heavy, humid air threatens to make your heads swim...

And then, some hours after dark, there's a howl from the darkness, and a rush of bodies...

(Need Inits...shoulda asked for these before, but...)

As dark fell upon the group, Ovi held his chain at ready, peering steadily out into the jungle around him for any sight of an intruder. As the rush from out of hiding towards the makeshift fortress, Ovi shouts INCOMIN'! He then waits to attack the nearest creature that comes near.

If they are moving forward...

Shards! Dem boys are quick. Get dem critter!

21:41, Today: Ovi rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

If a creature attempts to close on Ovi and has no reach, Ovi will use his AoO to attempt to trip the creature. (Unlikely that hits)

His next attack will also be a Trip attempt.

If that hits, I listed opposed rolls for the knockdown and damage (he would get a free attack on the prone creature from his Improved Trip feat).

If he hits and misses his opposed roll to trip, I listed roll for a counter trip. He will drop his weapon if the opponent beats his counter trip roll.

(Ovi may get +2 to these To Hit rolls if the critter or Lumpy are in position for flanking.)


22:01, Today: Ovi rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Opposed vs. Counter trip (+4 race bonus).
21:56, Today: Ovi rolled 5 using 1d6. Sneak Attack (if prone).
21:56, Today: Ovi rolled 6 using 2d4+3. Damage.
21:55, Today: Ovi rolled 10 using 1d20+6. Opposed Roll (if necessary).
21:54, Today: Ovi rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Trip Attack (Touch Attack).
21:53, Today: Ovi rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Trip AoO if needed (Touch Attack).

As the creatures rushed the area, Sabu spun to avoid being hit while sticking out with her shortsword, followed by her kukri.

22:07, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Initiative.

22:08, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Shortsword attack.
22:09, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 6 using 1d6+4. Shortsword damage.

22:09, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 13 using 1d20-1.(Kukri)
22:10, Today: Sabu Armiir rolled 6 using 1d4+4. Kukri attack (damage)

After preparations are complete, Balrok stands in his position tirelessly for hours if need be, axe poised to strike the first advancing critter, shield raised in defense.  As they finally charge, he grins from ear to ear.  "'Bout damn time!"  Muscles bulging, he screams, "Mooooooooooooooooordiiiin!" as his axe chops down.

  Balrok is Tireless, and would have had his axe readied against the first creature to charge his position for hours if need be, once the fortifications were complete.  Therefore I don't think my initiative roll would matter versus their initiative roll for my readied attack.

  Round 1:
  [Move] None
  [Swift] None
  [Free] Yell his joy of battle to the dwarven gods
  [Standard] Readied action against an attack (since before the charge started)

Attack: 13
Damage: 7

Initiative: 7

Effects:  Rage, 9 rounds remaining.  (1 use left after this for today)

   * Rage - 1/day (3/day from feat) as a free action.  9 round duration (3 + adj. Con. mod).
         (1) +4 Str. (+2 hit/dam), +4 Con. (+2 HP/level; +2 Fort./Will saves), +2 Morale bonus on Will saves; -2 penalty to AC.
         (2) While raging, can't use Cha-, Dex-, or Int-based skills (except Intimidate); can't activate command-word magic items; and can't use Combat Expertise.
         (3) Tireless!, so not Fatigued when rage ends.

23:40, Today: Balrok rolled 7 using 1d10+5. Damage.
23:39, Today: Balrok rolled 13 using 1d20+10. Readied attack.
23:39, Today: Balrok rolled 7 using 1d20. Initiative.

OOC: 08:32, Today: Nikolai rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Init.

OOC: I'm not sure if DM fbaker wanted us to post our actions yet. If you do DM, let me know, otherwise I will wait for another post from you with more details so Nikolai can decide who to shoot first (spellcasters would be favourite).

06:39, Today: Candlewick rolled 8 using 1d20+1. Candlewick Initiative!.

You’d managed to get your trenches dug inside, and the logs pulled into place and your caltrops scattered, but hadn’t managed to get ditches dug beyond your breastworks when you heard howls nearby.  Your hunters didn’t seem to be trying for a stealthy approach.

A few moments later, six figures burst from the trees, howling and screeching!  Four of them must have been the Kuro; they were large, lanky humanoids covered in grey fur, striped and blotched with brown, and with red manes.  The largest of the four had glowing red eyes, and wore a chain shirt rather than the tattered leathers of his brethren.  Two of them, including the red eyed one, raced forward with raised axes.  The other two barely slipped from the cover of the trees and stood to the back with shortbows in hand, fitting arrows to the strings.

At the sides of the two racing forward were two canine creatures with the same types of fur as their masters... hyenas!



Each square is 5' on a side

Key

A - Alexandru
B - Balrok
C - Candlewick
K - Khalid (NPC)
N - Nikolai (currently about 15 feet up in a tree)
O - Ovi
S - Sabu

e - Alexandru's earth elemental
r - rat from bag of tricks to help Ovi with flanking
m - Muley

1 - Monster 1 - Kuro with red eyes
2 - Monster 2 - Kuro
3 - Monster 3 - Kuro
4 - Monster 4 - Kuro
5 - Monster 5 - hyena
6 - Monster 6 - hyena

C - Corpse

T - fallen tree trunk
L - log
c - caltrops liberally strewn
d - ditch


OOC: Since there hadn’t been any real actions yet, I’m going to start fresh, mainly for my own sanity. Anybody whose initiative is before the monsters can act now.

If you have actions that you've already done, please copy and past them forward for me.  If you like the rolls you had, copy them forward too.  If you don't like the rolls you had, for this time only, feel free to re-roll them

Last, but not least, if you feel I've misread Balrok's map and have you in the wrong place, please correct me.

Initiatives start as:
Nikolai     22
Alexandru   17
Ovi         13
Sabu        12
Khalid      12
Candlewick   8
Balrok       7
Monsters    21

[Private to GM:
1 Fiendish Gnoll – 11/11
2 Gnoll – 11/11
3 Gnoll – 11/11
4 Gnoll – 11/11
5 Hyena – 13/13
6 Hyena – 13/13]

After preparations are complete, Balrok stands in his position tirelessly for hours if need be, axe poised to strike the first advancing critter, shield raised in defense.  As they finally charge, he grins from ear to ear.  "'Bout damn time!"  Muscles bulging, he screams, "Mooooooooooooooooordiiiin!" as his axe chops down.


Beautiful job with "my" map; it's perfect.

  Round 1:
  [Move] None
  [Swift] None
  [Free] Yell his joy of battle to the dwarven gods; RAGE
  [Standard] Attack

Attack: 27
Damage: 14

Initiative: 7

Effects:  Rage, 9 rounds remaining.  (1 use left after this for today)

   * Rage - 1/day (3/day from feat) as a free action.  9 round duration (3 + adj. Con. mod).
         (1) +4 Str. (+2 hit/dam), +4 Con. (+2 HP/level; +2 Fort./Will saves), +2 Morale bonus on Will saves; -2 penalty to AC.
         (2) While raging, can't use Cha-, Dex-, or Int-based skills (except Intimidate); can't activate command-word magic items; and can't use Combat Expertise.
         (3) Tireless!, so not Fatigued when rage ends.

23:46, Today: Balrok rolled 14 using 1d10+5. Damage (reroll).
23:46, Today: Balrok rolled 27 using 1d20+10. Readied Attack (reroll).
23:39, Today: Balrok rolled 7 using 1d20. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Thu 23 Aug 2007.

Nikolai sights on the closest kuro bowman and fires, getting off two arrows in rapid succession.

OOC:
07:37, Today: Nikolai rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Shoot Kuro bowman.
07:37, Today: Nikolai rolled 6 using 1d8+2. Damage?.
07:36, Today: Nikolai rolled 21 using 1d20+8. Shoot Kuro bowman.
07:36, Today: Nikolai rolled 9 using 1d8+2. Damage.

OOC: OK, that was my last post before my holiday. Please NPC me DM Jim. Nikolai will continue to fire (rapid shot +8/+8) on the bow-wielding Kuro, or any spell casters that present themselves.

Knowing he has no formal training, Ovi would have tied Muley's reigns to something heavy, (e.g., tree, tree stump) if possible.

22:18, Today: Ovi rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Cha check (handle animal).

Before the Kuro attacked, Ovi had done what he could to keep Muley confined.  For now, at least, tying him to the trees seemed to be working.

Nikolai's bow earned the polishing and attention that he usually lavished on it.  The string thrummed twice and both shafts fell on the closest Kuro archer.  The man beast gave a gurgling howl and dropped bleeding to the jungle floor.

The Kuro with the glowing eyes whistled piercingly and pointed at Balrok.  He barked what sounded like a word of command, and the hyena's pelted over the ground toward the makeshift fort, their master trailing more slowly behind them.

The other axe-bearing Kuro stormed forward as well, but kept his eyes warily on the trees, looking for more arrows to fall.

Lastly, the surviving archer scuttled forward and raised his own bow, sending a shaft toward Ovi, but the shaft spun down more than a yard away from the blond dwarf.

For now, Balrok's axe had to wait to taste Kuro flesh.  The creatures weren't close enough yet to hack into.

OOC: Balrok, I'd call that a readied action to take effect on the monster's next round.  Correct me if I'm wrong, otherwise I'll pick it up when somebody/something jumps the barricade.



Each square is 5' on a side

Key

A - Alexandru
B - Balrok
C - Candlewick
K - Khalid (NPC)
N - Nikolai (currently about 15 feet up in a tree)
O - Ovi
S - Sabu

e - Alexandru's earth elemental
r - rat from bag of tricks to help Ovi with flanking
m - Muley

1 - Monster 1 - Kuro with red eyes
2 - Monster 2 - Kuro
3 - Monster 3 - Kuro
4 - Monster 4 - Kuro
5 - Monster 5 - hyena
6 - Monster 6 - hyena

C - Corpse

T - fallen tree trunk
L - log
c - caltrops liberally strewn
d - ditch

OOC: Initiatives remain:

Nikolai     22
Alexandru   17
Ovi         13
Sabu        12
Khalid      12
Candlewick   8
Balrok       7
Monsters    21

[Private to GM:
1 Fiendish Gnoll – 11/11
2 Gnoll – 11/11
3 Gnoll – 11/11
4 Gnoll – 0/11 - dead (arrows)
5 Hyena – 13/13
6 Hyena – 13/13]

Readied action next round is perfect.

Balrok will yell up to the trees, "Good shootin' elfy!  I kept tellin' Ovi dat yu had tu be gud fer somethin'!  Now he owes me a gold piece, heh heh."  However, he does not take his eyes from the advancing monsters, and keeps his axe tirelessly at the ready for their approach.

Peeking from the top of his small hole where he is laying, Candlewick sees the Kuro horde begin to approach and begins to cast a spell, crouching down to avoid interest from the Kuro.



It's an all round cast, trying for a Celestial Dog.

Round 2:

  [Move] None
  [Swift] None
  [Free] None
  [Standard] Cast Summon Monster I

Attack:
Damage:

Initiative: 8

Effects:  None

Sick 'em, critter. Ovi says to the rat, gesturing towards the nearest hyena. He then moves forward, ducking around the makeshift fort to approach near his brother, using the logs for cover as he does so. Brudder, dey all comin' from one direction. Heh, makin' dis easy. He hefts his spiked chain, ready to lash out at the nearest foe.

Ovi will move to F10

He will use a free action to communicate to the bag of tricks rat and let it know what to attack. The goal is to get it into position to flank.

Complete Adventurer:

Assist Attack
(CAdv p100)
20 Attack trick
The Animal will attempt to Flank the opponent designated by its Master (if it can do so without generating an
Attack of Opportunity). On command, the Animal will use the Aid Other action to attempt to grant his/her
Master (or designated ally) a +2 bonus on his/her attack roll.

I think commanding my animal is a free action, since that's how it is with summoned creatures. It only understand commands from handle animal. If you think otherwise, let me know, I can change it.

Ovi's strategy:
-Ready an action to attack the nearest enemy. This will be aTrip Attack if the enemy is standing.
-If he trips them successfully, he will take his free attack from Improved Trip.
-Threaten a 10' area with his Spiked Chain.
    - If someone standing provokes an AoO by moving to close he will try to trip them.
    - Otherwise he will use his AoO to try to trip a person who attempts to stand after being tripped.
    - If he trips anyone with this AoO, he will take his free attack from Improved Trip.



The rolls: These read from bottom to top.

This may very well be confusing, I'm just trying to avoid having to go back and make several rolls. Let me know if you have any questions or if I missed anything!



12:06, Today: Ovi rolled 6 using 2d4+3. Damage (AoO or Free Attack from AoO).
12:11, Today: Ovi rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Free attack from AoO trip (if needed). (This does not include the -4 to AC prone opponents have)
12:06, Today: Ovi rolled 8 using 1d20+6. Opposed Roll (AoO Trip).
12:06, Today: Ovi rolled 12 using 1d20+5. AoO (Trip if vs. standing opponent).
12:01, Today: Ovi rolled 9 using 2d4+3. Damage (Free Attack).
12:01, Today: Ovi rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Free Attack on Trip'd Foe. (This does not include the -4 to AC prone opponents have)
12:00, Today: Ovi rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Str. check Opposed (for Trip).
11:59, Today: Ovi rolled 16 using 1d20+5. Readied Action Trip Attack (10' reach).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Fri 24 Aug 2007.

Balrok and Ovi stood ready and waiting for their opponents to come to them, even as Ovi’s rat started forward to meet the hyena.

You looked around for Alexandru and his elemental companion, but the pair had apparently decided that discretion was the better part of valor and had faded into the trees and out of sight.

On her side of the clearing, Sabu was standing ready with bared blades, watching for Kuro who might slip out of the woods on your flank.

Khalid whispered a few words from where he crouched, and a tiny dart of energy sped from a wand in his hand and struck the red-eyed Kuro.

OOC: Candlewick, your Celestial Dog will appear at the start of your next action.  Nobody seems to have noticed you yet.

Once again Nikolai's two arrows arched high and drove down on the Kuro archer.  The beast man staggered, but barely kept his feet and raised his own bow.  His arrow dropped into the trench and struck the Calishite in the thigh.  Khalid grabbed at his leg and whimpered.

Both hyenas pelted across the clearing, heading directly for Ovi.  Maybe they’d had too many encounters with rabid things before and were avoiding Balrok in his foaming rage.  The first tried to leap the treetrunk, but caught his hind leg in a vine and crashed to a sudden halt.  The other sailed over effortlessly, and even though Ovi’s chain lashed around its legs twice, it jerked free each time and kept coming.

Just as the hyena opened its jaws to snap at Ovi, Balrok stepped in from behind and split its spine with the fall of his axe. OOC: Took the liberty of adding a 5’ step for you.  Hope that’s ok, but I didn’t want to wait any longer after the recent delays so that I could ask.  If it’s a problem, yell and I’ll edit.

The other two Kuro moved steadily forward with their own axes ready, though they didn’t look quite as confident as before.



Each square is 5' on a side

Key

A - Alexandru
B - Balrok
C - Candlewick
K - Khalid (NPC)
N - Nikolai (currently about 15 feet up in a tree)
O - Ovi
S - Sabu

e - Alexandru's earth elemental
r - rat from bag of tricks to help Ovi with flanking
m - Muley

1 - Monster 1 - Kuro with red eyes
2 - Monster 2 - Kuro
3 - Monster 3 - Kuro
4 - Monster 4 - Kuro - DEAD
5 - Monster 5 - hyena, prone
6 - Monster 6 - hyena - DEAD

C - Corpse

T - fallen tree trunk
L - log
c - caltrops liberally strewn
d - ditch

[Private to GM:
1 Fiendish Gnoll – 6/11
2 Gnoll – 11/11
3 Gnoll – 3/11
4 Gnoll – 0/11 - dead (arrows)
5 Hyena – 13/13
6 Hyena – 13/13]

OOC: And that should take care of all of the readied actions.

Initiatives become:

Nikolai     22
Balrok      21
Ovi         21
Monsters    21
Sabu        12
Khalid      12
Candlewick   8