Zombie Apocalypse (3.5) - IC

[Techwarrior]

The town of Valken has been under siege by a vast zombie horde for 3 days. Each of you has, through luck, blessings of the gods, or what have you, survived and been noticed. Each of you has been called to Lord Valken's home, where he hopes to employ you in a mission of some import against this zombie horde...

Lord Valken looks each of you up and down as you sit at the large table in his home. He has a slightly distraught look to his face. You remember hearing that his children were one of the first to be attacked by the zombies.

"I've called you all here today because you have demonstrated some ability with handling these abominations. I need you to take up a special mission. Your success, or failure, could be the making or breaking of this siege."
He shifts in his chair, pulls a sheet of parchment towards him, then he continues.
"One of my best scouts has come back with terrifying. He says that the zombies are going to be reinforced within the week by a pack of... he described them as 'horrible, scary, run the heck away giant bugs'. We need to get rid of this Zombie horde, fast. Anything that's still here when those bug things get here is only going to make it harder on us."
He pauses again.
"Your mission is two-fold. One, we suspect that these zombies are being controlled from a fair distance away by some kind of magic-user. Your first task is to take out whatever is allowing them to control the zombies. Hopefully, that will disrupt them enough that we can be ready for these bugs. Second, kill whoever is causing these zombies to rise. Do you have any questions? Do you need any equipment?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

Sitting uncomfortably in a chair is a very tall, and very hulking blue skinned Goliath. His skin is painted in black war stripes, and covering his body are various leathers and hides from different animals. Many of these hides have dark red stains on them.

When the mayor finishes his request, Thrag takes out a water sking hanging from his hide belt and takes a big drink. His throat is parched, and he wishes to speak. After wiping off the drops from the sides of his mouth, he sits up straight, clears his throat and begins to speak.

"When Thrag was little cub, father Gorn took him into the plains of Ornoth. There he found blades of grass as tall as little Thrag. But he found also little bugs, green as grass blades that likes to hop from there to here. Thrag liked little bug, it was good jumper like he. But Father Gorn told Thrag, little hopper of grass must be killed. Father Gorn tell Thrag that individually little hoppers of grass no threat. But hoppers of grass sometimes gather in big herds. Numbers as great as stars. When this happen, they fly from land to land, eating all food. Great suffering as pain follows. "

"These cursed creatures much like little hoppers of grass. Easy to squash when alone. In large numbers, not even Thrag can squash. They destroy everything living they can reach. Very deadly. How you propose we get past cursed to find shaman caster of spells?"

[Techwarrior]

"We intend for you to slip out of town while we attempt a distracting attack against the zombies, beyond that, I have little to offer. The only person that knows any kind of Divination magic that I could find was able to pinpoint some intense magical energy about 2 days ride to the east of here, past the entire zombie horde. Assuming that's actually the place where whoever is controlling these things is, I'd suggest skirting the horde, don't actually engage them under any circumstances. As you said, one can be smashed, in the numbers that they have, you won't stand a chance. Oh, and make sure you all carry a nice blade with you, these things seem to not affected by non-edged weapons."

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Staring pensively down at the finely crafted table, Cale finds himself lost in thought as Lord Valken begins to speak. Not having reached Aila's bedside before Valken's men escorted him away, he truly believed that he was being bought here for some forgotten past crime.

He snaps his attention back to the present, listening acutely, though at the same time feigning disinterest out of habit.

After the blue skinned half giant finishes his 'grasshopper squishing' story he pipes in with rather a blunt tone.

"I don't mean to sound rude, I'm sure your scout is very trustworthy and all Lord Valkan... But do you think the source controlling the zombies and raising them from their graves could be the same person or thing?"

He softens his tone a tad, remembering that the company of other people is not the same as in the wild.

"And is there anything being done to evacuate the town? Surely the zombies have not devoured every citizen of this god forsaken place... someone here must of really angered the gods to bring down two plagues on this town within a week"

[Ballista]

Vivex stands apprehensively several feet from the table, his scaled and heavyset arms are crossed across his chest. The black tinted scales that can be seen through his armor glisten in the light, his blue eyes stair intently at the Lord. The furled wings that sprout from his shoulders began to flap anxiously, creating a slight breeze through the room.
I would be quite glad to assist in ridding this place of these abominations, you have my blade my lord. I have not had caught sight of this horde, what does this army of undeath number? Surely it cannot be more than the armies of the mainland can handle; have you sent off for their aid?

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew finally finished considering the ramifications of the mission they'd been issued, then get's straight to what (to him) is the most important part: "I don't suppose any blacksmiths are still in town? I find myself in need of an edged weapon. The church prefers it's followers to not spill blood, hence my hammer, but if what you said is true... Thankfully, I believe the church would make an exception in this case, besides the fact that these creatures don't seem to bleed." Thinking for a moment, he continues. "Oh, and food. I would be willing to pay for it, but I was not expecting a trip into the wilderness when I arrived here, and so did not think to stock up on dried good."

[Techwarrior]

"I don't mean to sound rude, I'm sure your scout is very trustworthy and all Lord Valkan... But do you think the source controlling the zombies and raising them from their graves could be the same person or thing?"

"And is there anything being done to evacuate the town? Surely the zombies have not devoured every citizen of this god forsaken place... someone here must of really angered the gods to bring down two plagues on this town within a week"

"The zombies have found and destroyed each and every group of citizens sent out, even ones as small as three. We see the bodies of friends and family every day now. I do believe it is the same person raising them and controlling them.



I would be quite glad to assist in ridding this place of these abominations, you have my blade my lord. I have not had caught sight of this horde, what does this army of undeath number? Surely it cannot be more than the armies of the mainland can handle; have you sent off for their aid?


"We have estimated their numbers in the thousands. The first thing the zombies did was destroy the harbor in Cery.


Matthew finally finished considering the ramifications of the mission they'd been issued, then get's straight to what (to him) is the most important part: "I don't suppose any blacksmiths are still in town? I find myself in need of an edged weapon. The church prefers it's followers to not spill blood, hence my hammer, but if what you said is true... Thankfully, I believe the church would make an exception in this case, besides the fact that these creatures don't seem to bleed." Thinking for a moment, he continues. "Oh, and food. I would be willing to pay for it, but I was not expecting a trip into the wilderness when I arrived here, and so did not think to stock up on dried good."

"Food will be provided for all of you, as for an edged weapon, go to the armory and ask for whatever edged weapon you need."

[Ballista]

Vivex's brow arches in surprise.
Wait... they specifically targeted the harbor? That's rather peculiar, especially for supposedly mindless undead. Then there's no doubt someone is controlling them, we must deal with this well of magic that you've found. But you're positive that this is dark magicks you have discovered? Not some mage using his spells to ward off the walls of undeath?

[Techwarrior]

:smallconfused:
"Wouldn't you consider a mage using his power to break the walls of death to be dark magic?"

[Ballista]

I do believe you misinterpret me, I am expressing my reservations in the fact that this magic your Diviner has detected may simply be another mage attempting to protect himself from the swarms of undeath with his own magics. In any event, I will no doubt serve to the best of my ability to rid the realm of this scourge.
Vivex moves closer to the table, leaning his hands upon the enameled surface. He turns his head from left to right to observe the group assembled. Turning back to Lord Valken and gives a rather smug grin.
When shall we depart my liege?

[Techwarrior]

"You should depart as soon as all of you are prepared. You do raise a fair point about the magic. I don't know the answer to that, if you want an answer to that you would have to ask Grenne. She is staying at the inn at the moment."

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

*Sitting quietly through the majority of the conversation, his feet propped up on another chair, seemingly at ease, despite the mud and filth that is splattered on his clothes, Santos finally clears his throat and sets his goblet down on the table.*
"If I may? Whether it is a mage defending himself, or the culprit responsible for this hellish situation we've found ourselves in, does it matter?"

*With a shrug, he turns to face the table and holds out both hands, speaking almost non-chalantly.*
"On the one hand, it would mean that while it is -not- our stated goal, there is someone out there with enough personal resources and skill to hold off the horde single-handedly." *He pauses a moment to let that sink in.* "That is something the lot of us have barely managed with all the forces the good Lord Valken could muster."

*Raising his other hand, he shrugs*
"Or, it is indeed our target, and well, we're likely in for the fight of our lives."

*Picking up his goblet, he swirls the liquid for a moment and frowns.*
"Granted, there are always possibilities - but do we have any other leads to follow?"

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Subconsciously touching the shaft of his long bow, where a small wolf head is engraved.

"May Ehryan grant us the cunning and swiftness of the wolf, lest we end up like the commoners set free unto a slaughter"

He mutters, so that only the gods should hear him. Clearing his throat he speaks up.

"We should not linger for long, if this horde has had three days to achieve its goal then we are already behind. How far towards the sunrise is this quarry?

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

*With a wide eyed look at the ranger, Santos frowns into his goblet before finishing the rest of the wine.*
"Always empty so quickly, and here it may well be my last."

*Turning to the apparent woodsman, he smiles and motions to Lork Valken*
"Our host did say it was roughly 2 days ride to the east, did he not?"

*Whether the man answers or not, Santos stands, putting fist to heart as he bows to Lord Valken.*
"I am your man in this endeavor. Whether through life or death, I may stop the suffering of these people, I will do all in my power, for the honor of House Drogonnos."

*With a look to the others gathered, he nods.*
"It would seem everyone feels similarly, good sir, so I for one feel a trip to the Inn to speak with this diviner is in order while we each make preperations. It just so happens my mule is stabled in town."

*Pausing a moment, he looks at Lord Valken and smiles.*
"I don't suppose there is a spare bit of horseflesh around here with better running legs than a mule, is there? I think speed might be an asset in this venture."

[ForzaFiori]

"I will see the rest of you at the inn then. First I have to go find the armory. With your leave, my lord." Matthew says, the last sentence directed at Lord Valken. With a bow, he leaves the room, and makes his way to the armory, where he requests a longsword, before heading to the inn.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Cale stands adjusting his sheathed sword.

"It certainly would be an asset, though Valken would have to procure a stout breed for Thrag here, lest by chance the beast buckled under his mighty frame."

"And Lord Valken, you should keep your food, pray that we prevail or you may be in need of it more than I." He utters with a hint of derision. Taking long strides towards the door. "I'll be waiting outside."

[Techwarrior]

"I don't suppose there is a spare bit of horseflesh around here with better running legs than a mule, is there? I think speed might be an asset in this venture."

"Horses, aren't exactly as helpful as we would like against these hordes, we've already lost more than a few to them. The horses rising and being used against us is far less useful than the tactical benefits of using them ourselves. We should be able to find horses for all of you."



"Granted, there are always possibilities - but do we have any other leads to follow?"

"Not as such, no. If it is not your target, could you try and convince them to help us? We could use all of it we can get."


"I will see the rest of you at the inn then. First I have to go find the armory. With your leave, my lord." Matthew says, the last sentence directed at Lord Valken. With a bow, he leaves the room, and makes his way to the armory, where he requests a longsword, before heading to the inn.

The armory is easily identified by clanging metals. The grizzled man in the weapons room is terse, but hands you the longsword without any trouble.

The Inn

You all are in Grenne's room on the second floor of the building. The gnome woman looks at you all with a questioning look.
"You said you wished to speak to me in private? Such a mixed group can only mean one thing. I assume this is about my Divination for Lord Valken?"

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet emerges from the shadows where he had been watching the exchange in silence. He had never encountered a giant before, and he had been scrutinizing it with much focus. Now that he stepped into few, the young ranger decided to speak up:
"I came here looking to escape the constant onslaught of undead, not to go hunting around for it's source."

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

"Absolutely Lord Valken - if this is indeed not our target, we will most certainly attempt to acquire their assistance."

*As the young ranger steps out of the shadows like some dark wraith avoiding the sun, Santos jumps a bit, startled by his appearance. The thought of the man standing there motionless, silent the entire time sends a shiver down his spine, but he recovers quickly from the shock as the man speaks. At least he wasn't an assassin, here to do the unspeakable.*
"Indeed - escaping the onslaught is what brought many a soul here, and no doubt is the same drive that fuelled farmers and their children as they fled in terror into the night, hoping for another breath - another moment of life."

*With a shrug, he retreives his light cloak from where it was slung across the back of his chair.*
"I suppose we could all say that we're just hoping to escape, but to what fate? To be chased to ground again by the horde when they've increased in number? Perhaps we would get lucky and make it."
*He nods slowly, thinking as he clasps the cloak on.*
"Yes. I think the lot of us would have good odds of making it away from this whole mess with our hides intact. I'm sure we have resources to do so, but at what cost?"

"I, for one, do not wish to live a long life knowing that when innocent people needed my aid, and there was within my power the chance to help, that I turned tail, abandonded my honor and fled at the first chance. The faces of the men and women I have seen fall to the horde already weigh heavily on my mind, and the eyes of the children feel like a weight on my heart. Can you tell me you would abandon what might be their last hope?"

*With a heavy sigh, he shakes his head.*
"No man can force us, but I cannot turn my back on them.*

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet follows the rest of the group out, staring at the human who had addressed him before. He then takes a giant stride to plant himself about 5 inches from the man:
"I have a question for you." He announces in a quiet voice.

"How do you deal with those tiny ears? They mustn't be useful."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Waiting for the others to leave, the hulking Goliath stands up and moves closure to Lord Valken so he may speak softly.
"Thrag agrees to Lord Valken's request. He do favor for Valken's people. He gives word he will succeed or die trying. But when Thrag comes back, answers to his questions he will be given."

Standing up and following the others, the man leaves quietly without looking back. He looks over the other warriors quizzically and wonders to himself why they are all so small. He was under the impression warriors were big and fierce looking.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

*As the ranger slides up next to him, close enough for Santos to feel incredibly awkward, he instinctively pulls away, holding up a hand to ward the man off.*
"Easy. That's a bit too close."

*taking a step to the side, he puts a little mroe space between them and smiles. It would seem that despite his obvious abilities at remaining unseen, the elf was a little soft in the head.*
"They work just fine, though not as well as your peoples, by what I have been told."

*Speaking as they make their way to the Inn, he humors his companion*
"Besides - size isn't everything. Mice have tiny ears, and yet they're incredibly keen, are they not?"



The Inn

You all are in Grenne's room on the second floor of the building. The gnome woman looks at you all with a questioning look.
"You said you wished to speak to me in private? Such a mixed group can only mean one thing. I assume this is about my Divination for Lord Valken?"


"Indeed - we're hoping there is even the tiniest bit of light you could shed on the details of that divination. Anything you know could be of great use to us, if we are to survive the next few days."

[Techwarrior]

"Well, I didn't study it too well, the power of the magic overwhelmed me, so I didn't get anything like a good look at it. I can tell you that it was really powerful, but that's about all I know. If you have a day or two, I could try again, but it'd be unlikely that I could get anything more this time."

[ForzaFiori]

"As much as I would like to know what we're going up against, I don't know if we have any time to waste on this. The city can't hold out forever, and every day we waste, the horde gets bigger."

[Ballista]

So, where exactly is this source of power? We know of the time it will take to arrive at said destination but no knowledge of the location. I for one have recently arrived here, this terrain is unfamiliar to me; perhaps a map of the island could provide some insight.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

"Agreed - a map of the area would be incredibly useful, especially if it makes the journey east faster."

*With a smile to the gnomish woman, he shakes his head.*
"No, as much as I wish we had two days time to learn more, I fear we do not. We must act blindly, in this, it would seem. Still - you may have pointed us in the direction we need to do some good, so thank you."

*Once the rest of them speak their peace, he pauses in the hallway of the inn. It wasn't ideal - there could be enemy ears everywhere, but they'd already exposed themselves, if that was the case.*
"We have quite a few things need to be done. While I could start barking out things and telling you each to do them, I know it's not my place. I will do my best to scour the remaining businesses to see about a reliable map, and if nothing else, I'm sure Lord Valken will have one, so that is taken care of."

"Do any of you have any familiarity with the land? Like our Dark Behemouth of a lizard here, I have only recently arrived, and to be honest, I'm probably less capable than any of you at woodsmanship, so I hope we're not going to be relying on my ability to find anything in the wild."

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew

Matthew shakes his head in response to Santos' question. "I'm from the mainland, and only intended to be here for a short time."

[Techwarrior]

Genne detailed the area she felt had the magic. Anyone with a Survival check DC 15 can remember her directions, as they aren't that complicated. Anyone with ranks in Survival can take 10. It's by the Cern lake, about two rides day east from here, as advertised, but anyone with who succeeds can guide the party to the lake without too much trouble, barring food or attacks by zombies.

When you guys get outside of the inn, a soldier steps up leading six horses.
"Lord Valken said you would need these."
He offers you the reins to the horses. Three are heavy warhorses. Three are light warhorses. All of them have a riding saddle, bit and bridle, and saddlebags.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew takes the reins of one of the heavy warhorses, while trying to memorize the directions to the lake.


survival check: [roll0]

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag too takes one of the heavy war horses. His eyes lit up with happiness.
"It had been too many moons since Thrag has ridden horse. These are good horses."

[Ballista]

Vivex attempts to listen intently as Genne describes the way to the source of the disturbance, making fleeting mental notes of the way.
Survival- [roll0]

Vivex's tongue moves from his cavernous maw, flicking at the wicked sharp teeth that fill his mouth as he gives the particularly talkative human a cold stare. His wings beat slowly as he walks out the door, his eyes stare blankly forward nearly unawares of the guard outside.
Horses eh? Well I hope you breed them as well as they do on the mainland.
He slowly circles the horses, looking for one that would catch his eye. In the end he settled for one of the Heavy Warhorses, taking the reins from the guard. He walks up to the chestnut colored horse and gives him a pat on the snout, and whispers to the horse.
It's okay boy, you'll be safe with me...

[CowMasterTrojan]

check to remember the way
Survival [roll0]

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

The solemn woodsman trails behind the rest of the group as they leave Lord Valken's residence, preferring to succumb to his inner thoughts.

Though silent in the company of the diviner, he is already familiarising himself with the journey they are about to take. Recalling the terrain he had hunted and lived in for many moons.

Survival - 10 + 5 = 15 (take 10)

As they are presented with the horses, Cale finds himself a little surprised that the Lord was able to deliver on his promise, though he himself is not entirely sure why. Perhaps growing up in a world where nothing is given freely, has skewed his perception.

Smothering a snort of amusement"So the Lord has delivered upon his word, it seems our legs will not grow weary on this journey after all." Looking around at the other members as they pick their mounts Cale begins to speak in a somewhat timid voice. "If none other can lead us through Ehryan's domain then I will, if memory is not forgotten, our destination lies near a large water hole"

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

*As claim is laid to each of the horses, Santos exits the establishment via the stable, his own saddlebags slung over his shoulder, one of the stable boys a few steps behind him.*
"... and he's not fond of grass, strangely enough, but you put feed in front of him, he'll eat it, as long as there's no grain nearby. I come back and you've done a good job, and there's a silver in it for you."
*Putting a few coins into the boys hand to pay for the stabling, he smiles and shakes his head as the youth departs. Not much hope, but any is better than none.*

*Strapping his bags to one of the ponies that remains, he manages to get it secured with a little trouble before turning to the others.*
"Well, gentlemen - I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

*Pausing a moment, he tilts his head to the side as he thinks, and frowns heavily.*
"My deepest apologies to you stalwart souls - in the commotion, I had completely forgotten to introduce myself properly. Such poor manners. My father would likely have had me whipped for such a thing."

*With a sweep of his hand, he bows at the waist, smiling widely.*
"I am Santos Larvunan Drogonnos, seventh son of Lord Treynor Drogonnos. I am a scoundrel, a womanizer, a lush and honest to a fault. I've a bit of skill with a blade, and I've sworn an oath to the Heavans that I'll become a legend with a sword, so I'd very much like to come out of this whole ordeal alive."
*He laughs and runs a hand through his hair.*
"There. A proper introduction."

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet stays in the shadows for most of the conversation, as they start to prepare to leave, he hears the loud man, who had said his name was Santos, describe himself as a womanizer and a scoundrel, he then looks at Santos curiously:
If only I knew how the mind of a human worked....

"In your culture are these things actually looked well upon?" Garet speaks loudly, perhaps a bit too loud as he was facing his horse trying to saddle it up when he began the statement.

[Techwarrior]

Everyone gets saddled up, and supplied with 4 days worth of rations and feed for the horses. The ride to the east is long and hard, and you manage to avoid all of the zombies for the day, though only just. It is now night, one day's ride closer to your destination. Camp has been set, and it is nearing the time when most decent folk would be going to sleep.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"To make no fire tonight would be wise on our part. Like moths to flame, we dare not attract the cursed." The Goliath says, as he dismounts his horse. He looks around nervously, relying on the light of the moon to aid him as it had some many other times. He was unusually alert, and he feared danger was waiting.

[ForzaFiori]

I agree. We should also keep watch, so that nothing nasty sneaks up on us in the dark. There are six of us, so we could have 3 teams of 2, that way everyone can get some sleep, and anyone who needs rest to regain power can take the first or last so they don't wake up cranky.

[Ballista]

How will we see past our own hands in this dismal night? The twilight is dark and we shall not know our enemies' presence 'til they are upon us.
Vivex's eyes dart across the area, jumping from shadow to shadow in anxiety and anticipation.

[Techwarrior]

My standard rules for watch is anyone who is 'on watch' gets a Listen check while they are on watch to see if they here anything the whole watch. So whoever is put on the first watch needs to make that Listen check when they post that they go on watch. Multiple people get separate Listen checks. I decide before the rolls are made which watches might have anything to hear, and will roll anything appropriate when it comes up IRL so you don't know if there's anything to hear.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

"Thrag is right, if any rogue zombies caught our trail as we rode past they could easily find us if we light a fire. Better to sleep in the frigid darkness and abate the chance we are caught unawares, then enjoy the comfort of a fire." Cale begins unpacking his winter blanket as they make camp.

Addressing the dragonborn in a soft tone "Do not worry so much, I have spent many moons in these forests, after some time ones eyes adjust. Be grateful that the moon does cast its gaze over us tonight."

[Lonewolfe208]

How will we see past our own hands in this dismal night? The twilight is dark and we shall not know our enemies' presence 'til they are upon us.
Vivex's eyes dart across the area, jumping from shadow to shadow in anxiety and anticipation.

Garet slides out of the shadows, he looks at the speaker and shakes his head:

"I do not need to sleep as much as you do, I'll take first watch, and I could double up if i knew when we were setting out."

[Ballista]

I would say that one who strikes down his enemies from the shadows, without giving a fair fight would be a coward.
He mouth curls into a slight grin but just as quickly as it appears, it vanishes back into the folds of the Dragonborn's scales.
But I've learned to respect these tactics... Very well rogue, I'll be awake as well. If only because I doubt I could fall asleep in this state. And to keep an eye on this one as well...

Vivex unsheathes the guisarme that was strapped to his back with leather bindings; hefting the weapon in his hands, he lifts it to rest on his shoulder.

Shall we set up a perimeter comrade?

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet raises an eyebrow at the dragonborn:

"Careful what you intend to insult, you might find that these "weak" tactics will put an end to you if you don't respect them."

"I want you to be on the ground, I will climb up into a tree and get a birds eye view, if i see anything, I will alert you."

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Thrag grows weary from the heavy riding. Lost mother Luna gets on Thrags shoulders and makes him weary. Much like the rooster, Thrag shall sleep now and rise with all-spirit sun." The large goliath proclaims, as he lays down.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

*While he's silent during the ride, and while setting up camp, it does little good, as it's quite obvious to skilled woodsmen that he's spent few days outside, and fewer nights. The noise he doesn't make while keeping his mouth shut seems to only make the crunching and rustling he does make seem all the louder by comparison, until he's finally sitting still on his laid-out bedroll, quite still.*
"You know. It seems there may have been something to the whole 'sleep inside houses trend'. I realize it isn't always a possibility, but I would welcome a warm bed, of that I could assure you. As far as resting and watch goes, my backside is by far the most weary part of me right this moment, and when I sleep or how will matter little to it."

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Finding a place to lay his bedroll, Cale grumbles to whoever may be listening "Wake me up when you need me to keep watch, and please don't get us killed" This lot seem competent enough, though unfamiliar with this wilderness.

Drifting off to sleep, his mind buzzing with the events of the day, zombies, Lord Valken, Aila Oh, sister please hold on, I will be by your side before long...Ehryan granting me favor to outlive this undead horde we seek to destroy.

The familiar sensations of the forest send Cale into a slumber before too long. The scattering of the moon light through the canopy, the damp smell of vegetation, the soft breeze drifting through the camp. Aila

[Ballista]

Vivex cautiously stalks across the outskirts of the camp, his weapon poised to strike at the nearest threat. He attempts to concentrate on the night, listening to the silence and the melody of the night.

Listen: [roll0]

[Techwarrior]

The first watch goes by slowly, but uneventfully.

During the second watch, Matthew here's a sound in the darkness about midnight. A twig cracking? No, something is out there, moving...

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet slips into the shadows, finding a tree that overlooks the entire base, and climbs up into it's branches, setting his keen eyes on the camp.


[roll0] Climb Check
[roll1] Hide Check

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew moves to where Santos is. "There's something nearby. I'm not sure what, but be extra alert." he whispers, before moving back to where he was and taking an extra look and listen into the darkness, ready to wake everyone if he notices anything dangerous.


trying to find out if what made the sound, and if it is still around/getting closer. If he notices more than one zombie coming towards the camp, he'll start waking everyone up quietly if he has the time, or yell an alarm if it's too late to be able to get everyone up quietly

listen check: [roll0]
spot check: [roll1]

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

*Looking to his companion skeptically, Santos just nods and pulls his bow up to the ready as he moves to the nearest sleeping member of the party, giving them a nudge with his foot, holding his finger to his lips to sign for them to be quiet. He tries to move as little as possible - he's no good at keeping silent, and doesn't want to cause more problems for the group.*

[Techwarrior]

Matthew what's your AC (standard, your not flat-footed)? Two arrows fly towards you.
Attack [roll0]
Confirm [roll1]
damage [roll2]

Attack [roll3]
Confirm [roll4]
damage [roll5]

Santos
Will Save for half DC 14
[roll6]

[ForzaFiori]

"Everybody get up, we're under attack! Matthew yells, shooting a blast of light to try and spot the archers.


sending a radiance blast in the general direction of where the arrows came from, more to light it up than to hit something.

Spot check to find the archers in the light: [roll0]

[Techwarrior]

[roll0] 1 being far left, 4 being far right.

You can see a vague shape off to the left of your Radiance, and can fire at them with a 50% miss chance for total concealment.

Everyone else is now awake.

[Techwarrior]

(Sorry for double post, forgot to do the archer's attacks.)

Aimed at Matthew again, 2 more arrows.
Attack [roll0]
Confirm [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

Attack [roll3]
Confirm [roll4]
Damage [roll5]

Santos is up.
Everyone else roll initiative, you'll get to act next round.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

8 hp / 6 left



OOC:
I'm assuming the will save and 4 were for damage, so 2 points is half, right?

*Rocking slightly as something hits him, Santos brings his bow up to bear, taking a moment to pull back the arrow, steadying his hand with a slow exhalation.*
"Spirits, guide our hands - show us your power this day."

Standard Action to use his bardic Music - Everyone gets a +1 bonus to hit and damage, he'll get +2. Unfortunately, there's not much he can do with his move action, so I'm going to have to wait until next turn.

[Techwarrior]

Initiative:
Vivex: 16
Matthew: 15
Archers (NPC): 13
Santos: 11
Cale: 5
Caster (NPC): 3

You can hear chanting in the distance...

Vivex and Matthew are up.

OOC: Yes, the 4 was the damage. Sorry, I'll make that clearer next time.

[Ballista]

Vivex sits up from his bedroll groggily and almost absentmindedly...
Keep it down out there will you?
His eyes focus a bit as he sees his bloodied companions off in the darkness. His pupils dilate as Matthew's blast of light illuminates the area... Vivex nearly jumps up from the ground, kicking the Guisarme that laid next to his bedroll in the air and catching it deftly with his right hand. Without the weight of his armor, he stalks forward towards his companion.

Move Action: Rise from Prone
Sacrifice Standard Action for Move Action: Draw Weapon and advance towards Matthew.

OOC: I've accounted for the fact that I've removed my armor for the night.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew winces as an arrow clips his arm, but manages to launch another burst of light, correcting his aim from the last shot.


aiming at the guy I saw.
attack: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]
miss chance: [roll2]

[Techwarrior]

Everyone can see the sniper now, as well as another figure a small way off to the left of the sniper.

Vivex is getting shot at:
Attack: [roll0]
Confirm: [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

Attack: [roll3]
Confirm: [roll4]
Damage [roll5]


One shot is clearly from the sniper, the other is from somewhere far off to the left, further than even the figure illuminated by Matthew's Radiance

Santos and Cale are up now.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

Hit points - 6/8

Bardic Music - 5 rounds remaining
+1 bonus to everyone else, +2 bonus to Santos


*Taking aim at the figures, Santos pauses only a moment before letting his arrow loose, saying a silent prayer to the Ancestors that it finds its mark. The capabilities of the sniper to the right were obvious, but the figure hanging back to the left was an unknown threat - best to deal with him first, lest they fall to a well-placed spell or other something worse.*

OOC:

Alright, attacking with his shortbow - +4 to hit.

Attack -
[roll0]
Crit Confirmation, if needed
[roll1]

Damage -
[roll2]

Edit: :smallmad: Good thing I get the +2, or that'd be just sad.

[Techwarrior]

Miss chance for total concealment Santos? That hits otherwise.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Waking to the shouts of the dragonborn, Cale opens his eyes trying to adjust to the shadowy illumination.

"What's happening?" He croaks, trying to clear his throat.

Grabbing for his short sword as the sound of arrows being loosed carries through the still night air. He clambers to his feet trying to discern where the danger lies, adrenalin beginning to jolt his body into action. Cale begins to move towards the perceived threat off in the darkness mouthing a silent prayer to Ehryan.

Move Action: Pick up shortsword
Move Action: Rise from prone
Free Action: 5 foot step towards nearest visible enemy

[Techwarrior]

OOC
Alright before I go, I figure I'll get however many rounds I can in. Garet has no initiative as of yet. Lonewolfe208 needs to roll that.

The area you are in is relatively forested, buy you had the wisdom(?) to pick a nice, slightly cleared area to lay camp. Cale can not see anything more than what has been described.
Map of the area:
{table=head]-|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10
A||||||Cas
B||||||||||Arc
C|||Arc
D
E
F
G
H||||||||
I|||||Mat
J|||Viv||||San|
K||Cal|||Thr||Gar
[/table]
Each square represents five feet. Each character is denoted by the first three letters of their name. Arc stands for Archer, and Cas stands for Caster. The NPC's positions are where they were last you saw.

Thrag gets to make a Will save for half damage ([roll0]) DC 14.
It is the next round.

Initiative:

Garet: 24
Vivex: 16
Matthew: 15
Archers (NPC): 13
Santos: 11
Thrag: 7
Cale: 5
Caster (NPC): 3

The Archers, when it comes to be their turn in initative...
Matthew:
Attack [roll1]
Confirm [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Attack [roll4]
Confirm [roll5]
Damage [roll6]

Until someone puts up a light, all the enemies have total concealment if they are beyond 5 ft from you, and half concealment if they are within 5 ft.

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet awakens to the familar sounds of arrows being shot. He quickly straightens from his post in the tree and looks for a target.


Move Action: Stand up (to a crouch)
Standard Action: Arrow at the closest archer [roll0]
damage: [roll1]
Free Action: Reload

[CowMasterTrojan]

Having stood up with his weapon, Thrag attempts to shake the magic from his mind.
Will Save [roll0]

"Weaver of spirits, your trickery shall not Defeat Thrag. Thrag is stronger!!!" He declares. With that, he advances 40 ft. Putting him at C6.

Since Thrag has low light vision, his opponent should no longer have concealment. Swinging his Guisarme, he aims to cut the 'spirit weaver' in two.
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

[Ballista]

Vivex, with the Guisarme in hand rushes towards the archer standing before him. With a hint of a snarl spread across his face, the Dragonborn lifts his weapon above his head to strike down upon the ambusher.

Move Action: Travel 30 ft. to E4
Standard Action: Attack with Guisarme
-Attack: [roll0]
-Damage: [roll1]

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew takes another shot at the archer on the far left, sending a brilliant burst of energy flying in it's general direction.


brilliance ranged touch attack: [roll0]
brilliance damage: [roll1]
miss chance (no low light vision): [roll2]

[Surrept]

Cursing under his breath has he stumbles forward trying locate the threat, Cale draws his short sword moving in the direction his comrades shouts come from, carrying through the still night air. Streaking from behind him a ball of light erupts a few feet away illuminating the area, casting a silhouette of the archer preparing to loose another arrow, urged on by the parties attacks he redoubles his effort to cover the ground as swiftly as possible in the quickly fading brilliance.

Cale does not have low light vision so his movement his hampered, from my understanding Matthew's brilliance attack only leaves a burst of light, not a lingering effect.

Move Action: Move 15 feet to H2(x2 penalty)
Move Action: Move 15 feet to E2(x2 penalty)
Free Action: Draw short sword (+1 BAB as part of move action)

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

Hit points - 6/8

Bardic Music - 4 rounds remaining
+1 bonus to everyone else, +2 bonus to Santos


*Santos Curses as his first shot goes wide, adjusting his aim to try and compensate for the difference before letting fly again. He couldn't help but feel impotent at his lack of ability, but survival was what mattered, not egos.*

OOC:

Alright, attacking with his shortbow again - +4 to hit.

Attack -
[roll0]
Crit Confirmation, if needed
[roll1]

Miss Chance -
[roll2]

Damage -
[roll3]

Edit: Holy Crap. Double 20s. well, if the 40 is enough to get past the miss chance, I feel somewhat less impotent. I really can't remember if it's above or below for a 50% miss chance.

[Techwarrior]

Garet's arrows hits, but only deals a small amount of damage (barely broke DR).

Matthew's Radiance misses it's mark horribly. (Matthew is at 0 hp right now by my count.)

Santos' arrow critically hits a tree right next to the mage, and Thrag's attack also misses.

Vivex and Cale advanced closer to the zombies.

Everyone roll spot checks, and Thrag gets an AoO on the caster. They are retreating.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Spot check [roll0]
AoO [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

"You will not escape me spirit weaver!" The goliath growls, slashing the guisarme at the sides of his retreating opponent.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

Hit points - 6/8

Bardic Music - 4 rounds remaining
+1 bonus to everyone else, +2 bonus to Santos


*Cursing as his arrow buries itself several inches into the innocent tree, Santos calls out to Thrag.*
"Don't seperate - we only stand a chance together!"


OOC:

Spot -
[roll0]

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew sits down heavily as the fight begins to wind down, and stares at the two arrows sticking out of him. "Um, guys? I don't think I'm doing to good right now" he says slowly, beginning to slur his words from the blood loss.

[Ballista]

Watching the silhouette of the archer turn heel and retreat in the opposite direction.
"The enemies are routed!"

Spot: [roll0]

[Techwarrior]

Nobody sees anything. The zombies got away clean.

[Techwarrior]

Everyone gains 200 xp

You are all standing in the dark, it is about midnight. Matthew is disabled.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Cale stares off into the night, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes absentmindedly.

"So, these things attack us in the darkest hour than flee into the night...did they follow us all the way from Valken?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

"WORTHLESS SACKS OF FLESH! YOUR COWARDICE SHALL BE YOUR UNDOING! THRAG WILL DESTROY YOU!" The Goliath cries out into the night while waving his weapon. He has tasted blood, and is angry he didn't get to follow through...

[ForzaFiori]

"I vote we go back to bed. Hopefully in the morning I'll be able to move my legs again" Matthew suggests, laughing and spitting out a small amount of blood. Ripping bandages from his clothes, he removes the arrows from his body and bandages the wounds.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

Hit points - 6/8



*With a growl, Santos watches the enemies flee - or rather, watches as what he could see of the enemies fades completely into darkness.*

*Turning to the others, he shakes his head.*
"I don't know if they followed us or picked up our trail, but something tells me that we're not going to be surprising anyone at this juncture. I'd vote we get what rest we can, while we can, but moving would be advisable as soon as possible. Any other votes?"

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

"We can't move camp now especially with one of us injured, we'd just be stumbling around blindly in the dark, or drawing attention to our position with light" Cale trudges back to his bedroll, trying to make himself comfortable on the forest floor.

"Wake me in a few hours so I can finish watch"

[Techwarrior]

The rest of the night goes uneventfully. Everyone wakes up the next morning (healing their level in HP). A quick look around reveals little about the scuffle, though that is only with a precursory glance around the area. Tracking them is a possibility, though lead away from your goal. The tracks head north by northeast.

[ForzaFiori]

"As much as I would love to chase them down, we need to get the help for the city as soon as possible. We don't know how long the city will hold out."

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

Hit points - 7/8



"Agreed - we're just going to have to deal with them when time permits - for now, it might be best if we keep moving - you're quite right. Who knows how long the city will hold out?"

*Getting his own things gathered, Santos saddles his horse and mounts with a groan.*
"Although I will be honest - I am not looking forward to the ache I will have tonight."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Would a Survival check be acceptable to learn anything else from the tracks?
[roll0]

[Techwarrior]

Not much more than what was already given can be determined with that Survival check and no Track feat. DC is 9 to track: Soft Ground (10) and 3 medium creatures (-1), so you only beat the DC by 8 points. The zombies do seem to be going unnaturally straight north by northeast, for being in a forest.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Cale grumbles as he stands around in the early morning light, looking slightly agitated. Perhaps it was the interruption in the night, or the fact that the group hasn't decided to move out yet despite having packed his things before the sun peaked above the trees.

The ranger grumbles in response to Santos "Do you think it is a coincidence that Valken is besieged by zombies and we are sent out as the town's only hope, then on our first night we are attacked...by zombies?" Cale checks the saddle firm for the fourth time, looking anxious to get moving.

"I dislike having to let such an obvious trail go cold when we could be on top of the undead in a matter of hours, surely they are not intelligent or they would of done something to cover their trail. But I do not know such facts about these undead, perhaps someone more knowledgeable can enlighten me" Wandering over to where the zombies fled and crouching down to inspect a patch of crushed grass.

Raising his voice, perhaps in an attempt to hurry the others"We should get moving, regardless of which goal we pursue"

Survival: [roll0]
Knowledge (religion):[roll1] (untrained)

[Techwarrior]

Cale can make neither head nor tail of these tracks, and can't remember anything about undead, and definitely nothing that would be applicable to their situation.

[ForzaFiori]

"You think it's strange that less than a days ride from a city surrounded by zombies, we're attacked by zombies? What were you expecting to come out of the night at us, faeries and rakshasas?"

[TheMightyQuinn]

Santos

Hit points - 7/8



"Oh, I don't know. I could have done with being beset by some nymphs or dryads in the middle of the night, that's for certain. Zombies... not so much. That is why we set watch, is it not?"

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet hops out of his tree:

"I believe it is, but it doesn't change the fact potential supplies just walked away."

[CowMasterTrojan]

"The zombie that Thrag fought was a spirit weaver. Thrag has never heard of zombie spirit weavers before.... Most strange this is. And they found us like a moth finds a flame. Thrag fears there is more than we know going on. But it seems best that we continue our mission..."

Hp 13/15

[ForzaFiori]

"Always assume something more's going on. Keeps you on you toes, and makes you look smart when your right." Matthew says with a smile. "Now, let's be on our way. The less time it takes to finish this job, the less time these zombie mages will be after us."

HP 4/10

[Techwarrior]

Matthew, Garret.
Wisdom checks if you will.

The second day's ride is much like the first, though towards the end of the day you can start to smell water, as if you were close to a lake. :smallwink:

You come to the Ceri River, which if you follow upriver will take you to Cern Lake. You can hear someone singing a jaunty tune upriver.

Any Knowledge checks, or Perform (but not weapon drill) checks can be rolled to attempt to identify the song.

[ForzaFiori]

Techwarrior

Will Save: [roll0]

[Techwarrior]

Ah no, I mean a Wisdom check, not a Will save.

Edit: Nevermind, they're the same for you :smallbiggrin:

[ForzaFiori]

OOC: my Wis mod is the same as my Will mod, but I'd be happy to roll again.
[roll0]
And that's an awesome re-roll. :smallyuk:

[Lonewolfe208]

That wisdom check:
[roll0]

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag begins creepingTRAMPLING THROUGH THE BUSH in the direction of the music, trying to find the source.
Hide [roll0]

[Ballista]

Vivex follows behind Thrag's wake of destruction as the goliath bounds through the trees. The dragonborn grips the haft of his weapon even tighter as he runs towards the sound of the music, waiting in apprehension for some zombie or another ambush to reveal itself. Vivex's eyes dart about, searching for any sudden movements, his ears searching for changes from the norm.

Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew follows as well, ready to strike at anything evil


readying an action to shoot a radiance blast at any zombie I can see.
Spot: [roll0]
Listen [roll1]

[Techwarrior]

The goliath leads the way, tromping through the woods. Eventually you can see a raft being poled downstream, an old man poling the raft while singing the song. He sees the goliath and calls out.
"Hail Goliath. Not often I see one of your race in these parts, and with a Dragonborn as well? These are strange strange times indeed."
He poles the raft over to your side of the river, and brings it to a stop.
"What can I do for you fine people this afternoon?"

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Having followed the blundering giant, standing a safe distance away from the old man behind the others, Cale chooses to not say anything. Thinking it best to let another do the talking.

He casts his gaze down, looking at the forest floor. Letting the reins slip, his mount takes the break to drink from the cool flowing river.

[ForzaFiori]

"How... How are you alive, old man?" Michael stammers "The undead have infested this island. How is it a lone bargeman can survive?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Thrag only wished to see he who would call attention to himself in dangerous times. " The goliath said gruffly, quickly losing interest in this man.

[Techwarrior]

"The undead? Oh they don't bother me none, just a word and a nod and they don't even notice little old me."
The man looks around aimlessly for a moment.
"Master Goliath, I call attention to myself precisely so that people will come and find me. I love tales, and am always armed with an eager ear. Though often of late the people in these parts aren't much for talking. I can see why though, these walking dead don't leave much time for most to feel comfortable enough to tell tales. What of you? Have a tale to tell me? You certainly are a diverse group for just traveling through, even if times permitted such things. Or perhaps you have a desire to hear me tell you a fantastic tale?" He looks at you all with great hope in his eyes.

[CowMasterTrojan]

The Goliath smiles. Stories were his favorite.
"We are quite busy with the cursed dead at the moment. So Thrag cannot spare his time freely. But Thrag's companion, he is badly wounded from an attack last night. If you could do something to aid his wounds significantly, Thrag would gladly trade you a story for it."
"It would be a worthy trade. Thrag is son to a Shaman. Shaman know the best stories."

[Techwarrior]

"Ah, that is the trouble with Radiants, they aren't much for healing, though they cling to being Divine."
He chants for a small time, makes a gesture, lays a hand on Matthew and heals him for [roll0].
"There you go Master Goliath, your Radiant friend is healed. Let's hear that story. Then I'll tell you one of my own." The old man says with a smile.

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet appears next to his dragonborn companion, muttering to himself:

"This man uses magic to become as hard to see as me in a thicket. It's genius, and you can't make as many mistakes this way."

[ForzaFiori]

"Yes, I'm afraid my powers lean more towards the "smiting" end of divine favors. And as you can imagine, finding clerics with the time to follow you around and heal your hurts is difficult in these times." Michael says. After the healing, he pats his former wounds, amazed. "I feel amazing! thank you, kind sir. What should we call you, by the way?"

[Techwarrior]

"They call me Old Wolf, and with good reason. I've been around for quite a time."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Sitting down, Thrag sets his giant axe next to him. He waits for the others to quiet, and then he begins to speak.

"Thrag is called bear-killer, for his mighty strength and Bravery. To become a man, Thrag slayed a mighty cave Bear. It was a proud day. But Thrag's father always taught him it is better to be clever than strong. When Thrag was a little cub, he was told this tale to prove the point. Father Gorn Wind-Ear was known to hear the words of Ehryan, and Thrag believes that is perhaps where this tale first came."

Thrag's Story
Rabbit and Turtle met near the stream one morning. It was a lovely clear day, and they both basked in the warm sunshine and swapped some stories. Rabbit started boasting that he was the fastest runner in the world. Turtle would have none of it.

"I bet I can beat you in a race," Turtle said to Rabbit. Rabbit laughed and laughed at the idea.

"You crawl so slow you hardly look like you are moving," Rabbit said. "You'll never beat me!"

Turtle was mad now. "I will win the race. You meet me tomorrow morning right here," said he. "I will wear a white feather on my head so you can see me in the tall grass. We will run over four hills, and the first one to reach the stake at the top of the fourth hill will be the winner."

Rabbit laughed again and said: "That will be me! I will see you tomorrow for the race!" Then Rabbit hopped off, still chuckling to himself.

Turtle was in a bind now. He knew he could not run faster than Rabbit. But he had an idea. He gathered all of his family and told them that their honor was at stake. When they heard about the race, the other turtles agreed to help him.

Turtle gave each of his family members a white feather, and placed them at various stages along the route of the race. The first was at the top of the first hill, the second in the valley, the third at the top of the second hill, and so on. Then Turtle placed himself at the top of the fourth hill next to the winner's stake.

The next morning, Rabbit came down to the stream and found Turtle with his white feather waiting at the starting line. "Ready, set, go!" said the Rabbit and he ran up and up the first hill. The Turtle with the white feather started crawling along behind him. As soon as Rabbit was out of sight, he disappeared into the bushes.

As Rabbit reached the top of the first hill, he saw ahead of him Turtle with his white feather crawling as fast as it could go down into the valley. Rabbit was amazed. He put on a burst of speed and passed the Turtle with the white feather. As soon as Rabbit had his back turned, the second Turtle took off the white feather and crawled into the bushes, chuckling to himself.

When Rabbit reached the valley floor, there was Turtle ahead of him again, crawling up the second hill with his white feather. Rabbit ran and ran, leaving Turtle far behind him. But every time he reached a hilltop or a valley, there was Turtle again with his white feather, crawling along as fast as he could go!

Rabbit was gasping for breathe when he reached the bottom of the third valley. He had passed Turtle yet again at the top of the third hill, but here was that rascally turtle appearing on the racetrack ahead of him, crawling as fast as he could go up the slope of the fourth hill.

Rabbit was determined to win the race, so he plucked up the last few ounces of his strength and sprinted up the hill, passing the Turtle with the white feather. He was nearly there! Rabbit rounded the last corner and braked to a halt in astonishment. Sitting by the stake, waving his white feather proudly, was Turtle . He had won the race!

When he is finished speaking, he takes a drink from his wines skin and offers it to Old wolf. "And our trade is done. Thrag hopes you liked that story. Although we do not have time to spare, Thrag will listen to your story if you tell it quickly."

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

The ranger smiles in amusement at Thrag's story.

Deciding to speak up, Cale is curious what the old man is doing out in the wilderness. Clearing his throat "You certainly don't seem uncomfortable out here in the wild, tell us Old Wolf a story of what lead you to find solace out here" He raises his arm in a sweeping gesture around him.

[Techwarrior]

"A good tale Master Goliath, I am glad that they still tell it in this age. Your Shaman must have been very wise to impart that tale amongst your tribe."
He turns to Cale.
"Ah, young Wolf-Childe, the tale of me being comfortable in the forest is as long and as old as my life has been, for I have learned the ways of the forest for the whole of my life. If I were to tell you that tale, we would be here till the next age came around, and its already been mentioned that you are pressed for time. How about I tell you a tale of your goddess, Wolf-Children."

Worshippers of Ehryan or DC 10 Knowledge (Religion)
Wolf-Childe is a name used to refer to a worshipper of the goddess Ehryan, and shows moderate respect.

Old Wolf's Story:
"Long ago, the Lady Ehryan walked the mortal plane as a fair elven maiden. Her skill with the longbow was legendary, and truly great archers still look to Ehryan for guidance. Anyway, on to the story.

Ehryan was tracking a wicked Vampire, when her party was traveling beset by a group of bandits. Now, her comrades took to the fight easily, they were used to battle, but Ehryan noticed that these bandits were behaving quite strangely, fighting with a manner too skilled for simple bandits. She also began to notice some similarities in the way they fought with the style of swordsmanship the Elite Guards used.

So Ehryan, wise even in her mortal years, wondered to herself what had caused a group of the elite guards have resorted to banditry. She suspected that Logan Stenne, the Vampire that they had been tracking, had Charmed them into attacking her and her allies. So, she cast a spell to remove the magic from them. The Guards and Ehryan's group was able to capture and kill the vampire, and all because Ehryan had payed attention to her surroundings."

After finishing his story, Old Wolf looks around whistfully.
"What was it you were hoping to find anyway, if you don't mind my asking?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

"We seek to find answers to why there are so many cursed on this island..." The goliath says omnimously, standing up before returning his axe to the spot on his back.

"But unless you know anything about them, or why they are here, Thrag regrets that we must leave."

[Techwarrior]

"About the undead? I know little about them, I've been avoiding them. I'd say that you shouldn't be too worried about them, it's those Karitryn. The bugs. Those things aren't right. I'd stay away from them if I were you." The old man shudders a bit at the thought.
"Well, good luck. He moves back to his raft, and, if he isn't stopped, will push off and head down the river.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Thrag knows not what you speak of Old Wolf, but perhaps he will soon. Safe travels to you." Thrag says with a bow, and mounts his horse. The Goliath turns back to his companions, ready to take ride as soon as they do.

[ForzaFiori]

"Well, that went well. We heard a few good stories, and no one tried to kill us. Though now we'll all be wondering what these bugs are. Pelor's flame, I hope it's not spiders. I hate spiders."

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Stepping forward towards Old Wolf "WAIT, you said bugs?"

Turning to Thrag and the others, lowering his voice to a whisper "Didn't Lord Valken mention Bugs, surely these 'Karitryn' are the same ones his scout came across"

"Old Wolf, someone as wise as yourself must know much about the surrounding landscape, and the strange plague that has befallen this island. Is there not more you could tell us about the zombies, you do not fear them, but we still seek to put an end to their plight upon our forest that Ehyran watches over" Cale attempts to address the man as humbly as possible, hoping that Old Wolf sees fit to help a fellow worshiper of The Hunter

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet clears his throat quite loudly:

"Sorry to interrupt, but do any of you have some...Fruit?"

[Techwarrior]

Old Wolf pauses on his way to his raft when Cale speaks to him.
"I'm afraid that I know little about this area. The last time I was here was before your time. The land has changed." He looks around with a sad expression on his face.
"The undead here are unlike any form of undead I've ever seen. I've faced most manners of the walking dead before, but these, these here. If something dies it comes back mere moments later as one of these things. Its strange and disturbing, all at once. My first encounter with them was a week ago, on the coasts of the island of Valken. Since I've traveled upriver in an attempt to check on the Hopesong Glade. It's an ancient temple devoted to your goddess, the Lady of the Hunt. Someone has activated the temples defenses, and I can't get in. Now the Karitryn are a different matter. I know a thing or three about them. They are an ancient type of creature, known for their viscousness, and more importantly, their taste for flesh. There are three main types of Karitryn that go out and about. The workers, they are the bigger ones, and not much for fighting, though they will still put up a nasty fight. There are the warriors. Most of the warrior types secrete a poison that they inject through the stingers in their tale. They communicate through some kind of telepathy. This telepathy is controlled by their lords, if you can figure out which one is the lord, and kill it, the others will go berserk, killing each other, and anything that happens to be nearby. They inhabit the caverns to the north, I don't know much else about them. They normally stay in their caves."

He turns to look at Garet.
"Fruit? I know I don't happen to have any on myself, just the packed rations I carry."

[Lonewolfe208]

Garet's face turns downcast:

"That's too bad, I would kill for an apple right about now." He resumes his scan of the area, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

[ForzaFiori]

We should be going, we need to find that wizard and get him back to town."

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Agreed. Thrag has been waiting on the rest of you." The goliath says impatiently.

If no one objects, he leads the way as the party rides off towards their original destination.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

The young ranger follows meekly behind the rest of the group as they part ways with Old Wolf. Something about the old man seemed strangely beguiling, drawing the ranger in like a hummingbird drawn to a flower.

After some time of trekking through the forest Cale can no longer keep his thoughts to himself "Do you think we will cross paths again with Old Wolf" He says to no one in particular.
"Perhaps he was the one we are seeking, the lady only said it was a strong magic presence, could that come from one person?"

[Techwarrior]

Before you leave, Old Wolfe turns to Santos and Vivex.
"I have an idea for something that I hope will have some aid against this plaque upon the land. If you two would be so kind as to come with me, I think that it would be for the best. I think the rest of you should go to the temple and see what you can find."
There is a small bit of dispute over this idea, but in the end, Old Wolf convinces the pair of them that it is for the best. The three of them boarded his raft and left the four of you, wishing you good luck on your part in this.

An hour later
The forest around you opens up into a wide clearing, easily several hundred feet across. The Cern lake dominates much of the clearing, and its water is as clear as the sky above you. Rather, as the clear as the sky was a few hours ago. You can see storm clouds in the distance (DC 16 Survival to estimate the time before it will arrive). Across the clearing you can see a pathway that leads into the forest. There is a small dock by that pathway, with a small boat tied up to the dock.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Survival Check [roll0]
Just want to clarify, our only option is to cross the water on the small boat to make it to the path in the clearing? Or is going around a possibility as well?

[Techwarrior]

Yes, while the area is largely the lake, you can quite easily go around it, and the boat is on the other side of the lake.

Successful Survival
The storm will likely arrive in about 4 hours.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"We have a few hours before the Storm. Thrag suggests we go around the lake with haste." He says, before heading around the lake in what appears to be the shorter direction.

[ForzaFiori]

"Well, I'm never one to argue with someone that big, so why not? Matthew jokes, heading off after Thrag.

[Techwarrior]

Approaching the other side of the lake, you can see the dock and boat in a bit more detail. The pathway however, is still shrouded in seeming mystery, it heads off into the woods as far as you can see. The dock is about 10 feet wide, and goes about 30 feet into the lake, and is positioned straight across from the footpath. The boat is a small rowboat, capable of holding 2, possibly 3 medium size persons, and is tied at the end of the dock. You can see a pair of oars in the boat, but from the end of the dock, that's about all you can see of what might, or might not, be in the boat.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"We are not alone. Two or three creatures likely await us. Be on your guard." Thrag says cautiously. He draws his guisarme, and leads his horse down the trail into the woods, boldly expecting the others to follow.

[Lonewolfe208]

Grant slides up next to his ally, notching an arrow on his bow, and searching for a target.

Spot check: [roll0]

Also, ready an action to send an arrow into the face of any hostile looking creature that can be seen on that boat.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew loosens his sword in its scabbard, but doesn't draw it yet.

[Techwarrior]

The pathway is dark, enclosed, and generally creepy. You can hear absolutely nothing other than the twigs cracking under your boots. As you get farther away from the lake, it seems to get even darker and more oppresive. You hear a bird caw. Once.

Suddenly the path opens up to a large stone building, obviously a temple of Ehryan, at one point in time. The ages have not looked kindly on this temple however, and it is in general disrepair, though the building looks as if it is holding up incredibly well.

A second glance at the sky shows that the sky has darkened quickly, as if the storm is hurrying on its way. The white marble of the building stands out even more against the contrast of the dark sky.

Knowledge Architecture and Engineering could identify more about the structure of the building. Knowledge (Religion) could identify more about the building's history (worshippers of Ehryan get a +5 bonus).

[CowMasterTrojan]

I have zero ranks in knowledge (anything), so I am unsure if I can even make a roll. However Thrag does indeed worship Ehryan.[roll0]

"We find ourselves at a decision point. Do we press on knowing we are near our goal, and risk the coming storm. Or do we rest here in the best shelter we find, and move out as soon as the great storm passes."

[ForzaFiori]

Knowledge: Religion check - [roll0]


"I do not relish staying in a temple to any but Pelor, but I would like marching through the rain even less. I say we take shelter here."

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Speaking softly barely above a whisper "I hope that Ehryan still watches over this ruin, just because nature has reclaimed this land does not mean her presence can not be felt"

Knowledge (Religion): [roll0]

[CowMasterTrojan]

I think that means we go inside then.

[Techwarrior]

Well, you can all remember that the temple is to Ehryan, and has been abandoned for about a century. None of you can remember why though. Hopefully it wasn't anything horrible. :smalleek:

Approaching the temple, you can see that while it looks to be in disrepair, it also, looks inhabited. The door is wooden, but painted to look like the surrounding masonry.

The door opens easily, without creaking or having any real resistance to it. You can hear wind blowing from inside the temple. A quick look around the chamber shows that it is relatively typical of Ehryan's temples. There are no pews, and the chamber is open to the sky, making this not a chamber, but a courtyard. In the middle of the 80 foot square room are six to seven trees. The courtyard hasa completely natural ground beneath it. You can see that across the room is a raised platform and a pair of doors on the wall in the back.

You can see nobody in the courtyard other than yourselves.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag dismounts his horse and carefully leads into into the temple. Placing his guisarme back on his mount, he takes the greataxe from his back and gives it a swing to get the feel for it once more. With a stern look on his face, he looks at the others.

"Let us see where the wind blows in this place, and what it has brought with it before we take rest." With that he begins looking around the chamber. If he find nothing, he continues on through the doors.

[ForzaFiori]

"I'm not gonna argue with a big guy swinging an axe - lead on, Thrag." Michael says, taking out his sword.

[Techwarrior]

OOC:
Sorry about the delay, missed the thread being posted in :smalleek:

As Thrag walks into the trees in the center of the room, he here's a small feminine voice.

The voice is coming from a small, incredibly beautiful woman that is laying on the floor behind the dais. Her ears are pointed, more so than an elf's. She looks to be incredibly ill. Her skin has the ghostly look of the near-dead and she's shivering, though the courtyard is not very cold.

"Ehryan be praised, please, help me Master Goliath."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag eyes the area cautiously for a moment and moves to within 10 ft of her, still holding his axe at the ready. His face filled with suspicion, but his heart filled with pity.
"My apologies maiden, but Thrag is a warrior. Not a shaman. This is little he can do to help you. But Ehryan has brought him here, so Thrag will try. What has happened to you?"

[Techwarrior]

" *cough* A warrior would do fine just now. In the complex below the temple, there is a library, containing many books on many subjects."

She pauses for a moment to breathe, then continues, her voice little more than a whisper.

"The former librarian was a Druid like me. Her companion was a giant spider named Rasha. An ettercap tunneled from below and killed her, then found a way to control Rasha, and brought with it some spiders of its own."

Her breathing becomes more labored.

"That ettercap has a strange poison, the likes of which I've never seen, but the Matron had. It only harms those with magic, but is quite deadly to those who have the power."

Her voice drops somehow even lower, you have to lean in to be able to hear her.

"It got some of the other girls, we went to the library looking for a book that we knew had a spell to combat the poison, but I was the only one to survive, and it got me with its poison. Please, without the book I can't power the temple's defenses. We could hold hundreds in here from these zombies with the power of the temple..."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Now kneeling down next to her, Thrag's voice becomes bolder. "Then Thrag's instincts were right. Ehryan sent the storm to bring us to you. Thrag will slay this ettercap; for if what you say is true, then it's poisons should be of no harm to Thrag. But first you must tell Thrag two things. First, what can Thrag do to help you with the poison? Secondly, what is the name of the book that Thrag will find for you?"


After waiting for her response, Thrag turns and yells out to the others in the other room. "COMRADES. TO THRAG NOW! WE MUST HURRY"

[Techwarrior]

"I've already done what little can be done without the aid of the book, the best way of helping me now is to find the book. Do any of you know Sylvan?"

At your nods she sighs, then whimpers from the pain.

"There is some ink and parchment in the priestess' dorms. Door on the right, get it for me, and I will write it down."

[CowMasterTrojan]

After calling for his comrades, Thrag goes and retrieves the ink and parchment.

[Techwarrior]

The woman writes down the title of the book, which though you can't read, you can know recognize.

[ForzaFiori]

"We need to hurry. She doesn't look like she has all day for us to finish this." Matthew says after the Druidess hands them the piece of paper.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Agreed." Thrag says, putting the note in his pack. He then moves towards the entrance to the lower chamber if he can see it.

[Techwarrior]

The door on the left opens up to a set of stairs leading down, going straight down as far as you can see (about 20 feet normally). There are no lights.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

"If any of you can see in this darkness, you should lead the way" He states, as he removes a torch and flint and steel from his backpack.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Thrag's eyes are sharp from many nights of hunting under the moon. But even he cannot see in absolute darkness. Keep your torch held brave cale, and Thrag shall lead the way". Once light has been produced by someone, he will happily go first down the stairs.

[Techwarrior]

The stairs lead down for approximately 40 feet, abruptly ending in a wooden door. There is a complex series of strings, ties, and blades that keep the door from opening. The trap is rigged to reset itself, and several of the blades have spider ichor on them. You could cut this trap to pieces easily, but that would leave the druid vulnerable.

[ForzaFiori]

"I don't suppose anyone here ever practiced a...less than legal trade, and could rig this thing so we could go past it?" Matthew suggests to the group in general.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Lonewolf hasn't posted in a while, we may have lost him. But I say: Solution!
Looking at the others briefly, the goliath's face becomes more determined.

"We are warriors. Not trap meddlers. Consider this a resolve that we must succeed. Grant will go back up the stairs and hold the line against anything that may hurt her. Thrag, Matthew and Cale shall go forward, and slay everything in our path."

Provided no one objects, Thrag destroys the trap as cleanly as possible and continues forward through the door, axe at the ready.

[ForzaFiori]

"That's why I like you Thrag. Your plans are always nice and simple."

[CowMasterTrojan]

"The fastest and most direct route is always a straight line." He says with a nod of approval.

[Techwarrior]

Turns out Garet stayed behind to see if he could help administer aid to the Druid.

The door opens easily, swinging silently on oiled hinges. The first thing you notice upon entering the room are spiderwebs. They are literally everywhere, and cling to everything. You can see approximately 15 feet through the webs. You can see the several bookshelves, all similarly coated in spider silk.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag begins cutting the web in front of him with his axe, then proceeding forward. Five feet at a time.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew joins Thrag in cutting the web using his sword, keeping his eyes and ears out for whatever made it originally


spot: [roll0]
listen: [roll1]

[Techwarrior]

Cale spots something moving in the webs...

You can hear a soft voice, as smooth as spider silk, from elsewhere in the library.

"Entrudersss my ssweet? Perhapss they are looking for it, my ssweet. Let us go ssee who has come to visit uhsss."

You manage to cut your way to the first stack. It is a wooden shelving unit, about 8 feet tall. It has a bronze plague about five feet high that says "J."

"Hm... Why are you here, personsss."
The voice is much closer.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew begins looking all around after he hears the voice, trying to look everywhere at once. "Do you hear that Thrag? Something tells me we aren't alone here anymore, so try not to get your axe stuck in the web."

"I really hate spiders... Pelor protect me and guide me." he mutters under his breath when the voice gets closer still, clutching his holy symbol.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag makes a shushing sound at Matthew, an calls out to the voice."Thrag was told Ettercap lived here. Thrag was sent to bring present to Ettercap. Are you Ettercap?"

Doubt I will see it, but why not try. Thrag actively looks for it.
Spot [roll0]

[Techwarrior]

"We likess pressentsss don't we Rasha? I iss an Ettercap, whatsss iss you large one? What pressentsss do you hassss for me?"

You can't see where the Ettercap is, but from the voice, it seems to be moving around while its talking to you.

[CowMasterTrojan]

The goliath continues to carve away webbing as he banters with the ettercap.
"In Thrag's tongue, it is called 'elghinn a velve'. We goliaths often give it to our elder warriors for a long life of service to the tribe. However Thrag brings it to ettercap in hopes of peace."

So fun story, elghinn a velve translates to 'Death by blade':smallbiggrin:

[ForzaFiori]

"Is now the best time to be trading gifts, my giant friend? I doubt we want what they'll be giving us."

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Holding the torch away from the webbing as they advance into the room.

"I don't suppose burning it out is an option?"

[ForzaFiori]

"Now that you mention it... Thrag, I don't suppose you'd mind backing up to the stairs, just for a second? You can give them your 'Elgin of velvet' or whatever in a couple minutes."

[CowMasterTrojan]

The hulking goliath turns back to Matthew for only a moment. His eyes meet Matthew's, and then they move to his axe, then back to Matthew's eyes. A smirk on his face. He speaks loudly to Matthew.
"Do not try and stop Thrag from giving ettercao 'elghinn a velve'. It is not for you. Once ettercap comes for it, it will be given. You cannot have it for yourself. Matthew is not deserving it," He then turns back, looking for the ettercap to appear.

[ForzaFiori]

"You got it, Thrag." Michael says with a slight sigh.

Under his breath, he whispers to Cale "If something happens to the big guy, get ready to torch the web. Hopefully I'll be able to drag him clear."

[Techwarrior]

"I don't thinksss we trustss Thragses. Last peopless tried killing uhss We will have a spider come get Thrag present."

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Thrag must be the one to present you with 'elghinn a velve' so that he knows you received it. If you fear us, then have your spiders lead Thrag to you. His allies will stay here, so you do not have to fear them. Surely you do not fear Thrag all by himself?"

I hate it when I believe there is a good chance my character is going to get himself killed, and there isn't a good way to stop it. :smallwink:

[Techwarrior]

"Thrag ish very big people, but we ish not scared of him lonesomess. We ish big too, isn't we Rasha? We hass better idea. Why not all of ush and our spiderss come and takess it from Thrag."

I know that feeling.

[Techwarrior]

"Thrag ish very big people, but we ish not scared of him lonesomess. We ish big too, isn't we Rasha? We hass better idea. Why not all of ush and our spiderss come and takess it from Thrag."

I know that feeling.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Do as you wish. Thrag cannot leave until he gives it to you."
The goliath steps back some, trying to clear out a more open area.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew tightens his grip on his sword, getting ready for a fight.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Better that whatever is in there comes to Thrag than us wading into unknown danger"

Cale backs out of the room, attempting to hide the torch behind any walls to obscure the light of sight of the flickering torch. Carefully peering into the web filled room awaiting any hostile movements.

[Techwarrior]

"It seemss they ish frightened of uhs Rasha. Perhapss we will come get Thrag'sh pressent after all."

An absolutely huge spider steps out of the webs. It has grayish green chitin and eight red eyes, all staring at the three of you. The spider is bigger than your horses (large size). It snaps its mandibles at you. Twice. One of it's mandibles has the tip snapped off of it.

A creature steps out behind the spider. It looks similar to the spider in chitin color, but it has a vaguely humanoid size and shape, with claws in place of hands. It's jaws open, and the silky voice issues forth from it.

"We wantss present, don't we Rasha?"
The giant spider clicks it's mandibles again.
"Thrag givess to us, and we givess you presentss back."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Is there a clear path to charge the ettercap now that it has stepped out of the webs?

[Techwarrior]

As you take a second look at the ettercap, you notice something you hadn't noticed before. The ettercap absurdly reeks of rotten eggs. You could charge past Rasha, but doing so will provoke an Attack of Opportunity for the square you'd pass through.

{table=head]-|1|2|3|4
A|||Ett
B|Ras|Ras
C|
D||Thr|Mat
E|-|Cal||-
[/table]
Cale is in the stairwell, the areas to the right and left of the map have webs, and the "J" shelf is directly behind the ettercap.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag holds his arms out straight, holding the axe in his hands. It is a gesture that he is not going to attack. He then slowly steps to C3, and then to B3 if the ettercap allows it. Once he is there, he turns his axe so handle is perpendicular to the ground and the weight of the weapon is hanging at the bottom.

"If Thrag is to give ettercap 'elghinn a velve', then first it must be explained. You are currently in temple of Ehryan, so you should know this. My people revere the 'velve' because it is much like the Luna. Or moon as they say in common tongue. They say that Ehryan is the one that holds the Luna up, and moves it across the sky. When the Luna is low, like this, there is darkness and peace. However when Ehryan holds the Luna high in the sky..." He says, turning the great axe so that the blade is now above his head "... Like this, that the war spirits move among us with great ease. Allow Thrag to demonstrate. Bear spirit! Thrag calls to you!" He shouts aloud, now holding the axe high.

For a second, nothing happens. Then the whites of Thrag's eyes fill his eyes, his muscles bulge, his grip tightens on the blade, and then his mouth opens to let out a roar. Some may even swear that it does sound like that of a bear. "'ELGHINN A VELVE" He screams and then brings the axe down hard on Rasha.

Raging Power attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Techwarrior]

Your heavy blow hits Rasha, but she managed to almost skitter out of the way. Your blow leaves a deep wound in Rasha, and thick green ichor spurts from the wound. You can tell from the way she moves that this fight is not even close to over.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Everyone roll initiative.

Oh, and Garet can definitely hear that scream.

[CowMasterTrojan]

That's bad news for us. That was a good hit.

[roll0]

[ForzaFiori]

Initiative: [roll0]

Here's hoping the ettercap doesn't eat us.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Initiative - [roll0]

[Techwarrior]

Rasha skitters around, then leaps at Thrag, attempting to bite him. Twice.

attack 1
crit confirm [roll1]
damage [roll2]
poison (str) DC 16 [roll3]

attack 2 [roll4]
crit confirm [roll5]
damage [roll1d8+6
posion (str) DC 16 [roll6]

The ettercap quickly gathers some silk from it's spinerettes and throws out at Thrag, attempting to hit Thrag with a web.

Ranged touch [roll7] success makes Thrag entangled. DC 15 Escape Artist or DC 19 Str, note that any failed poison saves from the spider will effect your str for this check.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Rather than spend time trying to throw off the webbing, Thrag continues his assault on Rashsa despite the hindrance the webbing provides.

Entangled
The character is ensnared. Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a Concentration check (DC 15 + the spell’s level) or lose the spell.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Cale is up

{table=head]-|1|2|3|4
A|||Ett
B|Ras|Ras|Thr
C|
D|||Mat
E|-|Cal||-
[/table]
Cale is in the stairwell, the areas to the right and left of the map have webs, and the "J" shelf is directly behind the ettercap.

[Techwarrior]

Thrag swings a mighty blow, but between the webbing and Rasha being thrice damned quick, is unable to land a proper blow.

Cale if up.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Steadying his hand and staring fiercely into the eyes of the beast as it thrashes around overshadowing even the mighty Thrag, he mutters a silent prayer to Ehryan. With an invigorated stride, Cale charges forward attempting to bring his sword down into the exposed flank of Rasha.

Full Round Action: Charge to C2 and attack Rasha
Attack: [roll0]
Crit Confirm: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Cale has -2 Armour till start of his next turn

[Techwarrior]

Cale manages to thrust his sword into Rasha while she was paying attention to Thrag. The spider shudders as Cale withdraws his blade, eyeing this new, smaller target in a disturbingly interested fashion. It's gaze says that you look like you would be tasty dipped in ketchup.

Mathew is up.

[ForzaFiori]

Matthew moves to his left, circling behind Cale to move up to Rasha. As he raises his warhammer to strike, a brilliant light flows down his arm, concentrating on the head of the hammer as it plows into the spider.


Move to C1
Swift action to channel Radience into my weapon
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] from Warhammer, [roll2] from radience

[Techwarrior]

The ettercap glares at Mathew as his hammer flares with glowing light.

"Mage..." The ettercap whispers in a tone that makes you wonder if your Illuminations would be affected by it's poison.

Rasha decides that these pesky things stabbing her in the sides have to go. She makes a low sweeping motion that let her bite both Mathew and Cale

Mathew
[roll0]
1d8+6
Poison (str) 1d6

Cale
[roll1]
[roll2]
Poison (str) [roll3]

Poison DC 16

The ettercap takes a 5 ft step to A2 and throws a web at Mathew.
[roll4] touch attack. DC 15 escape artist, 19 strength to break

[Techwarrior]

Mathew
Damage [roll0]
Poison [roll1]

Thrag is up.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Seeing the ettercap begin to slink away, and the spider's attention already moved, Thrag decides he should refocus his attacks on the ettercap while he can still reach him.

Power attack [roll0] Edit: I forgot the -2 penalty on this attack, that makes it a 18.
Damage [roll1]

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Spurred on by the wound inflicted on the over-sized spider, the thick black blood still dripping from Cale's blade he readies himself to attack again. Dodging narrowly away from the spider's jaws as it retaliates he thrusts his sword hoping to penetrate its thick carapace.

Standard Action: Attack Rasha
Attack: [roll0]
Crit Confirm: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Free Action: Take a 5 foot step to D2

[ForzaFiori]

Michael screams in pain as the spider bites him, nearly dropping his hammer. Blood flows freely from his side as he attempts to fight off the poison in him.


3 HP left. Everything that hits me takes over half my HP. :smalleek:

Fortitude save: [roll0]


raising his hammer, again glowing bright, he attempts again to land a blow on the spider, using his anger and pain from the bite to power his blow


swift action to channel radiance to my hammer again, then attacking:
attack: [roll1]
damage: [roll2] from warhammer, [roll3] from radiance

[Techwarrior]

The spider, large though it is, manages to dart aside from both Cale's and Mathew's swings. That spider is quick. Having drawn blood from Mathew, the spider focuses it's attention on him.

Attack [roll0]
Crit [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Poison [roll3] DC 18

Attack [roll4]
Crit [roll5]
Damage [roll6]
Poison [roll7] DC 18
The second attack is directed at Thrag if Mathew falls.

The ettercap takes another 5 ft step to A1, and throws a new web at Cale.

[roll8] Ranged touch.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Annoyed by the confining web, Thrag attempts to rip the webbing off him.
Str check [roll0]

After tearing it off himself and the axe, he takes a 5ft step towards the ettercap.

[ForzaFiori]

Michael dodges left, avoiding the first swipe of the spiders mandibles, but didn't see the back swing coming. Catching him directly in the back, Michael doesn't even have time to scream in pain before death embraces him.

[Surrept]

Cale - Human Ranger

Cale dodges behind the spider's bulk, shielded from the entangling web the ettercap tries to pin him down with.

Beginning to close the distance once again with such a dangerous foe, he looks on in shock as it bites down on Michael, puncturing flesh and splitting bone in a fateful blow that leaves the comrade limp on the floor. Caught in two minds, whether to attend his dying or possibly dead friend or to leap in and try and finish the beast.

"Thrag flank this monstrosity, so we may cut it down to size"

Cale leaps in thrusting his sword in a redoubled effort spurred on by the loss of a comrade.

Free Action: 5 foot step to C2
Standard Action: Attack Rasha
Attack: [roll0]
Crit Confirm: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Techwarrior]

Current Map (Round 4)
{table=head]-|1|2|3|4
A||Ett|Thr
B|Ras|Ras|
C|Mat|Cal
D|
E|-|||-
[/table]

Cale manages to pierce the spider's chitin with his shortsword. Not an easy feat, but he manages it, the spider jerks away quickly, and starts to look like it might be slowing down. It does seem to have plenty in it for one more round of attacks.

Cale
Bite: [roll0]
Confirm: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Poison (Str) DC 18 [roll3]

Bite: [roll4]
Confirm: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Poison (Str) DC 18 [roll7]

The ettercap's eyes glow with triumph as the 'mage' goes down, and he advances to Thrag, letting loose with a full attack.

Thrag:
Bite [roll8]
Confirm [roll9]
Damage [roll10]
Poison DC 17

Claw [roll11]
Confirm [roll12]
Damage [roll13]

Claw [roll14]
Confirm [roll15]
Damage [roll16]

It is now Thrag's turn.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Sorry Cale, Ettercap stole my spot. If you move over Matthew's body, I think that's considered flanking.

Thrag turns once more towards the giant beast, trying to catch it with it's guard down, and brings his might blade down into it's hide. Once more the roar of a bear echos from his mouth.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Techwarrior]

Thrag swings once and Rasha ducks it, when the spider turns to focus on Cale, Thrag sees his opening. His mighty blow crumples the huge spider. It twitches a few times, blood spouting from its wounds.

Spider is down, for now.

[ForzaFiori]

Roll for the dead guy:
[roll0]

[Techwarrior]

The Ettercap sees the relatively unwounded raging barbarian cut down the large spider. It sizes up the situation, turns tail and runs for its webs, provoking an Attack of Opportunity from Thrag.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Attack of opportunity on Ettercap [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Seeing the ettercap trying to escape, Thrag lets out one more inhuman growl and swings his axe hard into the ettercaps retreating back.

He has a movement of 40. If he can follow the ettercap, he will do so.

[Techwarrior]

As the Ettercap abandons all hope of victory and attempts to escape, Thrag gets one last swing, cutting the Ettercap down. Blood flies as the Ettercap crumbles.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Being the only one still standing in the room, the raging barbarian lets out a roar one final time before the pupils of his eyes once again appear.
"Thank you bear spirit. Thrag is, as always, in your debt."

He turns quickly towards the stair case and screams at the top of his lungs.
"GARET! THRAG CALLS TO YOU! YOUR AID IS REQUIRED!!!"

Turning his axe once more to the fallen foes, Thrag attempts to cleave the spider in half so that it is no threat as a zombie.
Effectively a coup de grace
Damage [roll0]

He then turns to the ettercap, and cleaves it's head off.
[roll1]

Once the deed is done, he returns to his companions.
Spot check to notice Matthew is dead [roll2]
If he fails that, its a 50/50 who he tries to help first.
Cale-050, Matthew 51-100
[roll3]

Heal Check to stabilize Cale when he gets to him
[roll4]

[Techwarrior]

You hack the spider into little pieces.
Cale [roll0]

You chop off the Ettercap's head.
Cale [roll1]

You look at Mathew, and conclude he is dead.
Cale [roll2]

You then stabilize Cale. He's at -7

You notice a dull polished stone floating near your head.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Rock spirit, why do you follow Thrag? What do you ask?"

The clueless barbarian says, before his curiosity get the better of him. He reaches out with the intention of touching it.

[Techwarrior]

The rock slips just out of Thrag's grasp, as if it is dodging away from the Thrag. It seems to be leading Thrag toward the bookshelves.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Very well Spirit. Show what you wish Thrag to see"

Thrag turns back briefly, and eyes the body of Matthew. He knew what had to be done. He just didn't want to do it. The honor of a fallen comrade's body should be respected, not desecrated. Even if the dead were cursed now, he did not like it. He had time though. Thrag will do it when upon his return he thought sadly. One must not keep spirits waiting after all...

Thrag then follows the floating rock towards the bookshelves.

[Techwarrior]

The stone leads you through the webbing, to a small nest amidst the stacks. There are random pieces of armor, weapons, and food. The stone dances around a bottle with silver stripes and a silver cap

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag picks up the bottle with the silver stripe and examines it closely. If he cannot find anything suspicious about it, he attempts to open the silver cap.

[Techwarrior]

Whatever is in the bottle smells overwhelmingly of silver. The liquid inside is a thick, cloying substance and smells strongly of silver.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Unless the stone appears to do anything else to indicate what it wants with it, Thrag will recap it and return to Matthew's body to decapitate him.

[Techwarrior]

After recapping the vial, the stone begins to make weird circular gestures.

(Successful Sense Motive)
The stone is moving in strange patterns, similar to the markings on the piece of paper that the druidess gave you yet entirely different. Being illiterate, they don't make sense to you.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Yeah, we all knew this was going to happen. The barbarian who can't read has to save the day by reading. HA HA!:smallfrown:

"Thrag does not understand what you want stone spirit!" He takes out the piece of paper and shows it to the floating rock. "Help Thrag find book with these symbols!"

[Techwarrior]

The rock slowly floats down the 'I' hallway, and leads you to the book. It wiggles and waves near a specific book with symbols matching the ones on your paper.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag takes the book, and returns to Cale. Picking up his living comrade, he heads up the stairs, the bottle still in one of his hands.

[Techwarrior]

Garret looks at you in a confused, slightly aggravated fashion.
"Weren't there three of you when you left?"

The druid looks up at Thrag with a much kinder look.
"You found the book?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

To Garet
Thrag nods grimly. "Matthew did not survive battle"

To elf
"Thrag gave his word. Here is your book." He says, handing over the book. He then pulls the bottle out of his pack. "Thrag also found this silver bottle, with same symbol. Do you know what it means?"

[Techwarrior]

"Thats liquid silver. We use it to power the temple's defenses. Here, give me that and the book. After I make the potion, I'll heal your friend, I'm sorry the other one didn't make it. Maybe we can find something to revive him. He shouldn't arise in the temple, we only lost the defenses three days ago. Garret, go close the door downstairs. Thrag, help me up. I need into the study."

Taking Thrag's arm, the druids limps into the study. She sits down at one of the tables and starts directing Thrag to fetch her things, which she mixes into a potion to cure the poison. After about half an hour she drinks the mixture, which looks approximately like tar. She then spends the next few minutes thrashing, her eyes rolled back in her head.

Just when you think it can't go on any longer, she stops suddenly.

"Thats much better."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Refusing to merely help her along, Thrag scoops the woman into his arms effortlessly. "Save your strength. Thrag has enough for you as well." He says with a smile and a wink.

Thrag then obediently assists her in making the potion, not really understanding or commenting on the process. When she takes the potion and begins thrashing, he does not seem fearful. Instead he tries to help hold her down so she doesn't hurt herself from the spasms. "Father Gorn was great medicine man as well. Thrag remembers..." He says, and goes off on a vaguely related story about how his father once cured a tribe member infected with snake poison.

When she is clearly better he says with a smile "Thrag is happy you have recovered. It is clear Ehryan called out to Thrag to aid you. What do you require of Thrag now?"

[Techwarrior]

The druid smiles, and starts to answer, but stops and stares at something behind you.

You notice the rock has followed you up the stairs, and it starts to make the same motions as before. The druids notices the rock, and looks at it closely.

"That rock claims to be Matthew. It says not to cut up his body. Wasn't your friend, the one that died, named Matthew?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Yes. He is lucky Thrag did not have enough free arms at the time. How did he become a flying rock?"

[Techwarrior]

"He says that the temple won't allow him to.. That's it! We're on sacred ground, infused with the power of Ehryan herself. The curse won't affect anyone here. That means I have to get the temple's powers back up. I need another person capable with some kind of knowledge of divine magic that worships Ehryan. Cale was a worshiper of the Lady right Thrag? You said he was a Ranger?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag thinks for a moment, and then nods yes to both questions.

[Techwarrior]

"Well then let's get started."

She jumps up from her chair, and briskly walks over to where Cale lies. She bends over him and behind to chant. Her hands begins to glow with a green light which she touches Cale with, healing [roll0].

"We will need to have someone tell the villagers to come here. Garret, do you think you can do that, and avoid the zombies?"

He nods.

"Then go now, we have no time to waste."

He nods again, and leaves the room. You can hear him preparing his horse.

"Cale, I need you to help me repower the temple."

Cale wakes to see the druid just in front is his face, he is nite in the upper level of the temple.

[Techwarrior]

Cale nods, "What needs to be done?"

"I need you to help me with the ritual. Here is the scroll detailing the ritual, read it. With even the weak divine powers you have now, you'll be able to remember it."

Cale nods again. "Fair enough."
He takes the scroll and sits down to read it.

The druid turns to Thrag.
"And now, I must reward you for your heroics. I would be unable to survive much longer without your aid. What can I do to repay you?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Thrag would always help you, with no reward in sight. However if you insist on reward, help Matthew if you can. That would be acceptable." He says, and then thinks for a moment. With a smile he adds "Thrag also wishes to know your name, so that he may remember you better. You never gave it to us. A pretty face like yours, Thrag does not wish to forget."

[Techwarrior]

"Oh my, where did my manners go! I apologize noble Thrag. I am the Druid Vadania Windrunner, and am Dryad to that tree there. I guess being the only druid left makes me the high priestess of this temple, but titles mean little in these times. What of you, from where do you hail? I'll admit I've but seldom met a Goliath in all my years."
When she mentions a specific tree, she points to the tallest of the trees in the courtyard.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag scratched his head inquisitively, listening to what she said and looked at the mighty tree when she pointed. But the entire time he wondered to himself What is a Dryad?. The look of puzzlement not that well hidden, Thrag tries to continue the conversation.
"That is a mighty tree indeed. Where Thrag comes from, there are not many trees. And the Trees are all pines. Very durable trees however. Thrag's tribe hails to Dragon Scale mountains, far to the north. Thrag left Hawk tribe on quest of honor, but Thrag and others are here now on other quest. We seek to stop the spirit weaver who causes and controls all these cursed souls. Spirit weaver of Valken says who we seek is near here. Thrag hopes so, to stop the spread of the cursed souls."

[Techwarrior]

"A spiritweaver? Here? The only spellcaster I've seen was Old Wolf. He was here a while ago... Perhaps this diviner of yours detected the temples defenses. We turned them on when the zombies first came. I don't know though. Perhaps your diviner found this necromancer and he snuck around us."

A dryad is a tree spirit, they are magically bound to a single tree that they devote their life to. Thrag can't recall much else.

Cale comes out of the room nearby. "I'm ready."

"I'll be right over. Thrag, take this belt of healing. It will cure you of wounds when you speak the phrase 'Ehryan aid me.' I hope that you will save us all. "
The dryad unclasps the leather belt at her waist and hands it to you, then she turns goes over to Cale and they step down to get tree and begin to chant in a strange tongue.

[ForzaFiori]

Michael wakes up/revives in the basement, and heads for where Thrag and the others are. "Good news is, I'm alive. Sorta. Apparently I'm dead but with a soul, which lets me move around? Not entirely sure of all the effects, but it's better than being a zombie."

[CowMasterTrojan]

I knew what a Dryad was. I was just implying Thrag had no idea.

Thrag turns to looks at Matthew, holding a belt in one arm. For a moment it looks to Matthew that he may be blushing.
"Comrade Matthew! It is good to see you again!" Thrag decrees. He then listens as Matthew explains he's still dead. He frowns.
"Comrade Matthew, that sounds horrible. You now say both your body, AND your soul is cursed. Thrag would not wish that even on his enemies."
He looks sad for a moment, and then adds "If you would like Thrag to behead you, so your soul is no longer cursed, consider it done."

[Techwarrior]

I knew that you knew, I just wanted to give you the info that Thrag would have, which did not include such things as say Charm Person at will.

[ForzaFiori]

"I'm fine with my head attached for now. With any luck, once we finish what we're doing now, someone may be able to bring my body back to life."

[Techwarrior]

The brewing storm bursts, and the clearing is suddenly filled with a warm, pleasant rain. The dryad and Ranger continue chanting. It seems like they are dancing around the tree.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag goes back down the stairs to loot the area. Matthew is welcome to follow.

[Nevinz]

Vaseris hurries into the temple as the rain begins to come down. He doesn't mind it himself, but his gear does.

With just a touch of concentration, he shifts into a dark blue that contrasts sharply with the stonework around him and clears his throat. It's past time he stopped tailing this group and spoke with them.

[ForzaFiori]

Wait Thrag, I just heard something. Matthew says quietly. "Whoever that is, come out where we can see you!" he adds to the darkness.

[Nevinz]

The small lizardfolk walks out slowly, with his crossbow pointed firmly at the ground. "You have good ears for a....resurrected. I'm not here to make trouble. In fact I'm here to help."

Vaseris takes a deep breath and again forces himself not to camouflage. What he's doing goes against all of his training and most of his instincts."Long story short, you want the undead plague dealt with. So do I. Let's work together; we stand a better chance that way."

[CowMasterTrojan]

The goliath stares boldly at the new comer, distrust clearly in his eyes. "Thrag wishes to know how lizard-man knows mission." He grunts, gripping his axe tightly and watching him even closer.

[Nevinz]

"I'm sorry I've been following you." Slowly, Vaseris allows himself to fade into the background, his skin taking on the colors of the wall behind him. Then, quickly, he snaps back into 'focus'. "It's no secret that Lord Valken sent out a group to stop these zombies. It's the talk of the town. All I had to do was find you, and then make sure you were the right people."

[CowMasterTrojan]

Thrag shakes his head. "Very well. Thrag will keep eye on you though." The Goliath lowers his axe slowly.