The Solace Campaign: Elendil

Showing posts with label Elendil. Show all posts

7 December, 2011

Talia

"Swatting goblins is great, Pral," Talia says. "But please don't attack anything else unless we know it is a threat, and not just scared of us. Many creatures can be aggressive when scared, but they don't necessarily mean any harm."

Talia

Now that's something you don't see every day," Talia murmurs softly.

Has she read or heard anything in history or legend that might explain this place? Granted, she never paid much attention to her schooling, but perhaps there is some clue to be found in memories of tedious lessons. If not, she asks the others if they know who may have fashioned this place, and when, and why.

Not, she supposes, that this is relevant right now. The screeching may be the goblins, or it may be the goblins torturing something, but either way, she suggests they make their way for it as directly as possible, then explore, if they wish to, later. Assuming none agree, then, she moves quietly about the chamber, trying to determine where the sound is coming from. Also, if she happens upon a creature - a rat, or even large insect - that might be able to lead them to the goblins, then she bends to converse with it.

John: Talia has sling in hand, not knife, which I believe you said isn't really designed for combat.

Also, is it worth having two marching orders, one for when we have to go single file, and one for when there is room to go two abreast? If so, I'd suggest:

Pral and Landrau (tanks)
Talia and Med (range)
Elendil (the poor fool who gets hit from behind!)

Pral

Pral is happy enough to be here in this situation and to be part of a team. This is one of his life's ambitions realised! He nods at the suggestions of others and agrees to be as reserved as possible when it comes to combat. He stares about the place in wonderment, marvelling at the architecture and lost grandeur of the hall. He is happy to wait for directions.

Elendil

Elendil stares around at the chamber in awed silence. "Who or what made this place? And for what purpose?" Looking up at the balcony he says softly, "If we could rig a rope and hook, I think I could climb my way up on to the balcony. I could scout a way through from the second floor."

29 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med does not have the proper equipment to go climbing around a snow covered mountain and he's reasonably sure Pral doesn't either. He would also wager that neither does Sir Nills. Med and Pral had also agreed to help Talia and Elendil upon returning with the Countess to the Inn.

Med leans towards the center of the table he and his three companions share, careful not to knock over anything or get anything on his robes.

"I believe we should investigate these goblin beasts and their lair. Climbing around on a frozen mountain searching for who knows what without proper gear is foolish."

With a quick look around Med points at Sir Nills over his shoulder with his thumb and says quietly.

"We could send Sir Nills back to Featherstone with the Countess as protection for that journey, and have him return here with some warmer clothing, ropes, rations, and oil. Everything that we'd need to do some proper exploring on The Scimitar. That should take him three or four days, which should give us time to look into the goblin's lair you found. We'll make Thumbs happy, the locals happy, the Harmonic Brotherhood happy, maybe find a bit of treasure, and then have our next adventure already waiting for us with Sir Nills. The only one who will not be happy is the Countess, and from what I've seen the last few days she is never happy anyways. I've said my piece and will listen to what everyone thinks we should do next."

Med looks around the inn to see if anyone might have overheard his say. Reasonably assured that they have been left to make their own choice he glances around the inn to see if he can see any brightly colored fabric or scarves. Maybe he'll have to discuss the mountain lion with Talia after dinner and their choices have been made, getting her input about the world of wild things may be valuable.

Talia

[To Elendil]: "I know you are eager to find elves, and if I can then I'll help you. However, I have heard nothing more than rumours of them, and seen no trace of their presence in my travels. But how about we make a deal? You help me find and kill the goblins, and cleanse the land of their foulness, and in return I'll speak with the creatures of the wild, and see if any of them can discover anything of the elves."

[To Med]: "Call me dense if you want, but I'm not sure I see what the prophecy has to do with the Scimitar? And I've definitely no desire to help out the Countess. But that said, if you'll help me destroy the goblins, then I'll happily go with you on whatever path you wish." She wrinkles her nose, frowning. "Well, as long as it doesn't lead to civilisation, anyway."

"The lion's actions do not seem any it would make of its own accord. So I would think that either it was bidden to take the scarf by another, or perhaps it was not in truth a lion at all, but rather one transformed into the appearance of one. It's size would also suggest that this was no natural creature, or at least, not wholly so. Either way, I do hope we come upon it again, I would love to speak with it."

[To the snake]: While whiling away the afternoon waiting for the return of her companions, Talia goes softly down to the clearing where she found the snake. If it has gone its own way, then so much the better. But if not, and it wishes to help her, then - casting speak with animals - she asks whether it knows anything of the elves Elendil is so keen to find, and, if not, whether it could seek to find out.

John: I've taken the liberty of assuming that Talia prayed for her spells on the morning of her day off, leaving her with:

Entangle
Entangle
Speak with Animals
Speak with Animals - now cast on the snake.

If that couldn't or didn't happen, let me know! Also, in the afternoon she will refill her herb bag with anything useful she can find.

Mediocrates

Med, leans in close to the table once again after hearing Talia's opinion.

"The prophecy the Oracle foretold is supposed to begin with a search of the Scimitar. A daunting task, with the rugged terrain making it even more so. I believe it best to be undertaken with the proper equipment and with the proper level of respect. Freezing to death or becoming a cripple on a poorly planned and equipped expedition is not something that I wish to be a part of. As for the mountain lion, it most definitely was more then a mere kitty. I understood the beast's thoughts as well as it's owner while in it's presence and I hope to remain in both of their favor. Talia, would you think that an intelligent beast would still have the instincts of the beast it is or was? If so we might have to find a really really large ball of yarn should we seek it's favor."

With a smile Med sits back in his chair, hoping that Pral or Elendil will make their thoughts known shortly.

Elendil

Elendil takes a swig of more decent wine than the mushroom concoction and nods, "Having been a cripple not too long ago, I fully agree with Med, we need to make sure that we have the right equipment and a good idea of what we are going to face. I believe Thumbs said that brother Landrau was wanting to support any endeavor to clear the area of goblins. I would welcome his presence and whatever other assets we can turn to our advantage."

Elendil smiles to Talia. "I will stand by you in whatever task you wish to undertake. I'm sure that if there are any elves in the area, they will make themselves known before too long."

Pral

Pral resolutely maintains his silence whilst the others debate on what their options are. He sips his drink and thinks about the next snack. He does not understand all of what is being said, but hears the earnest tone of Med but is also slightly swayed by the gentle tone of Talia. As Med explains his reasoning and says "Freezing to death or becoming a cripple on a poorly planned and equipped expedition is not something that I wish to be a part of." Pral knows this is something he understands and pats Med on the shoulder and says "Yes, Med speaks wise, I think I shall stay by his side."

He glances at each before sipping his drink again and feeling pleased with himself that he demonstrated such wisdom and showed the others he could decide his part of the path the party should take.

11 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Talia

The sensible thing to do, Talia knows, is to head back to the inn and wait for their companions, so they can return later to explore together. And certainly not to crawl blindly into a dark and goblin-inhabited tunnel which was very probably blocked for a good reason rather than by blind chance. But on the other hand, she considers, who ever had any fun doing the sensible thing?

Looking to Elendil and Landrau, then, she raises an eyebrow. "Well? I don't reckon I fancy going in there alone, but it seems a shame to give up after having come this far. So do you want to take a look with me? Or shall we go back and wait until the others can join us?"

Game Master

Brother Landrau seems hesitant about the idea of crawling into the hole right at this moment. "Sometimes courage must rule and at other times prudence," he declares, "I have responsibilities to my order to consider." Looking about he says, "If we work together, we could roll that stone over there in front of the entrance. I think a goblin trying to climb out from within would have a terrible time pushing it away."

Reluctantly, Talia agrees. The stone in question turns out to be heavier than expected. It takes half an hour of straining for the three to maneuver it in between the two big boulders. Once there, it slides into place with a satisfying crunch. There is no way a goblin is going to move that stone from below and it blocks the entrance almost perfectly. Even from the outside it will require some significant leverage to move it again.

Having struggled all morning to arrive at this destination by the short path, you decide to return by a longer, but much easier route. The road, with its switchbacks, easily covers twice the distance of your earlier path, but it is gently sloped and, of course, you aren't try to follow a subtle track. Within an hour, you find yourselves back at the inn.

Talia returns alone to the stream where she found the snake. She eases it back into the little brook with words of thanks and then turns to leave. The snake immediately follows her. After several attempts to leave it behind, she is finally forced to cast Speak with Animals again and order it to stay put. Though she makes no such promise, the snake seems convinced that she'll return for it soon. It coils up on a rock to enjoy the afternoon sun, and Talia finally takes her leave.

By the time she reaches the inn again, Brother Landrau has already left to return to his order. Elendil is sitting on the front porch with his feet up on the railing. He stares absently at the mountains to the south, lost in his own thoughts.

Ben: Unless I hear otherwise, I'll assume these two characters will stay the night at the inn and hang around tomorrow waiting for their friends to return. After that, there will be some decisions to make...

Elendil

Elendil looks up, and smiles easily. "Brother Landrau said I should tell you goodbye." he begins, "That seemed to be a poorly spent morning." he says with some uneasiness. "There are elves in this area, I know there are. I have not yet found their tracks, but I have not given up looking." He cocks his head to the side for a moment. "Perhaps your greater knowledge of the forest and its creatures could tell me more.”

Here ends Chapter Two.

7 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

Talia and Elendil lead Brother Landrau to the little hilltop where Old Sam's arm was last seen.

The snake is lethargic from its earlier meal, but Talia does finally coax it out of her sleeve. She indicates a smear of dried blood on a rock that you all assume came from the missing arm. She tries to interest the reptile in exploring it further, but it simply coils up in the sunshine and flicks the air with its tongue.

The cleric can't quite manage to conceal either his distaste or his mirth.

After a few more failed attempts to put the snake on the right trail, Talia finally decides it's time to cast her spell. The others look on while she she chants her mystic words and gestures at the animal. Sprawling on her stomach she meets the creature nose to nose. It hisses at her. She pauses for a moment and then replies with a bizarre, inhuman hiss of her own. This exchange continues for some time.

Meanwhile, Landrau turns to address Elendil. "Tell me more about your experience with the elves. I've never seen them myself, but every report I've heard contradicts yours. You found them to be noble and awe-inspiring? Not vicious savages?"

Elendil

Elendil's eyes open slightly in surprise.

"Vicious savages?!? Completely to the contrary! I felt I was the lesser being: tall, regal individuals. I shall never forget the day that my wife and I met the elves. When they spoke, their language was so beautiful, magical. I have journeyed this long way here to find them again to see them again and repay them for the gifts that they shared with us. Perhaps there are differences between tribes or even races of elves."

Elendil drew an arrowhead from his pouch. "Here is one of their arrowheads. It is rough and stone, not steel like ours, but still, and I believe Talia would agree with me on this point, our idea of what is most advanced and civilized may not match another race's understanding. I found them to be heart warming and generous in bestowing their gifts on others."

Talia

Talia has no real liking for the snake. It is one of nature's children, and so to be respected and honoured, but Talia exults in warmth and life, whereas the snake deals coldly in death. Still, it is necessary for her purposes that she converse with it. And so, meeting its gaze, she instructs it to follow the trail left by the creatures who passed this way with the arm, at a speed that she, Elendil and Landrau can follow. Then, when this task is done, she will return it to rock and river.

Hopefully the snake will find and follow the trail. If not, then she will cast her gaze about for some other, less recalcitrant creature, a crow or bird, perhaps, who can be used to spy out the trail.

John: It is not specified in the Animal Friendship spell, which simply says it is permanent, but I'm assuming Talia can negate the effects of her own spell at some point if she wishes?!

4 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Talia

After the commotion has died down, Talia nods at Brother Landrau.

"It seems to me that the gods are a part of nature, same as the rest of us. That don't mean all they do is for the good, but I'll judge their followers on what they do, not who they worship. And I'd say you have just done a fine thing for my friend here."

"But now it is time I was leaving. Elendil, are you coming with me, or would you rather rest here? And Brother Landrau, I go to hunt these...these goblins, for they are not of nature and must be slain. If you share that opinion you'd be welcome to join me." She grins in challenge. "If you can keep up, that is."

With or without the others, Talia is eager to be off, to rid her senses of the smell of civilisation. Heading first for the place where she found evidence of the goblin's passing, she will point out the trail, both to the snake and whoever else is with her. She hopes that she will be able to make her wishes known to her new-found scaly friend, that she wants the snake to follow the trail, though not so fast that she cannot follow. But if gestures do not suffice - for after all, communicating with a snake in such a way is very different to giving orders to a dog or a horse - then, putting a hand to its head, she will speak directly to it with her thoughts, mind to mind (speak with animals). And then, with luck, they are off...

Elendil

Elendil flexes his leg and smiles. He nods and accepts the armor from the stablehand. "Thank you," he says meekly, "Thank you both. I do not know how to thank you. I will not be able to repay you until my friends return with the Countess. Thank Kronnor for the mercy that you have shown me. I will do what I can to repay you for your kindness."

"I knew that the creatures were not elves. I have met elves in the wilderness, I was in awe of their nobility. I hope that I may one day see them again."

1 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med nods to Thumbs his thanks and walks quickly to the table where Pral is finishing his second breakfast. He smiles to Pral, "I hope you are closed to finishing your meal. I have secured us a two day job guarding the Countess on her travels. Your skills in battle will earn you 30 gold should we get back here safe with the Countess. Talia and Elendil will spend the time we are gone searching for the beasts from last night. So quickly gather your things from your room and I will meet you out front of the inn within 10 minutes."

Med stands and notices his hands could use a good scrubbing before setting out on the journey, they still had a bit of tint from the beasts' blood even though he washed three times. "If you have the time, make yourself presentable to keep company with the Countess. I believe she favors you and your battle skills over my magics." With that Med gives Pral a smile and hurries up the steps.

At the top of the stair case he greets Elendil warmly, "I have received word that a cleric from the Harmonic Brotherhood should be arriving at the inn within the next few hours to tend to your wounds and to investigate the beasts we slayed last night. I do apologize for the damage that was done to your armor by my spell, I had never cast it on anyone else before. If you could follow me I will fill you in on what has transpired as well as give you my coins to cover some of the costs of the healing or repairs to your armor." Med hurries off to his room, fetches his coin purse and gives Elendil 15 of his remaining 20 gp as he stands against the door frame watching Med quickly but neatly fold his tattered robe from yesterday into his pack.

"Pral and I will be heading to the local Oracle with the Countess shortly. We should be back in 2 days, one day to the Oracle and one day back. Talia has likely left to perform her morning prayers and should be back shortly as well. She will need your help searching the neighboring woods for signs of these beasts. Her and I examined the beasts last night and I realize now that they had no navels. So those things were not likely born to a living being, meaning they were either hatched from an egg or created by magics. She will want to know that bit of information, it may help in tracking them down. If we aren't back in 2 days please do come after us and do keep yourselves safe! We will meet you back here in two days."

Med gives the room a quick scan as he does one last check of his backpack to make sure that his spell tablets are safely wrapped by plenty of clothing so there's no chance for them to break. He places the bag on his back, grabs his hat and pauses to flash a smile at Elendil, "The priest will not likely ask a fee for his healing services, a donation is proper and something in the neighborhood of 50 gold will do I am told. Pral and I are earning a few coins for protecting the Countess, my share is all yours should you need it. If you and Talia do meet with the local elves you will have to tell me all about it when we next meet."

Med washes his face and hands quickly in the rooms wash basin before drying off and heading out the door of the room and out of the inn. "Take care Elendil, Pral and I will see you and Talia in a few short days." Pulling his hat lower over his face to shield his eyes from the sun outside Med heads out the door to find the tamer of the two horses for the journey before Pral got his pick.

Pral

Pral wakes feeling rested and ready for the day ahead, whatever it may hold. He gathers his meagre belongings and packs them into his backpack before making his way downstairs to the main hall. Seeing none of his friends he takes a seat at one of the broad oak tables and toys with some cutlery until a serving lad wanders past on his way back to the kitchen. A giant hand on the lads chest stops him dead as if he had run in to a wall! "Big breakfast please? Two of everything?" The lad looks at Pral, nodding rapidly before twisting round the hand and muscled forearm and sprinting towards the kitchen.

Minutes later, Pral is happily shovelling the morsels down his neck when Med enters the room. Pral listens and is pleased that he will earn gold as a guard to the countess, although he doesn't tell Med he doesn't know who she is. Pral is sure that Med will be back to tell him what to do. He watches Med go up the stairs and decides he has enough time to finish his food and sup the flagon of sweet tasting apple juice and maybe some more bread and honey!

This done Pral gathers his pack and goes to the stables. There he sees Med, seemingly struggling with a docile looking small swayback mare. Next to it stands a sixteen hands high stallion with foam flecked lips and wild eyes.

Pral strides up to the beast takes the bridle to hold its head still and looks deep into its eyes. The horse, having no choice looks back for a moment or two before nervously shifting its hooves in the dust. Pral pats it on the neck a few times and whispers something in its ear before adjusting the cinch and leaping easily into the saddle.

"I like horses," he says as he sees Med’s astonished face. "They like me too." Pral’s horse now has its head down and is rooting in the dust for spilt grains whilst Med’s nag is skittish and nervously pacing around. "You lead Med. I will do as you say." Pral sits atop the horse and smiles at Med.

Elendil

Elendil accepted the gold with a tinge of embarassment. "Thank you, uh, Med," he stuttered, he didn't know how familiar to be yet. It seemed that fighting together made brothers quickly out of strangers.

"I will try to locate Talia, she just disappears when she steps out into the wild. I will await the priest of the Harmonic Brotherhood." His eyes widened at the thought of 50 gold. That was more than he had ever held in his hand or seen in his life.

"Safe journeys. Watch yourself with the Countess, I think she sees other people only as things to use for her betterment, if there is any danger she will not think twice about sacrificing you or Pral."

Seeing Med off with a wave, Elendil winced as he turned to go look for Talia.

Talia

Arriving as Med and Pral prepare to leave, her hair shining with morning dew as if nature had placed a thousand diamonds there, there is a fierce light in Talia's eyes, and once again it seems she is more part of the wild than the world of men. But then, blinking, she grins at her new friends, and some of the wildness dissipates, or at least, mingles and combines with something more nearly human.

Moving without fear to Pral's mount, she murmurs something in the stallion's ear, and he tosses his head and nods as she carresses his flank.

"Just telling him to keep your safe," she tells Pral with a smile.

Assuming that they have a moment of privacy, she tells the others that she has found what looks to be the start of the creatures' trail, and intends to follow it. At which point the head of a large snake protrudes somewhat sleepily from under her tunic, and she strokes it absently. "With help, that is. Elendil, you are welcome to join me, but if you would rather rest here for the day, then that is fine. I promise not to do anything foolish." She considers a moment. "Well, nothing too foolish, anyway."

Mediocrates

Finally getting atop his horse Med adjusts his hat and picks a piece of straw off of his sleeve. The reason he didn't arrive at the inn with a horse or mule wasn't that he couldn't ride, it's just that Med and horses were never really comfortable around each other. With a sheepish smile Med says to his new friends a bit embarrassed, "Could one of you whisper something to my horse to get it to behave for the ride? I seem to have gotten one with a mind of it's own yet again."

The horse had started heading for the grains on the ground, it was more interested in eating then in doing what it's rider wanted. With a shrug and a confused look on his face Med hoped for some aid or for the horse to decide that it was time to follow it's friends to see the Oracle. "Talia, we are escorting the Countess to the Oracle. We will keep our eyes out for signs of the beasts during our travels and should be back in two days." Looking down at his horse and thinking for a moment, he chuckles and says, "Maybe three."

Here ends Chapter One.

25 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Pral

Ivan: Pral will be guided by the rest of the party. He will gladly volunteer to stand guard at the inn all night if required. He will collect his shield before leaving for anywhere else though.

Pral leans towards Talia "I will glady stand guard if you and the others want to rest. I will help where I can and protect us all" a huge smile starts across his face "of course I always guard best with an ale and a dragon-choker sandwich!" The smile almost lights up the night as the huge man picks up his sword and strides off determinedly towards the inn.

Mediocrates

As the crowd begins to head back to the safety of the inn Med, softly clears his throat and speaks to everyone. Some in the crowd turn back to look in his direction while others seem to walk faster to get inside.

"Elendil, you should go inside and have your wounds tended to as Thumbs suggests. Talia, Pral and I will be in shortly after we inspect our fallen foes. Maybe a closer look will provide us with some answers to our many questions."

"Leave us with a couple of the torches we will not be long." Med says to Thumbs, not looking him in the eye instead focusing his gaze above Thumbs' head. Med found it easier to talk in public to people if he didn't look them in the eye, it was less intimidating to him.

Once the crowd disperses and heads for the inn Med takes his torch and heads over to the corpses of the beasts. Are all 4 bodies the same species or is the one Med and Elendil chased different? Quietly he speaks to Talia and Pral so that no one else may hear as they gather around the bodies of the beasts that Pral and Talia felled.

"The beast we chased and dispatched switched how it ran, from being upright on two legs to being on all fours. It ripped off Sam's arm with it's teeth and hands, carried it in it's mouth like a dog would a prized bone. The damage it did to Elendil was by attacking with it's hands. Is that how they attacked you as well?"

Med bends closer to the bodies, but before touching them he actually looks up at Talia and asks. "Talia, I do not wish to offend the gods by examining the bodies. Do you have any objection should I look at their eyes, hands, teeth, muscles, and wounds? Maybe we can determine if they live underground, in trees, or underwater by taking a closer look. With your knowledge of the natural world we might solve a few of our riddles."

Matt: Beyond examining the creatures and maybe talking to Countess Grau's steward to see if they might need some additional protection on their journey the next day, Med plans to study his unknown spell and get some rest. Maybe with the help of his new found friends he can figure out what it does besides make him feel funny for a while. Enlarge doesn't seem to be too useful at the moment. Can anyone think of how we can best make use of it? The only thing I can think of is to cast the reverse of it on an enemy.

Talia

[To Pral] Talia smiles at Pral, putting a brief hand to his arm.

"I'm sure we can all rest safe if you're guarding us, my friend. But we should all take turns to watch and to sleep, for I reckon as tomorrow we'll be heading into the wilds. Thank the gods."

[To Med] Bending over the bodies of the creatures with Med, Talia fails to hide her disgust at what she sees.

"More like beasts than men, yes," she murmurs. "But more base than either. The flame that animated them was not gifted to them by nature; they are unnatural, a curse on the land, that much Leeta has made known to me. So please, go ahead, do whatever you wish with them - the gods of nature, at least, shall not be offended.

"As to the spell you cast - it was a spell, I take it? - I think I may have a use for that. The animals of the wild are my friends, and oft-times my travelling companions alike. They have no need of clothes to hide themselves, and so would not suffer Elendil's troubles should you increase their size. When we head out into the wild, I will call on nature and see who responds."

[To Elendil] If Elendil arrives to look at the bodies, Talia glances up at him. "I only know of elves from rumours and dreams," she murmurs. "But unless all we know of them is false, then these creatures are no elves. It feels to me as if they should own some harsher name, though I could not say what it is. What say you, who claim knowledge of elves?"

[To All] "Whilst we have not said as much, can I take it that we plan to follow the trail of these creatures, and see where it takes us? I, for one, must seek them out, and end their corruption. If so, I suggest take turns on guard tonight, and head out on the morrow."

John: Whilst spurning the offer of a bath, Talia will spend the night in the inn with her new companions, rather than risk being attacked alone. Come the morning, she will rise before dawn, tell her companions she will be back in two hours, then head out beyond the inn to offer up a prayer to nature. She will also cast Animal Friendship, hoping to attract an animal who may have seen the creatures, and where they went. I believe this takes an hour to cast. She might also have to use Speak with Animals, but she'll hold off casting that unless she can't make herself understood otherwise. Anything further will probably have to wait on what turns up, if anything, before preparing to set out

Elendil

Ivan: Pral will be guided by the rest of the party. He will gladly volunteer to stand guard at the inn all night if required. He will collect his shield before leaving for anywhere else though.

Elendil nods. He does what he can to bind his own wounds and waits for someone that can finish the job for him.

He draws the three obsidian arrowheads from his pouch. He stares a long at them, remembering that fateful day.

"They're close..." he mutters, "very close... Soon." He collapses in a chair, hoping someone will come to help him. He sleeps the rest of the night. In the morning, he will see about finding new armor and any other supplies he might need to continue his quest.

21 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Elendil

Elendil staggers in. "Nature defending herself, my ass...", he mutters.

He drags himself over to Thumbs. "I need whatever ya got for bandages. That mushroom concoction ain't the best to drink, but it will probably knit these gashes up pretty good. They're on fire, I need somethin' to put the fire out..."

Talia

If Med looks as if it is about to speak for them, then she will let him. Otherwise, she shrugs.

"Not sure we know much more than you. Less, perhaps. We heard cries for help, and came on these creatures attacking both this man and, ah, someone by the name of Sam. Seemed only right that we help out. I've never seen these creatures before," she pauses to spit in their direction, "but I know for certain that they aren't born of nature. Anyone else know what they might be? And more importantly, what they wanted, and whether there are more of them..."

Pral

As the crowds gather Pral stands proudly next to the corpses as the locals point and stare. But when Thumbs steps forwards and asks questions Pral deliberately shuffles sideways somewhat and ensures Talia is between him and Thumbs. "You answer him. I'm not good at explaining"

Mediocrates

Med nods after Talia finishes her say, still worn out from dragging the corpse back. If only he had Pral's strength it would have been so much easier. Wiping sweat from his brow he responds still a little out of breath.

"The creature that Elendil killed and I dragged back was heading up the road toward the Collar. Is anyone familiar with what is or is rumored to be in that direction?"

19 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med takes a deep breath to settle himself, the rush of combat is a bit addictive he thinks to himself. He hurries to Elendil's side and checks to see that he's still breathing. If Elendil is conscious and able to move Med will attempt to bind and bandage his wounds using pieces of his robe. Good thing he bought 2 in town!

He will give the creature a once over check for any treasure and to possibly retrieve his darts. Med hopes that they haven't drawn any unwanted notice from the other denizens of the area and that they can walk back to the inn.

If Elendil is able to make his way on his own Med will try dragging the dead creature by it's legs back to the inn. If Elendil needs assistance Med will help him back before leading some folks back to retrieve the creature's corpse.

Matt: So the enlarge spell only works on the receiver's body and not any clothing, armor - normal or magical? So after the spell is cast it's sort of like the Incredible Hulk and all you'll be left with after it wears off is a pair of torn jeans and a demolished town?

Elendil

Elendil's mind reels: The slashing claws, biting fangs, stabbing, missing, then growing several feet in height while wearing studded leather armor that did not grow. He collapsed to the ground, the darkness closing in around him. He struggled to keep it at bay. Turning his head slightly, he saw the, now tiny wizard that had helped him.

"Thank you sir." Then, in a moment, "Thank you Med... I think you saved my life. I think we killed this one, but there's still the matter of the other creatures over by Pral and Talia."

Breathing shallowly he tries to focus past the pain and remain conscious.

Talia

Talia runs up to the entangled focus of their rescue attempts. In passing, she grins apologetically at Pral.

Then, putting away her sling and taking out her knife, she first checks that all the creatures are dead, and, if they are not, finishes the job with a knife to the throat. After which, turning to the trapped man, she cuts him free, helping him to his feet.

"So," she asks him. "What in Leeta's name were those things, and what did they want with you?"

John: Do I need to keep track of sling stones used, or is it safe to assume a steady supply of them, as long as we aren't in a dungeon?

Pral

Pral looks around at the bodies strewn before him and the beginnings of a smile creases his face. He looks to his colleagues especially Talia.

"We did good. Killed the nasty grunts. So long as you keep missing Pral you keep fighting like that. You made the grass grab 'em, I liked that."

He regards the bodies and carries out a quick search of them. He drags the corpses so they're side by side, showing little compassion for the foes that moments before were living and breathing creatures. "What do we do now?" he asks looking to those around him before casting a wistful glance back to ale he left on the table at the inn.

Mediocrates

Matt: It sounds like Med and Elendil will try to make their way to the inn with the corpse in tow if possible. The main reason for that is to have Talia or the locals identify what they were fighting. Hopefully Elendil will not experience any ill effects from his first battle/contact with the denizens of the area.

A bit of a misunderstanding of how to integrate the "gods" portion of the game appears to need some work. Do the characters whose roles do not have a particular need to pray really have a reason to be contacting them? I was thinking of having Med say a thanks to the goddess of magic.

14 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Pral

Pral watches in awe as Talia's spell entangles the creatures. He comprehends that these are the enemy and lunges towards them, the huge broadsword already pulling back ready to take a mighty swing at the first opponent.

Ivan: Pral will hack at the creatures until all are down and out of the game.

Talia

Staring at the twisted figures, Talia feels an instinctive sense of revulsion. And yet there is much in nature which is foul of appearance; this does not necessarily mean it is contrary to nature's designs. As such, then, she seeks to look beyond their appearance, to the living flame of nature which resides within all things. Does it burn pure, or is it dark and corrupt?

If the former, then calling out to her new companions she tells them that these creatures, too, are nature's children, and must be subdued not killed until the truth of the matter is unearthed.

But if the latter, then features twisted into a snarl of hatred, she screams at her companions to kill, even as, drawing a sling, she fits a stone into its worn leather and takes aim. If she can aim at the fleeing creature, she will do so. If not, well, she is confident that nature will lead her to wherever it has fled, and instead she cats her stone at one of the trapped creatures. A spider would not hesitate to kill one caught in its trap; why then should she?

John: Entangle lasts 1 turn. Is that 10 combat rounds?

Game Master

Ben: The spell might normally last 10 rounds, though she isn’t sure since she hasn’t ever cast it against a real opponent before now. In any case, there is so little vegetation here that the spell just isn’t working as well as she’d hoped.

Elendil

Glancing from the entangled creatures to the left and the one to the south dragging a prize away, Elendil decides on the latter. Seeing Talia fitting a stone to her sling, Elendil grunts his assent and stepping to his right fires his bow. A much clearer shot and the other creatures seemed to be taken care of for the moment, Elendil fired freely at the suspicious creature struggling to lug a carcass away.

Jason: If Elendil is unable to bring down the leathery creature fleeing to the south, he will pursue on foot, drawing his short sword and attacking.

Mediocrates

So much for subduing and asking questions after the situation has been calmed.

A bit repulsed by the creature he's wounded, he's determined not to let it get away. He rapidly pursues it knowing that Talia and Elendil will have little problem tracking him and the beast. If he has a chance to pause and get a shot in with a dart he will otherwise he will try hounding the wounded creature until it collapses from exhaustion. Med would rather not have to resort to his dagger as he's just as likely to wound the creature as he is himself. If he is joined by Elendil and the creature engages them in combat Med will cast his spell on Elendil(Enlarge).

12 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Pral

Pral stands his ground a confused look on his face. "What shall we do?" He says to Elendil and Med in turn, before turning his eyes back to the scene before him and trying to make sense of it.

Ivan: Pral does not quite understand what is occurring with figures capering in the dim light. He will look to Elendil or Med for guidance, but until either offer that advice he will stay by their side and prepare to repel any attacks.

Once either of the others move to attack or give reasonable directions to Pral he will surge into action and attack alongside (or in advance of if the others use missile attacks) He will charge in swinging his broadsword, he doesn't have his shield with him. He will engage any opponents and fight until they or he drops. He is merciful though and unarmed foes on their knees begging for mercy will get it, just.

He just can't figure the situation yet and will protect his new friends until he does.

Talia

Impossible to know for certain who is in the right and wrong here. Appearances can deceive, and the darkness hides much. Nature does not shy away from death, but nor does she deal it without reason, without purpose, and so, Talia murmurs quickly to the others, neither should they. Better that they should subdue all those involved, and then decide at leisure what must be done with them. Which means, she repeats, glancing to Pral and Elendil, no killing, not yet. Odd, the others perhaps consider, that some half-wild girl suddenly seems to speak as if used to being obeyed, and once again they detect a hint of the inflections of nobility in her voice.

If no one disagrees with her, she moves quietly forward, keeping to the shadows, hoping to avoid attention. Then, raising her hands, she tosses what look like leaves into the air, murmuring under her breath.

Alternatively, if anyone is arguing that blood be shed, she will hold off doing this to reply.

John: The spell is entangle (vsm, range 8", effect 4" diamater, either binds entirely or halves their speed if a saving throw is made.), aimed at the mid-point of the three small attackers. (I'm assuming there are weeds or scattered seeds in the muddy yard?)

Elendil

In a soft whisper, Elendil says, "We don't know whose side to take in this matter... be ready. The larger ones could just as easily be our foes as the smaller ones."

Jason: Once we determine which set of foes to attack, Elendil will start firing arrows, two per round until all foes are dead.

Mediocrates

Talia's suggestion that the party disable all the combatants and sort it out later may be easier said then done. "Talia's words ring true, let us do our best to resolve this situation with minimal casualties. Do not put yourselves in harm's way unnecessarily to accomplish this though!" Med steps to the side and will hold his spell for the time being. Should Pral need its aid he will hurry to his side to cast it and then retreat. He will focus his dart attacks on the target of opportunity hunched over the fallen figure.

10 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Talia

[To Thumbs, if she has a chance before he vanishes] "A bath?" She wrinkles her nose in disgust. "The beasts of the forest are proud of their scents; why should we be ashamed of ours?

[To Med] "Good to meet you, Med. Reckon you're right about my not going in there - why anyone would want to be trapped by four walls rather than earth and sky is beyond me anyway." She reaches into a pouch at her belt and extracts a gold coin. "But if you're going in, can you get me meat and drink?"

[To Elendil] "I guess I try to do for nature what I can. But most times, I reckon as she knows how to care for her own better than I ever could." She peers at the arrowheads curiously. "A fine gift. Me, I always thought elves were a myth, a dream of revenge nature dreams to herself for all the injuries man inflicts upon her. But when nature dreams, so she can create, and perhaps that dream is taken form again."

[To Pral] Talia smiles, tugging absently at one of the twigs in her hair. "That's the thing about living rough," she replies, her voice suddenly and surprisingly taking on the modulations and tone of the upper classes. "One simply cannot maintain proper appearances." Then her voice becomes her own again. "Thanks for your offer, Pral. If ever I need protecting, I reckon you're certainly the man for the job."

John: I think that's everyone!

Even as do the others, no doubt, Talia glances up quickly. Tilting her head, birdlike, to one side, she listens intently. Can she hear anything more that would provide any information? Either way, she looks to other others questioningly, before vanishing over the side of the porch again into the darkness.

John: I'm assuming she can make her way round outside to the buildings where the cry came from, in which case she'll see what she can see. If not, well, I guess she'll feel a bit stupid!

Mediocrates

Med looks up at the sound and sees Talia already springing into action.

"Talia, it would be best if you circled the buildings. If you come across anything keep an eye on it and we can help in tracking it down, but keep an ear open we may need your help. Let's go fella’s, someone stay close to me as I have a spell that will make you more potent in battle should it come to combat."

Med sets his mostly finished cigar on the edge of the table and jogs off the porch into the direction of the commotion, dart in hand. He's hoping the fighters will take the point in the battle because his robes will do little to stop weapons.

Pral

Pral carefully leaves the drinks on the table and takes up the huge broadsword. He pulls the blade from the scabbard and holds it before him like most would hold a short sword. He looks at the others as if to see what they are going to do. He watches Med set off for the source of the noise. Pral smiles, then reaches down and drains half a tankard of beer in one swig before following Med. In a few moments he is at his side.

"You do the thinking, I fight and protect you." He lopes easily at Med's side, light on his feet for such a large man.

Elendil

Elendil sets his teeth. Reaching down, he takes up his bow and sets off after Pral, short sword and dagger lashed to his legs. He peers into the gloom, waiting for a target to present itself. He fingers his arrows nervously, "Nature protecting itself..." he muttered. Calling to Pral, he says softly, "You pin 'em and I'll drop 'em."

6 October, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Pral

Pral looks to Talia and her hair in particular, "Do you know you have some sticks in your hair?" he asks in an almost innocent manner, as if Talia may not have noticed.

"I'm stopping here and having some food and some wine." Pral pauses again, maybe waiting for a response, maybe working out the next sentence. "I have heard about the temple and how the elves....are. I reckon there will be treasure. I'll be willing protect you chaps if you'll....help me decide how to do it." Another pause for thought, "I ain’t no leader with brains and stuff, but I'll lead any battling." There again comes the almost innocent grin on Pral's massive face, as he clearly seeks acknowledgement, acceptance and approval from the others.

"I'll buy some wine" and he digs out a purse and rummages through its contents.

Mediocrates

"Pral, if you are going into the inn I will go with you to help bring back the refreshments." With a sigh, Med rises from his chair he gazes over his new companions, he doesn't make eye contact for long with Talia, though. Instead he fidgets a bit and looks off into the distance before speaking.

"Talia and Elendil, I am pleased to make your acquaintances. If you do decide to enter the inn I would suggest keeping a low profile. Thumbs' reaction may be typical of how the locals treat those in tune with nature, you will not get such a reaction from me though. I welcome your company and would gladly join you in a bit of adventuring. I will try to see if there are any people in the inn looking to hire on some adventurers or know of any jobs that we could do. I would appreciate some aid with that."

Taking a draw on his cigar he turns and heads for the front door of the inn alongside of Pral, his cup of mushroom wine still sits on the table untouched. However, it's neatly spaced between all of the other glasses and pitcher on the table. Also not a speck of cigar ash rests upon the table or chair where he was sitting.

Elendil

Elendil nodded. He took a draw on his mushroom wine and coughed. Looking to Talia, he smiles a smile of crooked teeth. "Atanar held druids in great respect. I never met one myself. Do you minister to plants and animals, or is there a greater presence with which you commune. It's sad that the elves here are violent. My hope is that perhaps there could be some sort of communication between us and them."

He drew three obsidian arrowheads from his pouch, "The last elves that I met, gave me these." A far away look grew in his eyes. He smiled his broken smile again, "Now that was a day that I will never forget..."

30 September, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Elendil

A dark haired man, not much to look at, took a draw from his mug and blanched slightly at the taste. He cleared his throat.

"My master, Atanar was a sage who studied elves. I always liked elves meself and tried to learn everything I could about 'em. Me folks called me Elendil, that means ‘Elf-friend’. I came up this way to see if there was any trace of them. Master Atanar, well he took sick some time back. He wasn' able to make the journey."

Elendil blushed slightly, "It’d be better if Atanar were here, he could tell you all sorts of things. He could probably talk to 'em. I was more a bodyguard to Atanar. I'm good in a fight and can scout a bit. With all that's changed here recently, there's probably a whole new world out there to see and discover..."