Printable Version of Topic Click here to view this topic in its original format
Shining Force Central Forums > RPG Gallery > Shining Force: The Chaos War Part III

Posted by: the tall guy Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:50 am
((tra la la))

Posted by: Critical Mass Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:20 am
Nail falls to the ground, gritting his... beak. He yanks out the two arrows in his side and pushes away any healers who attempt to tend to his wounds, his own body slowly knitting itself back together before their very eyes. He does not move from his crouching position though, his eyes still blood-red with fury, his claws clenching and unclenching over and over. The birdman stares at the group with a mixture of a anger and confusion, his attention seemingly focused inwards.
((Will save 15 + mods succeeds.))

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:16 am
Gail watched the erynies's shadow disappear into the distance, anger giving way to weariness with each flap of her cursed wings. A long sigh dragged out of her, her body realizing the devil threat had finally departed. Of course, her job wasn't; blood still flowed from the wounds of her companions, and it was her job to help staunch them, if minorly. She moved to Graigus, laying a hand on his wounds as positive energy closed his wounds and replaced lost blood, then did the same to Bozak, a far-off look in her eyes as she repaired his broken flesh the best she could. Her power expended, she turned to Dam, her gaze focusing back to the present situation.
: "Perhaps we should return to the inn and begin evacuating the town, sir? I know this has been a long night, but I fear what would happen to these people if we dare to wait out the devils a second longer."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:34 am
Sorel's faces creases with concern as his gazes falls upon the embattled birdman. He watches, warily.

Posted by: Alpha Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:48 am
Tanis walks off to the side, disugested with himself for forgetting that erinyes were immune to fire. Yet, for all his thoughts on that, a small part of him can't help but point out that at least this time, he didn't die. A definite improvement.

Posted by: Aldur Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:35 pm
Kria gasped, looking at Nail. She'd seen that look before, one she had wore so often herself long ago. The catfolk looks around at the others then back at Nail. She quickly sheaths her blade and sadly just studies the birdman, awaiting to see what won deep inside him.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:47 pm
The Doctor is walking slowly towards Nail when Dicem gives Arbeiten care over the birdman. He comes to a halt, then shrugs turning instead to face Gail. He steps lightly over to the paladin and weaves magical symbols in the air before touching her on the shoulder.
[Heal: 13 + 12 = 25]
[CLW: 7 + 5 = 12 : Gail]
He smiles slightly as her wounds seal then glances back at Nail. Shaking his head, he weaves magic in the air once more and touch his own wounds.
[Heal: 9 + 12 = 21]
[CLW: 6 + 8 + 7 = 21 : Coventry]
The vicious wound in his chest slowly close and Coventry smiles grimly, speaking quietly, "We'll meet again, old girl... We'll meet again." He then steps over to Tenryu once more weaving symbols in the air and speaking words of power, reaching out he gently brushes the arm of the massive dragonman.
[Heal: 9 + 12 = 21]
[CLW: 2 + 5 = 7 : Tenryu]
Coventry frowns as the samurai's wounds only partially close, then shaking his head, begins the process once more.
[Heal: 5 + 12 = 17]
[CLW: 1 + 5 = 6 : Tenryu]
Once more the results are less than impressive but the wounds were still mostly sealed. Sighing, Coventry shakes his head and walks away through the ash piles that remain of the devil horde.
Pausing, he shakes his head and glances at Nail once more. Then he walks over to the tavern and emerges with a cup filled with water. He sits on the ground and pulls a powdered metal from his pouch. He shakes his head, "So pricey..." He then pulls a wand from his belt and speaks a few words. Then stirring the water with the wand, he begins pouring the powered metal into the cup.
[Anarchic Water]
He continues to pour the powered metal long after it should have filled the cup, yet somehow it yet holds more. Finally, the metal is exhausted yet Coventry continues to stir gently.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Jun 01, 2006 3:26 pm
Kayla sheathes her knives and growls as the Erinyes takes flight. Though she'd never admit it to the others, the thought of killing the hell-bitch by herself had crossed her mind. Kayla never did like being told what to do; a devil, who claimed that she should prey on humans merely because her demonic blood made her a "superior" being, was no exception.
"Damn wench."
The tiefling looks at Nail for a moment before she turns away from the others. Kayla removes her cloak and puts her chain shirt on. After she is finished, she puts the cloak back on, and pulls the hood over her face.
((Hey, this isn't battle and time passes pretty quickly. With all the "dawdling" going on, more than a minute will pass before we go anywhere. For that minute and a half, her face and features might be visible. Depends on if someone comes to check on her))

Posted by: Aldur Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:03 pm
"Maybe we should exterminate him. No wait, he's an ally that'd be bad." Kria looks down at her arm getting ready to fire off an eldritch blast at Nail and shakes her head. "Stop that. Honestly. Control yourself." The catfolk looks to the cleric of Mitula and smiles at him, talking rather oddly to herself as she does so.
"Yeah, like that'd work...but then that bangle there...Ah! Arbeiten! Like, fix the crazy birdman."

Posted by: Alpha Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:26 pm
Seeing Kria's potential actions towards Nail, Tanis wonders over, hoping to draw away her attention and thus preventing her from doing something....that probably wouldn't be good. "Um, hey," Tanis says to her. "Are you feeling ok after all that? Not injured at all?" he asks, whilst feeling very glad that he hadn't been.

Posted by: Aldur Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:31 pm
"Me? Dandy! And hey, you're fine this time!" Kria laughed to herself and clapped her hands at Tanis, blinking a little. And then looked at Dam's direction. "He's not bad...but oh well! He'll be dead soon enough. Wait, no. Bad Kria! Bad. Yes. Dam is leading us. Dam has your mother. I mean money. Yes. Mwehe."
She shook her arm again tutting as she felt the various annoying voices each trying to tell her what to do.
Would you stop that? Honestly. It's like, getting old. Ah shaddap! What do you know? Blah blah blah Death, destroy. I get the message. Oh go pester someone else...Yes I will buy a bangle in the morning. Geez! Shut up all of you! Stop being so naughty!

Posted by: Alpha Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:40 pm
Tanis blinked at Kria's outburst. "Yes. I am fine this time, thankfully. Though..." and he trails off, hoping she wouldn't notice. Her ramblings were odd this time, even for her. Slightly erratic too. Tanis then laughs gently. "Are you planning on buying any bangles to celebrate this slight victory Kria?" He pauses for a moment. "I wonder if we could get somebody to enchant one of your bangles. That'd be interesting." He smiles at the concept. "Magic bangles."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:02 pm
"Aha! See? I knew someone would get it eventually. Yes...But which to enchant they are all so pretty." Kria then became enthralled in looking through her bangles, trying to decide which one would be a good thing to enchant.

Posted by: Tarethen Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:30 pm
Farain relaxed after the she-devil disappeared. "Three arrows... Not a single hit. Not sure if I should blame myself or the god forsaken rain." He placed his bow back on his back, adjusting it so it was comfortable. "At least it's over." He sighed softly and trotted back over to the group, watching as the healers scrambled to heal wounds. He noticed that people were paying a strange amount of attention to Nail. He moved over towards Omblingo and asked quietly "What's wrong with him?", refering to the birdman, of course.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:09 pm
"Sheathing" Broderbund at his side as the battle quickly wound to a close, he looked about curiously, sniffing at the air to make sure nothing seemed out of place. Mostly satisfied, he turned about to check on his companions, most of which were being tended to or found work already. He noted the woman from before that had been quick to seize opportunities that had been presented and approached her, his whiskers twitching curiously as he did so.
It was then that he beheld her, admittedly from a distance. Certainly not what he was expecting.
Just the same he passed by simply, extending his index to the sky as he did so.
"Nice game," he complimented, grinning and exposing his teeth. "Now it's back to work."
And the rat kept right on walking, heading into town to search as ordered.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:29 am
"Yeah, yeah... take two people and get something done. Armor on, first, though," the rogue said. "All of you, armor on now and don't take it off until I tell you otherwise. And damnit, Arbeiten, take a look at... forget it, Coventry, do the job."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:39 am
Sorel looks over to Dam. : "With your permission, I'd like to check on the evacuation effort of the townsfolk. This strike force likely had to cut its way through whatever civilian watch was posted."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:53 am
"Do it," Dam said. "You, Stoltz and Gail hit the inn first, though. Kayla, go with Langston. Kria with Tanis and Morgan. Ombligo with Mahler and Farain. Coventry with Gilliam and Graigus. Tenryu with Arbeiten and Nail."

Posted by: Critical Mass Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:58 am
((Please refrain from posting until Kai and I have done so. Things are about to happen.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:21 pm
Arbeiten calmly approaches Nail, eyes wary but face smiling. He reaches out to the man, and mutters a single word, and the demon is driven out of Nail's body. As the demon is driven out of his ally's body, Arbeiten twists, and his spiked chain whips out toward the demon mist, lashing through it, but not doing much damage.
((Action: Cast prot of evil on Nail. Attack of opportunity on fleeing demon.))
((I've also got 8 or 9 1st level heals ready, if anyone needs 'em. Assume I used them while people were searching the area. Make your own rolls, tell me how many you needed.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:22 pm

QUOTE (Wandering Dezorian @ Fri Jun 02, 2006 12:21 pm)
((I've also got 8 or 9 1st level heals ready, if anyone needs 'em. Assume I used them while people were searching the area. Make your own rolls, tell me how many you needed.))

((WD, how does Arbeiten have 8 or 9 first level spells? According to my calculations he should only have five first level spells, including his first level domain spell.))
Coventry looks up from his task as Dicem grows impatient, then his brow wrinkles as Arbeiten preforms a strange variation on a standard Protection from Evil spell. The doctor stares at the cleric for a long moment over his glasses, then slowly stands and pulls a small glass flask from a pouch. As he carefully pours the liquid from the cup into the flask it is seen to contain flecks of gold and to bubble slightly. Sealing the flash, Coventry places it back in his bag and tosses the cup to the side with a frown.
He looks at Arbeiten for a long moment, then nods respectfully, "First round to you... I've never seen a protection spell of that sort used in such a fashion." His eyes narrow slightly. ...but I should be able to mimic those results so this little incident should not be repeated.
Clearly displeased, the Doctor then begins walking towards Gilliam. He looks at the robot with a scowl, "Wonderful, I'm blessed to travel with the two great personalities of this expedition." He gestures towards the town and without waiting for conformation begins walking down the streets.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:40 pm
Dam says nothing, but instead hops from area to area, reaching the docks second. As he arrives, people in the docks are preparing to shove off; the captains aren't risking another night in this harbor. Not wanting to be left behind, the rogue halted the nearest person.
"Hey! What's this?" an elderly elf in blue clothes asked as he grabbed the hand of a sailor from untying a mooring rope.
"Don't pull off yet. My people are checking on the town; they'll be here shortly," Dam said.
"You better be willing to part with some serious coin for me to stay longer in this hell afflicted town," the elf says.
"I've got money, but the bigger question seems to be how big of a tragedy does it take for you not to charge someone an arm and a leg," Dam said. "Me and my group nearly died driving those devils off; I think the least you could do is hang around a bit so we can get out too." Shaking his head, the rogue continued.
"How much?"
"Are you just tagging along or d'ye have a destination in mind?"
"Ribble; we were going to sail out tomorrow, but if we're leaving now we might as well head that way one time," the rogue said.
"Ribble's a river route, you're going to want to talk to a ferryman, this here's an ocean ship!"
"Point me to a ferryman; if I'm not back in five minutes, pull out," Dam said.
"They're down there, other side of the docks," the man says, gesturing.
Dam heads over to the nearest ferryman. "We need to get to Ribble... I need you to wait while my people finish helping with evacuations."
"All, right... How many people?" he asks.
"Nineteen, including me," Dam said.
"Er... A tall order, but I think we can manage... for some coin, that is."
"How much?"
"I'd say 50 coin a head."
"It'll be done," Dam said. "I'll round them up now."
And with that the orange-haired youth finished his once-over of the town, signaling to every member of his group to meet at the docks when finished.
((Grab your stuff if you need to, then head to the ferry and put on your armor properly.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:45 pm
: "Hmmm. I could say the same," Gilliam says flippantly to the Doctor. ((It's my own fault for not paying attention, but I just realized... How does A.) Dam know what's wrong with Nail? B.) How would Conventry or Arbeiten know that's what's wrong with him, as Dam only said, "Take care of Nail"? ))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:53 pm
"Thank you." Arbeiten says to the doctor with a smile. "Though in truth, it was a lucky guess. And you, friend." he adds, looking to Nail, "Are either very lucky, or very tough. Probably both. How do you feel? Doctor, what do you think of the symptoms?" he asks, angling his body so that the doctor is included in the conversation.
((Kai, would you roll diplomacy for me? My dice are packed. Arb's got a +9 in the skill.))
((Also, Arbeiten bought 5 pearls of power, 1st level. So 5 extra 1st level heals.))
((TUM, Nail was standing very still, and acting very peculiar, while demons were in the area. Mental influence would be a valid guess, and prot from evil is the standard cure. Maybe they didn't know possession, but they did guess mental influence, and the cure worked on the first try.))

Posted by: Critical Mass Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:28 pm
(("Likewise, the barrier keeps out a possessing life force but does not expel one if it is in place before the spell is cast." Or is this a special Protection from Evil spell?))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:49 pm
((I had determined beforehand that a specially cast Prot Evil would allow a second save to expel, Gizmos being the weakest of Devils. You were away, and I rolled for you, and succeeded.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:50 am

QUOTE (TheUnknownMarine @ Fri Jun 02, 2006 2:45 pm)
((It's my own fault for not paying attention, but I just realized... How does A.) Dam know what's wrong with Nail? B.) How would Conventry or Arbeiten know that's what's wrong with him, as Dam only said, "Take care of Nail"? ))

((I had a 19 + mods spot at the time of possession, Coventry saw the Gizmo go in.))
The Doctor shrugs, "Dicem placed his faith in you, I'm certain you can handle it." He then continues scouting out the town.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Jun 03, 2006 2:14 am
A simple enough task. Langston Highbrave rounded up as many people as he could before being ordered to return to the dock. He was satisfied when he returned to the dock and to Dicem. "Nice place to visit; not sure I'd wanna live here given my experience so far." The rat grinned.

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Jun 03, 2006 3:19 am
Gorrik, having not being assigned to a group, goes back to the inn to gather his things, most importantly his armor. Which he had completly forgotten about, and was even tryign to talk to his brother during the battle without it. Perhaps showing just how tired he was.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jun 03, 2006 4:45 am
Once everyone had made their way to the boat with any and all supplies they were carrying, Dicem handed over the 950 gold to the ferryman. "Ribble as fast as you can, my good man," the rogue said, finally allowing himself the time to sit down.
Graigus, still holding the second bottle of wine, gladly took a swig and offered it to those present. "Anyone want some?"
((Assume Graigus paid for the two bottles at some point.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Jun 03, 2006 5:03 am
Everyone piles onto the large raft provided, and the ferryman quickly shoves off. "Huh... This is pretty close to the ol girl's limit..." he says as he directs his team of four paddlers/assistants. "I hope she can handle it." The group sets off into the night, carried along swiftly by the river's current.
((You have five hours, let me know what's up in that time.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Jun 03, 2006 5:13 am
Sorel sits on the edge of the raft, facing east. As the sun rises, he bows his head, silently asking nature's blessing. ((Spells Prepared Level 0) 5/5 Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Mending Level 1) 5/5 Buoyant Lifting, Cure Light Wounds, Lion's Charge, Obscuring Mist, Silvered Claws
Level 2) 4/4 Barkskin, Dessicate, Major Resistance, Mass Snake's Swiftness
Level 3) 3/3 Call Lightning, Greater Magic Fang, Haboob))
Farain was exhausted. Two nights without much sleep was starting to wear on him. Two battles also wasn't helping him much. However, he knew he couldn't give in to fatigue just yet. The centaur stood up and looked around the water craft, spotting Gail. He made his way over to her, giving her a small pat on the shoulder as to not startle her too much. "Hey there, Gail."
Gail starts and looks up at Farain, reflexes giving way to a warm smile contesting for space with the dark circles under her eyes. "Hey, Farain," she said, her voice soft as a breeze after the exhausting events of the past two days. "I'm glad to see you're safe and well...at least, as safe as anyone else here." She goes back to the slow process of attaching her armor, steady hands moving from strap to strap, piece to piece.
Farain gave her a small smile, taking a seat next to her as he works to put her armor on. "Good to see you are safe, too." He ran a hand through his hair, scratching his scalp a little bit. "That last battle... That one was rough on me. I didn't hit anything. My arrows just bounced off. It... kind of makes me rethink my usefulness to the party."
: "Thank you," she says as he helps, reaching pieces she cannot. As the archer voices his doubts, she looks up at him, shaking her head as she begins to speak. "You're useful, Farain. We have very few archers in this group, and if it's one thing I've learned, nothing can be held without support. That last battle was circumstance; the rain hampered your shots, and there was a sandstorm was smack dab in the center. I'm sure you'll have a chance to prove yourself again."
He just nodded a little, gazing out over the dark water. What little stars were out and then the moonlight shimmering peacefully off of the waves.
: "It's not going to get any easier from here on out, is it? This is just the beginning..." He let out a soft sigh. "We're returning to Ribble. It'll be great to see the place again, y'know? You'll be able to visit, and I can tell my father what's going on. But, knowing him, he already knows."
: "Yeah...home..." Her eyes fell onto the thick boards that made up the craft, yet her thoughts were elsewhere. What will I say to Mom? Will she even let me inside to talk, to plead my case? She didn't last time...just acted like she had gone out. What could I say? I'm sorry? Please, forgive me? No, nothing could take back what I said. The force behind those words...The anger in them. Will her home even be there when we arrive? As she thinks, she absentmindly fumbles with a strap, her hands missing each other time after time.
Farain looked back over to Gail, his expression turning to a look of concern.
: "Gail, are you all right? I hope I didn't say anything to upset you... If I did, please forgive me."
: "Huh?" She snaps back to the present, looking back to Farain. "Oh, no, I was just...thinking about home. I'm sorry I worried you."
Farain shook his head a little bit.
: "No, no... It's okay. I guess we all get lost in our losts every now and then. I know I do sometimes. It's partially what's been keeping me awake the past few nights. That, and of course, the surprise battles that have occured."
Gail chuckles, her smile returning. "I can see that." She then goes back her armor while saying, "You know, Farain, if you're that worried about your marksmenship, I could give you a target."
Farain titled his head a little bit. "A target, eh? What exactly would that target be?"
Gail, her face completely straight, points to herself.
The centaur was shocked for a moment.
: "What?! Why would I do something silly like that?"
: "You have blunt arrows, don't you? For hunting, right? You could use those, and I'd be fine." Her smile then changes, from a look of warmth to one of pride. "Besides, I'm pretty hard to hit, if I do say so myself."
Farain was still a bit puzzled.
: "Well... I don't think I could do that..."He shook his head. " It's late now, and I probably couldn't hit much. Maybe when we get back to Ribble I'll try some target practice if I have some time."
Gail blinks a few times at Farain's statement before laughing, her hand coming up in a futile attempt to stop it. "I didn't mean now," she clarified when she calmed down, wiping a few tears from her eyes. "With our luck, I'd probably be hit in the head and fall straight off the raft. Besides, you don't need to worry about hurting me. I'm tougher than I look."
Farain stopped for a moment and finally gave a weary nod.
: "O-okay... Still, I wouldn't want to get in a lucky shot and actually do some damage. I couldn't forgive myself."
: "Don't worry. I'll be fine," Gail says, smiling.
Farain also returned the smile, slowly standing up.
: "I'll let you get some rest, Gail. I'm going to do the same. We'll talk more when we get to Ribble."
: "Sounds fine to me. Good night, then." With that, she stands up, putting the clasp on her cape as she begins to patrol the raft.

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Jun 03, 2006 5:37 am
Gorrik stayed as close to the center of the raft as he possibly could, he wasn't built for this sort of travel. The water was not his friend, especially with this armor on.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:10 am
((== Spot checks == Sorel: 32 Mahler: 15 Farain: 23 Ombligo: 16
Dam: 24
Graigus: 22 ))
Hey, you see some things swimming under the water. 6 Scrags, but wait! There's more! Ahead of the raft is a longboat, a troll in a ragged and beaten chain shirt, bearing a load of javelins and a wicked smile waiting for them. His skin is unnaturally red. Those with especially keen eyes also note two large snake-like figures heading toward the raft under the water. Finally, a hideous cackling fills the air as three wretched looking women arise from a nearby bed of reeds along the coast.
(( 6 Scrags, 2 Spirit Naga, 1 Troll Hunter, 3 Sea Hags.))
((Kno [arcana] checks for Dam: 24, 21, 24, 28. Dam tells you everything you need to know about them and then some.))
"Red tinge... That..." Gilliam murmurs, trying hard to remember. "These beasts appear to bear the fiendish tint of the Devil Army! Of course!" Gilliam says, suddenly. "The Devil Army uses the foul offspring from its rapacious core for the bulk of their common troops..."
((Sorel notices all of them have a very faint reddish tinge. On bringing it to the attention of those on the boat, the group notes that the creatures are all Fiendish versions of the usual.))
"Well... at least I've got my armor this time." Gorrik mutters to himself
"Monsters! In the river!" one raftman shouts as he runs for the center of the raft and hides.
"RIVER MONSTERS!" another finishes, jumping off the side and swimming for shore, hoping to make it before a monster gets him. Luck is with him, as the monsters ignore him, focused on you. He reaches shore and climbs out, running like a batdemon out of hell.
"Let's go, people; get this show on the road! Ranged attacks need to be aimed at the sea hags first, before they can do anything!" Dam yells.
"They're not in range yet for my laser... None of them are... but... They will be. Charging..."
((Gilliam; Readied action to fire Laser Eye. At the beginning of the next round, two trolls eat 20 damage and another eats 10.))
Hearing the yells of the ferryman and Dam, Farain stumbled to his feet. "Not... again..." He sighed and shook his head, moving to the where Dam and the others were. "They've managed to get us by ship, also?"
"Yeah... less talk, more putting arrows through things," the rogue said, withdrawing his own bow and firing at a sea hag from afar. But the arrowgoes horribly arwy, flopping into the water uselessly.
Farain nodded. "Understood." He withdrew an arrow, aiming it and sending it flying at a sea hag. Stoltz also squeezes off a shot at one of the hags, their combined efforts putting one to rest.
((11 from Farain and 10 from Stolz on a 19 hp creature = death.))
However, both are affected by seeing the truly hideous creatures.
((Farain eats 10 Str damage, while stoltz eats 8. Everyone else mentioned so far passes. Stoltz's Str drops to 1, and he collapses under his own weight.))
Gail calls out to Dam, "Where should we position ourselves, sir?"
"Get ready to intercept when they come on board; ranged attackers, hit the hags before they do any damage," Dam said, just as Stoltz crumpled to the ground. "Or you'll end up like that. Keep him protected if Arbeiten and Coventry can't help him," Dicem said. Coventry's Resurgence spell takes effect, but the hideous visage proves to be potent.
((Resurgence cast; bolt manages to fail the rather low save again.
So here's the deal.
Everyone should be awake at 8 AM, because Dam's a Nazi and wants everyone to be ready for a surprise attack. However, 5 hours isn't enough to prepare new spells (at least if you're an Arcane caster), so work with what you have left over from your spell list.
And as for checks...
Spot 15 to see the enemies.
3 DC 13 Fort saves if you pass that vs the abilities of each Sea Hag.
Those who have not acted yet can go ahead and do so; we have one round before they arrive.))

Posted by: Critical Mass Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:49 am
((All checks made except one of the saves. Dunno how much str damage I'm supposed to take though, Sea Hags don't seem to be in the MM.)) Upon seeing the approaching groups of foes, Nail ascends into the sky and points a wickedly-clawed finger towards the troll. "You! You're mine!" He had dealt with trolls before and knew what it took to kill them, and it appeared to be the biggest threat in front of the group. Having called out what appeared to be the strongest foe, the rest of the battle fades from his attention, only the hunter on the raft holding any importance for the birdman. The rest of the "team" should be capable enough to survive. Maybe. Wasn't really his problem anyway.
((Fly to a position in the air that puts me in charging position of the troll next round, at least 15 feet up. Total defense, so AC = 28.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:29 pm
Coventry ignores the others during the raft ride, going to sleep almost at once. When Dicem wakes the group in order to brace for surprise attack, the Doctor glares at him grumbly and mutters something about dictators. A few minutes later, he has rolled over and is sleeping once more. When the enemies are spotted and he is awakened again, he gets to his feet stiffly and stretches. Still half asleep, he casts a sleep on Stoltz to give him another chance to resist the affect weakening him.
Coventry stretches with a grumpy frown, "...why so early in the morning..." He cracks his neck and sighs, rubbing his eyes, "...damn it..." He yawns and looks at Stoltz with a tired frown, "...what?" He sighs, "Still weak?" The Doctor tilts his head and looks over the group, "Well... I'll tend to you more specifically in a moment. This should aid you to some extent." Coventry weaves symbols in the air and speaks words of power. Then he pulls forth the rod that hangs at his side and it glows for a moment. Intense feelings of joy in life surge through the hearts of his allies. These emotions inspire them to find strength and speed in themselves where none were before.
[Extended Elation: +2 STR/DEX, +5 Movement : All allies within 80 ft.]
Coventry chuckles then glances back at Stoltz, "Feeling?" He rubs his chin, "Hmmmm... I don't have time to completely restore you." He looks at the tinker intently, "Wait, are you up for another try at throwing it off?"

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Jun 03, 2006 2:21 pm
((Gorrik fails the spot, and passes all the saves automatically due to his +12. Gorrik will hold his action until the enemies go.))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Jun 03, 2006 4:09 pm
Tanis looks around, but is unable to see the enemies being pointed out. Never the less, he prepares himself for whatever might come. ((Tanis fails the spot check. Total defense))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:32 pm
((Can you critically fail a spot check? lol. 1 + 5 = 6)) The rat winced groggily and dug at his eyes. What the heck were they mumbling about? The morning sun and the cool Just the same, he withdrew Broderbund from his sash and prepared for battle.
((Standard Action: Total Defense, Tumble Bonus + 6, AC 28 for the round.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jun 03, 2006 10:25 pm
Kayla awakens, rubbing her eyes. The rogue stands up and stretches, which is about the time she hears shouting. "More trouble?" Kayla groans, and the mumbles. "I can tell that I'm not going to get any beauty sleep on this trip." The rogue grabs her things and prepares for battle.
[Spot: 17; All out defense]

Posted by: Rusty Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:14 am
((Arc left this out, but I targeted as many foes as I could hit with a Lightning Bolt. 24 total damage, though I don't recall the specifics. REF save DC 20 for half damage. I know I at least passed an SR check for the hags.))

Posted by: Riegien Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:20 am
<standing from where he had been meditating, Bozak draws forth and strings his bow, loosing an arrow at one of the hags> attack d20 = 11 + 4bab +2 dex = 17 Damage = d8 = 5 damage

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:22 am
Sorel takes batform and takes to the sky. ((Wildshape into a Hunting Bat, Fly 30' up))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sun Jun 04, 2006 2:26 pm
((Spot check : 1d20 + 3 WIS = 20 + 3 = 23 success FORT saves : Sea Hag 1 : 1d20 + 6 FORT = 12 + 6 = 18 passed Sea Hag 2 : 1d20 + 6 FORT = 11 + 6 = 17 passed Sea Hag 3 : 1d20 + 6 FORT = 9 + 6 = 15 passed))
Morgan easily spots said enemies and gets ready to fight, gesturing while muttering arcane words. He feels like a part of him is progressively leaving his body as the shape of an ethereal hand begins to form in front of him.
((casts Spectral Hand. HP of the hand = 1d4 = 2
Morgan takes 2 damage))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Jun 04, 2006 2:50 pm
((Spot: 6+2 = 8. Fail.)) Kria tilts her head looking around, wondering why the hell instead of being asleep like usual she was standing on the deck of the ferry. She sighed. They'd done it again. Moving her around in her sleep. Oh very funny, remind me to strangle you all when you get your own damn bodies!

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sun Jun 04, 2006 6:08 pm
((I'm assuming divine casters get a refill on spells, though.)) Arbeiten walks over to the Doctor when the enemies are first spotted. "Be careful out there, Doctor. We would hate to lose you." he says as he passes, before kneeling down to examine the two fallen men.
The half-giant quickly realizes the Goddess is not hearing his prayer to heal the men. "What will be, will be. Everything in its own time. If you will not heal these two, watch over and protect the others, that they will not fall as well," he mutters to himself, shaking his head as he does so.
((Last round: Prot evil 10' cast on Coventry. This round, Prayer. Everyone gets +1 to most rolls, including saves!))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:24 am
Nail feels weak as the horrific appearance of the Hags upsets him. ((Nail loses 6 STR.)) Kria finally notices the Sea Hags, and promptly fells nauseous, their twisted, hideous forms causing her body to rebel... I mean, look at those waterlogged, torn and ragged robes! Don't they have ANY fashion sense???
((Kria loses 5 STR.))
After a barrage of missle fire, one of the Sea Hags is wounded, while another is felled. The final two growl, then shriek as Ombligo sends a lightning bolt to fry them, the fact that both are soaked in water not helping...
Even so, one manages to twist partially out of the way and avoid death, the other's corpse collapsing back into the river with a splash.
Fireballs explode around the group as the Nagas intone dark chants. Little flames arise on the deck, but they are swiftly put out by the water washing across the raft.
((18 damage to everyone. Ref save DC 17 for half.))
The ferrymen scream in pain as they are burned, but they miraculously survive.
One of the Sea Hags glares at Nail, but nothing happens.
"'Ere we go! 'Ere we go! 'Ere we go!" the scrags shout joyfully as they haul themselves over the edge of the raft.
"What're you doin' headin' to Ribble, annaway?" the troll in the boat asks as it hurls a pair of javelins at Nail. "Nuttin' dere but ruins 'n bookworms."
One of the javelins whizzes past Nail, but the second hits him in the chest, causing him great pain.
((Miss. Hit. 13 damage to Nail.))
The foe:
6 Scrags, 2 Spirit Naga, 1 Troll Hunter, 1 Sea Hags

Posted by: Aldur Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:28 am
"LIKE EWWW! Not even a bangle could make you pretty! I'll put you out of your misery! Feel the strength of ages." Kria paused. "The hell was that? The strength of ages! Argh! Of all the lines to say!" The catfolk sighed, shaking her head and pointed at the Sea Hag, baleful dark energy blasting towards it and she nodded as it hit.
((10 damage.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:46 am
[Reflex save: 18. Kayla takes no damage] Kayla scoffs, the flames causing no damage. "Was that supposed to hurt?" she asks herself. ((Are the scrags close enough to get to and attack?))

Posted by: Nightmare Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:53 am
Gorrik waits patiently until the scrags reach the raft. "Wai' fer it... wai' fer it... CHAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGE!" he shouts as the paladin can be seen running headfirst into battle with the fiends, letting his axe swing wildly at them. ((ATTACK
Axe1: D20 + 6(BAB) + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) - 4(PA) = 4 + 11 = 15
Axe1: D20 + 1(BAB) + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) - 4(PA) = 6 + 4 = 10
DAMAGE
Axe1: D10 + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation + 4(PA) = 2 + 11 = 13
Axe1: D10 + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation + 4(PA) = 3 + 11 = 14
Gorrik uses his standard action from the previous round to run up to the scrags, and then uses his full action from this round to swing at the air around them. Damn mosquitoes...
Dodge to the closest scrag AC 25 / 26
REF: 20 = passed))

Posted by: Critical Mass Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:03 am
As the troll's raft drifts into range Nail erupts into a blind fury and dives towards the beast. A huge claw slams into the birdman's flank as he plummets into the troll, the two creatures furiously savaging each other in their own personal battle, grieviouly wounding each other but neither gaining a definative upper hand.
((Rage, charge, crit AoO, lots of damage, collission, lots of damage, 23 AC and 15/63 HP.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:12 am
The bat swoops forward, touching a wing to Nail, closing some of his more serious wounds. ((CLW, 10 damage healed))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:04 am
: Yeah, "'ere you go"... BACK INTO THE RIVER! *Mahler runs forward on the raft and lays into the first enemy he comes to.* ((Charge + PA 4 1d20 + 13 + 1 (Elation) + 1 (Prayer) + 2 (Charge) - 4 (PA) = 11 + 13 = 24. Damage
1d10 + 8 + 1 (E) + 1 (P) + 4 (PA) = 10 + 14 = 24 damage))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:25 am
Positioning himself carefully so that a scrag was between he and Gorrik, Langston fired off his ever-pathetic crossbow with what turned out to be cruelly efficient accuracy. ((Roll 20, Crit Confirm 13 + 6 + 2 = 21 Damage 3 x 2[crit] = 6 + 1 [Prayer] - 1 [Silvered] = 6 + 4 + 3 + 5 [Sneak Attack3d6] = 18))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:43 am
Mahler takes a nasty hit to the side as the troll lashes out at him before the golem connects. ((AoO. Hit. 14 damage to Mahler after DR.)) ((Kayla can move up to attack now, or she can move this turn and move and attack the next to not take an AoO. Or she can tumble.))

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:44 am
Gail bites her lip as the flames sear her, concentrating on the task at hand. Calling forth a blessing of the Light, she moves into position, keeping her shield raised against any attack. [Cast Bless, move towards scrags. Full Defense, bringing her up to 24 AC.]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:55 am
((Evasion = no damage on a successful save. Keep that in mind. Also, there was a round of actions to be taken before this; Kayla could / should have moved then. Oh, and AIM can burn in hell. Both Dam and Graigus fail the save. Never again will I not use my dice roller...))
"My, my, what do we have here," Dam said, snapping off a shot at the remaining sea hag before drawing his daggers. "Ranged attackers, aim for the nagas; melee attackers, engage the scrags as fast as you can! I want spell support to aim for those nagas too, damnit!"
((Attack: 1d20 + 4 (bab) +5 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) -4 (com. exp) = 19
Damage: 1d8 (wpn) + 2 (str) +1 (prayer) = 9
Dam moves defensively towards the scraggly bastards. If necessary, Tumble check 21.))
Graigus unleashed his own attacks on the aquatic raiders, catching one in the side with a punch before following up with a swing of his quarterstaff.
((Stunning Fist
FoB Attack1: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 4 (str) +1 (prayer) = 10
DC 16 Fort save or be stunned for one round
FoB Attack1: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (mwk) +1 (w. foc.) +1 (bless) = 17
Damage: 1d6+ 4 (str) +1 (prayer) = 7
== Dam Dicem ==
AC: 23 (touch 20, flat 12)
HP: 31 / 49
== Graigus Stonemead ==
AC: 21 (touch 18, flat 17)
HP: 41 / 59
Stunning Fist: 5/6))

Posted by: Tarethen Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:21 am
Sea hags, nagas, trolls. All of these monsters were simply too much for Farain. Never would he have expected to see something like this on his travels. However, he knew he had to go on. He couldn't become frightened now. After hearing Dam's order to attack the nagas, Farain pulled an arrow from his quiver and notched it, releasing it at one of the foul creatures.
((To hit:
1d20: 5 + 4(bab) + 6(dex) + 1(magic) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation bonus to dex) = 17.
Hit confirmed.
Damage:
2d6: 5 + 6 + 1(str) + 1(prayer) + 1(elation bonus to str) + 1(magic) = 15.))

Posted by: Rusty Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:52 am
((Arc, I love your dice roller. No, really - I do. Btw, I failed the REF save. Big time.)) *Ombligo groans in pain as the fireball hits him head on.* : "Aagh! Someone take down those stupid Nagas before they take down the ship!" *Ombligo says before firing a Magic Missile at the weakened, last remaining Sea Hag.*
((Roll to pass SR: Natural 20.
Damage: 3 + 4 + 4 [yes, it's that good] + 3 = 14))

Posted by: Alpha Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:25 pm
Reflext save: 1d20 + 4 (reflex) + 1 (dex bonus from elation) + 1 (bless) = 13...fail Tanis winces heavily as the fire and pain rolls over him. At least though this time the pain wasn't coming from the darkness. In response to the spell cast at him, Tanis begins chanting a spell he'd cast in the last battle. As he completes the spell, a dagger of ice materialises in his hand where a drop of water had been been. He flips it over in his hand once, and hurls it towards one of the nagas.
((Cast Ice Knife at one of the Nagas. Preferably one that's already injured.
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 5 (ranged) + 4 (spell) = 28...hit!
Damage: 2d8 (cold) + 4 (edge) = 11
Fortitude save DC 18 or take 2 dexterity damage
I've heard rumours that I need to overcome SR for the Naga, though it isn't mentioned in the monster descritpion. If this is the case, I'll roll for SR later))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:17 pm
[Reflex: 16 + 8 (reflex) + 1 (elation) + 1 (bless) = 26] Coventry rolls to the side with immense agility avoiding the greatest portion of flames, he frowns as some still manage to singe him. Returning to a standing position, he looks at Arbeiten with an arched eyebrow then shrugs, "It takes too long to cast the spell to restore them." He glances around the expedition then sighs, "Thanks for the aid but it looks like others need it." He steps to the side fo the raft, weaving symbols in the air and reaches out touching Tanis lightly on the shoulder. Life force surges through the warmage and his wounds close abruptly.
[CLW: 8 + 5 = 13]
The Doctor frowns, "Hey, jelly blob! Why don't you pull the crazed bird freak back so we can heal him and send a fresh fighter out in his place?"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:06 pm
Kayla moves to aid the others in dealing with the scrags, attempting to avoid getting hit on her way there. [Tumble: 12 + 10 = 22 If possible, Kayla will attempt to flank one of the scrags and attack. Attack: 19 + 3 (BAB) + 6 (DEX) + 1 (Kukri) + 1 (Elation) + 2 (Flank) = 32. Threat
Confirming... 6 + 3 (BAB) + 6 (DEX) + 1 (Kukri) + 1 (Elation) + 2 (Flank) = 19
Damage: 3 + 1 (STR) + 1 (Kukri) + 1 (Elation) + 12 (Sneak Attack) = 18 -Normal Hit- or 3 + 4 + 1 (STR) + 1 (Kukri) + 1 (Elation) + 12 (Sneak Attack) = 22 -Critical Hit-
I wasn't sure, so I posted both sets of possible damage. Also, if I can't flank, the Sneak Attack and Flank bonuses should be removed]

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:32 pm
Morgan quickly moves on the side, taking a defensive stance, holding his breath and closing his eyes as the fireballs hit the raft and expolde. The young man remains still and silent as the heated pain cover every part of his body. He then draws himself up and face the enemy once again.
He mutters arcane words and in a swift move of his hand, he points at the troll hunter, the ghosty hand rushing towards the creature as he does so.
((Casts Ghoul Touch(heightened to level 3) on the Troll Hunter.
To overcome SR : 1d20 + 6 = 10 + 6 CL + 1 trait = 17 passed?
Touch attack : 1d20 + 2 BAB + 1 weapon + 1 prayers + 1 elation + 2 spectral hand - 2 flaw = 7 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 12 hit
Paralyzed for 1d6 + 2 = 6 rounds
Successful FORT save (DC 20) negates.))

Posted by: GE Silver Dragon Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:44 pm
This was definently highly ranking among the most embarassing experiences Stoltz had ever dealt with. Not only had he been overwhelmed by the sight of the Hag, the horrific creature's appearance causing his strength to leave him in an instant and his knees to give way, causing him to fall to the ground and lose his grip on his rifle. But to add to it, he'd still failed to recover even after the doctor's first spell.
The second spell lifts his spirits, however, and he decides to try once again to get to his feet. This time he manages to find the strength needed to pick himself up, and not a moment too soon as he spots a fireball heading straight for him. Using his partially restored strength, he manages to roll aside and completly avoid the fireball. Scrambling to his feet after this, he then reaches out and hoists his rifle up off the floor of the raft, noticing for the first time just how heavy the firearm really was.
((9(d20) + 7(REF) + 1(Elation) + 1(Prayer) = 18, REF save passed. Fireball damage negated thanks to Evasion.
Actions: One move action to stand, another to pick up the rifle. Ready to fire next round.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Jun 05, 2006 8:53 pm
Ombligo's magic missle, Dam's arrow, and Kria's blast all impact the final Sea Hag and reduce it to a waterlogged corpse. "I've got it," Gilliam says, his chaingun roaring to life as the water around a naga turns red from the wounds the outpouring of bullets rips into it.
((Hit. Burst Fire. 27 damage.))
Farain's arrow slams into one of the scrags as it leaps onto the raft, while Tanis' arrow of ice rips into the Naga despite the water concealing most of its body from attack.
The Troll Hunter easily shakes off the spell, smilingly toothily.
"Yer gonna have to do better than that ta take out Jagged Jarlinth!" the troll snarls as he counterattacks, dropping his javelin and attacking Nail. Both of his claws latch onto the battered birdman's wings, and with a grotesque ripping sound, they tear from his body. The blood loss too much even for Nail, his soul flees his body, everything going dark as the pain becomes unbearable. Jarlinth takes a bite out of Nail's corpse and begins to chew lustily. "Mmmm! Like chicken!" he chortles as he lashes out at Sorel, but misses.
((Hit, Critical, possible Upgraded Critical on Nail. 21 damage(without upgrade), then Rend for an additional 15. Nail dies. Cleave to Sorel. Miss. Sorry CM... Luck was NOT on your side.))
Gorrik's foe lashes out at him, only one of the claws managing to pierce the artifact armor the dwarf wears.
((Miss, Hit, Miss. 10 damage.))
Mahler's scrag claws at him, clumsily, leaving himself open for a counterattack.
((Critical Miss, Hit, Miss. 4 damage to Mahler after DR. Mahler may counterattack.))
Graigus is also clawed, though not badly. His dwarven pride is more wounded than his body.
((Miss, Hit, Miss. 10 damage.))
A scrag engages Gilliam, but the claws scrape harmlessly off the cyborg's heavy armor.
((Miss, Miss, Miss.))
Another scrag swipes uselessly at Dam, while another scrag mauls Kayla horrible.
"No, but THIS is!" the troll says gleefully as he attacks. "This is wut ya get fer not joinin' wit us!"
Kayla finds she cannot respond, the pain is simply too much as she falls unconscious, blood pouring from her body.
((Miss, Miss, Miss. Hit, Hit, Critical Hit. Rend. 50 damage total to Kayla. Kayla is at -9.))
The two Naga suddenly burst from the water on either side of the raft, their human faces looking over the group with disdain. Suddenly an odd feeling washes over the group... Their thoughts become clouded and it becomes hard to think.
((Everyone must make a DC 19 Will save with a +5 bonus(nagas attacked) or be charmed.))
All the ferryman with the exception of the head one, suddenly stand up, a dreamy look in their eyes as they walk over to the sides of the raft and jump in the water, letting the currents take them away.
The foe:
6 Scrags, 2 Spirit Naga, 1 Troll Hunter

Posted by: Aldur Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:02 pm
Kria blinks at the Naga staring at her, and looks down at her feet and then feels her hair, and then panickingly looks back at it. "Like...Is there something on my face!? Yeah...I'd take it off for you! Shut up you! Hey! Stop pointing that there! This can have it instead!"
Kria, whose arm had been pointed at Kayla, pulsing with baleful energy instead fires at the Naga who Tanis attacked, laughing gleefully and clapping her hands when it hit.
(( 15+5+4+2+1 = 27. Pass on save.
17+3+5 = 25 ranged touch. Hit.
2+4+6 = 12 damage from Eldritch blast.))

Posted by: Tarethen Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:16 pm
Farain watched, bewildered, as the ferrymen jumped from the raft. "That can't be good..." The centaur saw that the last arrow he shot rang true on it's mark. As the nagas erupted from the water, Farain stepped backwards just a little, startled. He pulled an arrow from his quiver and aimed it at the naga Kria assulted.
No... I won't get scared. With that thought, he released the arrow.
((Attacking an injured naga. Most likely the one Kria just attacked:
To hit:
1d20 = 11 + 7(dex) + 4(bab) + 1(magic) + 1(prayer) -1(size) = 23
Hit confirmed:
Damage:
2d6 = 10 + 2(str) + 1(magic) +1(prayer) = 14.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:36 pm
Coventry winces as the mighty troll hunter rends the frame of Nail, he shakes his head, "Too late..." His eyes narrow as the beast chews through the flesh of the birdman. However, the Doctor has no more time to reflect on the fate of his ally as the scrags lash out. The limp and very nearly lifeless body of Kayla is thrown to the side by the horrid beast she had engaged.
[Heal: 18 + 12 = 30]
To most, the still body laying at the feet of the foul scrag would seem dead. To most it would seem so...but not to the Doctor, his skilled eyes observe the steady flow of blood that indicates a still beating heart and the slight movement that shows that she yet breaths. Frowning, the Doctor takes a deep breath even as he steps forward and begins weaving magic in the air. Moving with surprising agility, he drops into a roll and comes to the side of the still girl without opening himself to attack from the foul beast. Reaching out, he lays a hand on the girl while holding his shield before himself defensively. On the verge of death, intense energy suddenly surges through Kayla sealing her wounds and restoring her life even from the clutches of death.
[Healing Kicker: Sanctuary : Will Save 20 DC to attack Kayla]
[CSW: 5 + 8 + 2 + 7 = 22]
Even more, a strange aura surrounds the girl. Those who behold it have great trouble bringing themselves to attack her.
Coventry smirks slightly at this, "Call me savior..." He then glances around to see how the rest of the party is faring. It is then that he catches a glimpse of the foul naga and for a moment those charming eyes threatened to draw him in. But then, thanks to the protection instilled upon him by the cleric he manages to cast off the influence. Frowning, Coventry removes his hand from Kayla and scowls slightly, "Be more careful... Things are going poorly."

Posted by: Alpha Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:12 pm
Tanis feels immense relief as the Doctor heals him, bringing him up to almost full health. "Many thanks my friend." Will save: 1d20 + 5(will) + 5(bonus) + 1(bless) = 23...pass Tanis then quickly turns his focus to the battle once more. He mutters a quicker chant this time and stretches out his left hand to the naga he'd just cast at, and three missiles of pure energy shot towards it.
((Cast magic missile at the same naga Tanis targetted last round
Missile 1: 1d4 + 1 + 4 (edge) = 9
Missile 2: 1d4 + 1 = 4
Missile 3: 1d4 + 1 = 4
Total damage: 17))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:20 pm
Kayla's luck finally runs out, and she screams as the scrag rends her flesh. Blood pours from the various wounds on her body, and her sight wavers. Kayla lets out a soft moan as her body finally gives out on her and she collapses onto the deck in a bloody heap. Suddenly, she is delivered from deaths door as a warm, healing light washes over her body. The rogue opens her eyes and sees Coventry kneeling beside her.
"Doctor...?"
Kayla forces herself to stand, even as a strange aura surrounds her. She looks at Coventry and a small smile spreads across her lips.
"Thanks."
Rather than attacking, she pulls a potion from her pouch and drinks it in one gulp.
[Potion of CSW: 8 + 4 + 4 + 3 = 19 HP restored]

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:08 am
*Mahler, sensing opportunity responds with a quick uppercut followed by a windmill from both his large, stony fists.* : You won't be hurting anyone else. ((Opportunity attack, still at -4 1d20 + 14 = 10 + 14 = 24. Damage
1d10 + 14 = 8 + 14 = 22
Full attack, slam slam at power attack 4
1d20 + 14 = 15 + 14 = 29
1d20 + 14 = 16 + 14 = 30
Damage
1d10 + 14 = 5 + 14 = 19
1d10 + 14 = 8 + 14 = 22.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:02 am
Moving so that the scrag was between the rogue and the circus performer, Dam wasted no time in punishing the inhuman raiders for felling the birdman. Shaking off the gaze of the Nagas, he responed in kind with two gut-destroying blows. "Graigus, you gonna take that from a troll?" he called. "Show him what's what! And damnit, I need those nagas down now! No one go after that bastard troll on the boat until we're done with these! They're by the sides of the boat; get to them before they go under again!"
((Attack: 1d20 + 4 (bab) +5 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (w. foc.) +2 (flank) -4 (com. exp) = 18
Damage: 1d6 -1 (wpn) + 2 (str) +1 (prayer) +2d6 (sneak) = 13
Attack: 1d20 + 4 (bab) +5 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (w. foc.) +2 (flank) -4 (com. exp) = 24
Damage: 1d6 -1 (wpn) + 2 (str) +1 (prayer) +2d6 (sneak) = 12 ))
Graigus, unwilling to return home with the knowledge that his race's foe had bested him, lashed out with a pair of solid strikes, both full of the animosity which had been between giant and dwarf for untold ages.
((Will: 1d20 + 4 (will) + 3 (wis) +5 (gaze pen.) +1 (bless) +2 (racial) = 21.
FoB Attack1: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 4 (str) +1 (prayer) = 8
Stunning Fist declared
FoB Attack1: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 4 (str) +1 (prayer) = 15
DC 16 Fort save or be stunned for one round))

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:10 am
Gail's eyes shift from the scrags to the fallen Kayla, but no sooner does she watch her fall then Coventry is there, bringing her back from the throes of death. He really is a miracle worker...much as I hate to admit it. Moving to close in on the Scrag that tore into the rogue, she envokes the wrath of the Light, slicing into the scrag's hide with ease. She briefly hear the call of the naga, but it just as soon disappears, her focus preveiling over the enchantment.
: "Face me, coward. You'll find my skin much harder to cut."
[Will Save: 1d20(17)+10(base)+1(Prayer)+5=33. I think Gail passes.
Move to Kayla's Scrag. Smite Evil.
Attack roll: 1d20(15)+5(BAB)+3(Str)+1(Weapon)+1(Prayer)+1(Bless)-2(Defensive fighting)=24.
Hit confirmed.
Damage: 1d10(3)+3(Str)+5(Smite)+1(Prayer)=12.
Fighting Defensively. AC: 22.]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:50 am
((Summary-- Langston closes in to Sneak Attack with the rapier, flanking with Dam. Tumble: 4 + 17 = 21 in case I need it to avoid AoOs. Attack: 11 + 3 (bab) + 6 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +2 (flank) - 2 Defensive = 23 Damage Roll: 1 + SA 3 = 4 damage.
You read that right. I rolled 1d6 for the Rapier and got a 1. And then 3d6 for the Sneak Attack and got...1, 1, and 1. That's hot.
Fighting Defensively - AC + 3 instead of +2 with mad Tumble ranks. Dodge to the very target I swiped at.))
"I like the way you think," the rat quipped toward Dam as he moved with him, rolling forward as he did so and pushing himself back to his feet just as he reached the monster. He lunged awkwardly, perhaps the swaying of the boat interfering with the moment of his thrust, and although the attack landed precisely where he intended any momentum it had was clearly lost in transit.

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Jun 06, 2006 2:35 am
Gorrik remains unphased by the scrags attacks and continues swinging away. : Ah, ye need to do better than tha'! Now it's time fer your evil te be gone from this world! ((ATTACK Axe1: D20 + 6(BAB) + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) + 1(Bless) + 3(Smite) - 6(PA) = 14 + 11 = 25
Axe2: D20 + 1(BAB) + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) + 1(Bless) - 6(PA) = 20 + 3 = Threat
Confirm: D20 + 1(BAB) + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) + 1(Bless) - 6(PA) = 19 + 3 = 22 = Crit confirmed!!!
DAMAGE
Axe1: D10 + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) + 5(Smite) + 6(PA) = 3 + 18 = 21
Axe2: [D10 + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) + 6(PA)] * 2 = 10 + 7 + 26 = 43
Total: 21 + 43 = 64
If the first hit kills a scrag, send the second to another one next to me, since I believe I ran into 6 of them, I can imagine at least one is still around. If not, I blame the lack of a map.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:18 am
((Will Save 5 + mods = pass)) The bat's eyes widen unnaturally in horror at what it witnessed. It wheeled away from the troll, flying in low over the center of the raft, making chittering noises and waving its feet. Suddenly, everyone on the raft holding a weapon lashes out with preternatural speed.
((Mass Snake's Swiftness cast
EVERYONE ON THE RAFT GETS 1 MELEE OR RANGED ATTACK AGAINST AN ADJACENT ENEMY))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:22 am
((1d20 + 14 = 15 + 14 = 29. Damage 1d10 + 14 = 9 + 14 = 23))

Posted by: Rusty Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:23 am
*A cold shiver overcame Ombligo's body as he saw Nail's lifeless form fall. This was the very first time Ombligo had witnessed an ally's murder - not near death like with Sorel...No...true murder. He felt horrified, mournful, and furious simultaneously. This was a new experience to him, and he knew that if he let the moment get the better of him, he might end up like Nail...He didn't quite know Nail that well - he didn't even like him...But he was still an ally, and he was still a victim of the evil enemies. Letting the anger take over, Ombligo fires a Lightning Bolt at one of the Nagas, his 'hair' puffed out and his tentacles flailing wildly.*
: "RAAAAHHH!!!!"
((Targetting a Spirit Naga with Lightning Bolt.
Damage: 5 1 3 5 3 5 = 22.
REF save DC 20 for half.))

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:27 am
((Attack: D20 + 6(BAB) + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) + 1(Bless) = 6 + 14 = 20 Damage: D10 + 4(STR) + 1(Axe) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) = 8 + 7 = 15))

Posted by: Aldur Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:29 am
((Hit. 7 damage to same Naga from before.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:35 am
((Dam - Super shank Attack: 1d20 + 4 (bab) +5 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (w. foc.) +2 (flank) -4 (com. exp) = 22 Damage: 1d6 -1 (wpn) + 2 (str) +1 (prayer) +2d6 (sneak) = 16 Graigus - Critical nut-check Attack: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) = 29. Crit threat
Confirm: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) = 25. Crit onfirmed.
Damage: (1d10 + 4 (str) +1 (prayer)) x2 = 19))

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:00 am
[Attack roll: 1d20 = 1. Confirm Crit Miss: 1d20 = 18. Critical miss negated. Miss.]

Posted by: Tarethen Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:04 am
((Hit confirmed from Sorel's spell. 19, by the way.)) Damage: 10 to the Naga Farain shot before. ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:24 am
Coventry sighs as Kayla thanks him, speaking lightly as if he had merely given her the time, "A pleasur..." He winces as she starts pulling out a potion opening herself to attack from the scrag standing above.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:46 am
Kria blasts off a good hunk of flesh from the Naga, who roars in pain. The troll near Kayla manages to marshal enough willpower to breach the protection around Kayla, though it slows him long enough for the thief to dodge out of the way. Mahler breaks apart nearly every bone in the scrag's body. It topples backward, landing in the water and being carried downstream.
The massed attacks manage to slay the Naga, Tanis' magic missles gouging deep wounds in the fell beast as Farain's arrow finishes Kria's work, burrowing in the blasted section and finding the creature's heart.
The troll attacking Graigus takes quite a beating from Dam and the monk, but it weathers the storm, unfazed. The wounds made by Langston hardly seem to faze it, but then Gail advances and brings her sword down on the beast, cleaving off its head.
((Save made. Then it died anyway.))
Gorrik chops first a leg off, then the head off his giant foe, the brute no match for his skill with an axe. The troll falls backwards into the water with a splash.
: "Enough of these GAMES!" Gilliam suddenly roars. "I'll send you back to Hell, where you belong, you sulfur smelling sons of BITCHES!!!"
Gilliam turns around towards the imposing form of the Naga and fires, the chaingun sending a stream of lead at the beast. The fiendish Naga roars as the bullets strike its neck, then stops as Gilliam leads the trail of fire up to the head, blasting it apart under the assault of bullet after bullet. The snake monster's head pulped and the body reduced to a mass of meat, Sorel's spell then comes into play and Gilliam immediately turns his still firing gun over to the troll in the boat.
((Critical Burst. 71 damage to the Spirit Naga. Failed save for massive damage.))
: "Don't think your powers will avail you here, you stinking regen!" Gilliam snarls as the troll shakes from the impact of the bullets before finally managing to roll out of the way.
((Burst hit. 31 damage.))
" 'Eah, well... Er... I think dat's enough fer now anyway. Have fun with the greens, I'm out of here!" Jarlinth says as he hauls Nail's corpse over his head and leaps out of the boat, swimming out of sight.
Without the Naga to target, everyone switches their priorities to the only threat left, the scrags.
"Awwww, elf-stink," one of the scrags mutters just before Mahler, Gorrik, and Farain all fall upon him. Mahler's punch knocks the troll's jaw clean off while Gorrik hacks off a leg and Farain's arrow goes through his head. The luckless troll falls over, quite dead.
Another troll dodges most of Ombligo's Bolt, but it lines him right up for Kria's blast. Dazed, the monster walks right into Graigus, who whirls his fist around in a circle over his head before slamming it into the troll's gut. The sickening crack of ribs is heard.
((Total of 37 damage to the troll. Not quite dead.))
"WE AIN'T DEAD YET!!!" the trolls roars as he launches a counterattack, missing Graigus three times. The other troll does the same with Gail, but one of his claws manages to slice open a gash on her thigh, hitting an artery.
((Miss, Critical hit!, Miss. 18 damage to Gail.))
The foe:
2 Scrags

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:59 am
Coventry mutters a curse, "Damnit... Someone go after him! We need to recover the body!" The Doctor then glances around at the group, looking to see who needs his aid. Frowning, he rolls across the raft narrowly avoiding allies and the bodies of enemies.
[Tumble: 4 + 14 = 18]
He comes back to his feet at the side of Gail and carefully weaves magic in the air, speaking mystical words before reaching out and touching her lightly on the shoulder. Life force flows through the paladin, sealing her wounds and reviving her.
[Defensive Casting - Auto-pass]
[CSW: 4 + 7 + 1 + 7 = 19]
Coventry frowns slightly, looking at his hand, "Odd... That wasn't as effective as it should have been..." He looks up, his frown deeping, "You've been thinking about having sex... haven't you?" He, although carefully not opening himself to attack, crosses his arms and scowls at Gail, "Stupid girl! How could you!!! At a time like this? What's wrong with you?! Watching Dicem sleeping was too much for you?" He seems quite nearly livid, "Abstinence! NOTHING BEFORE YOU MARRY!!!! IT'S NOT HARD!!!"

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:13 am
: "Hey Mahler... if we were te be countin' how many of these fools we've each finished off, who would be gettin' tha credit fer that last one?" The dwarf chuckles heartily as he notices the scrag next to Gail. "Oh, excuse me, there's another one fer me to take down!"
((Hit Scrag, 12 damage.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:15 am
"I've got you covered, Graigus" Dam said, laying into the creature with two blows. "But anyone with a ranged attack or a spell, hit that damn troll before he gets away! I'll be damned if he gets Nail's body!" ((Attack1: 1d20 + 4 (bab) +5 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (w. foc.) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) = 25
Damage: 1d6 -1 (wpn) + 2 (str) +1 (prayer) +2d6 (sneak) = 13
Attack1: 1d20 + 4 (bab) +5 (dex) +1 (mwk) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (w. foc.) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) = 24
Damage: 1d6 -1 (wpn) + 2 (str) +1 (prayer) +2d6 (sneak) = 10))
"Silence, beast! I will show you why your kind fled to the seas to avoid our power!" Graigus said, sliding his feet apart. With no warning he took to the air, executing a leaping kick that connected hard with the aquatic troll's neck. A sick snapping sound was the annoucement of the result, the scrag felled by the monk's single strike. Touching down, he directed a backwards kick to the last raider standing, just barely hitting it.
((Jump: 1d20 +5 (ranks) +2 (syn) +4 (str) = 25
FoB Attack1: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) +2 (flank) = 31. Crit threat
Confirm: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) +2 (flank) = 22. Crit confirmed.
Damage: (1d10 + 4 (str) +1 (prayer)) x2 = 18
FoB Attack2: 1d20 +2 (bab) +4 (str) +1 (prayer) +1 (bless) +1 (racial) +2 (flank) = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 4 (str) +1 (prayer) = 11))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:18 am
Without a sound the bat dives into the river, becoming something else entirely as it break the surface. Ten long, rubbery tentacles and a long, pointed head mark its new form, as it eyes the troll swimming away with Nail's body. ((WS'd into a squid))

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:28 am
Gail, caught off guard by the doctor's comment as she attempts to attack and, to a lesser extent, the rocking of the raft as it collides with something, pitches forward onto the raft's floor. It was obvious she was going to have to talk to the doctor soon, but in the meantime, she was more worried about the Scrag looming over her...or would be, if it hadn't hit the floor shortly after she did. My heroes, she thinks grimacing, blowing some hair out of her face as she starts to get up.
[Attack roll: 1d20 = 1.
Confirm: 1d20(7)+5(BAB)+3(Str)+1(Prayer)+1(Bless)-2(Defensive Fighting)=15.
Crit fail confirmed. And getting from Prone takes a round, so...yeah.]

Posted by: Tarethen Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:40 am
Upon being given orders (In chat mind you), Farain focused him aim off of the raft and to the retreating troll. Oh no you don't... ((To hit: 25. Confirmed. Damage: 7. Bah. ))

Posted by: Rusty Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:42 am
((Dropped 2 level 2 spells for a LB. Damage totaled to 20. REF save DC 21. I believe the Troll Hunter failed the save.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jun 06, 2006 6:29 am
The angry dwarves slice up their scrag as Gilliam turns and incinerates the last with a blast from his chest laser, the sapphire beam streaking across the battlefield like the judgment of an angry god. ((Hit. 28 damage. Both scrags are dead.))
Partial update.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:11 am
Arbeiten marches over to Gorrik, reaching out with healing hands after the enemy falls. (Drop silence for CMW, Gorrik gets 2d8 + 6 hp back. Make your roll.)

Posted by: Alpha Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:35 pm
Though he'd love to send a line of fire at the retreating troll, Tanis sent off an arrow of acid instead, knowing it to be both persistent normally, and effective against trolls. ((Cast acid arrow Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 (elation) + 1 (bless) + 1 (prayer) = 27...hit
Damage: 2d4 + 4 (edge) = 6
Acid lasts for one more round))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:16 pm
Kayla looks at Coventry for a moment, his outburst causing her ears to ring a little bit. Though the immediate threat to them is gone, there was still work to do. Now was not the time to bring up such foolish things like when and when not to have sex.
"Don't you think the lecture can wait until later? I don't think we're out of the woods yet."
((If there isn't anything left that Kayla can deal with, she'll be nice and help Gail up. Well, if it's possible Btw Kai, Cyrus' post stated that Gail moved near Kayla, so the rogue heard it all))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:54 pm
Coventry steps over to Graigus as the last two scrag fall, still glaring at Gail while he weaves magic through the air and speaks words of power. Reaching out, he touches the druken monk lightly and life force surges through the dwarf. [CLW: 6 + 5 = 11]
Then he blinks as kayla makes her statement and turns to face her fouly, "Oh....so you too?" His eyes narrow as he looks coldly into the eyes of the rogue, "Then when is the time? When you've ruined the lives of everyone around you by sleeping around? Sex is a sacred act but you people seem to think its some kind of game." His eyes flare, "You of all people should acknowledge that it should be reserved for a loving couple in a long term relationship." The Doctor suddenly turns away, "How selflish..." He shutters as if disgusted at some thought and steps towards Dicem, "This conversation is over for now...but I'll be watching you, control yourselves."

Posted by: Aldur Tue Jun 06, 2006 2:02 pm
Kria looks at the doctor oddly. "And people think we're crazy." "I quite agree." "Indeed." The catfolk sighed and made her way over to Tanis, looking around at the damage to the boat. And then frowned, now what?
"So like...any ferry dudes left?"

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:44 pm
((2d8 + 6 = 4 + 2 + 6 = 12HP healed))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:25 pm
Tanis regards Kria, and then looks around the boat. "Only one I believe. The others...well...went overboard." He pauses for a moment. "We should still try to take down that fleeing troll though. Can you reach him with one of your...abilities?"

Posted by: Aldur Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:27 pm
Kria squints...And frowns, shaking her head. "Hmm...too far away."

Posted by: Alpha Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:30 pm
Tanis shakes his head slightly. "Ah well. Just leave it to others then," he said, without much inflection.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:33 pm
Kayla looks at Coventry intently, her expression void of emotion. As he leaves to go aid the others, she smiles slightly. "Sure, we'll talk another time." The rogue then turns to Gail, and holds out her hand. "Are you alright?"

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 06, 2006 6:33 pm
Arbeiten watches this, then walks over to the doctor. "They will speak to you another time, Doctor. However, I think it's long past time that the two of us spoke. Dam, with your permission, we'll heal those with wounds, and then take to the corner of the raft." the half giant adds, watching the doctor closely to see his reaction.

Posted by: Rusty Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:18 pm
((Oh, this was to be posted last night. But I guess no one did it. Inserting summary.)) *The force finishes off the last two Scrags, but the Troll Hunter escapes, despite the pressing attacks. Suddenly, the raft shakes and water shoots up as a Kaizer Krab appears.*
((Lemme know if I need to fix anything, Marine.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:23 pm
Coventry weaves magic in the air and touches Dicem lightly, life energy surging through the leader's body. [CLW: 7 + 5 = 12] As Arbeiten approaches, Coventry looks up at the half-giant with an arched eyebrow, "My hearing is fine, thank you. I quite understood the girl's reply." He pulls his glasses from a small pocket and slides them, "Now... Why are you asking the governor's permission for us to merely speak?" He looks at the hermit intently through his glasses, "I har...." Coventry stumbles back as the massive creature emerges from the depths of the river. Frowning, he glances around at the others then cries out, "JELLY BLOB!!! ROAST ME SOME CRAB!!!!"

Posted by: Alpha Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:49 pm
Tanis sighs at seeing yet another enemy make an appearance. At least he still had plenty of spells available. "I can cook you some crab," he mutters, the remark obviously aimed at the Doctor, but not really intended to be heard. ((Cast Ray of Flame
Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1(elation) + 1(bless) + 1(prayer) = 10...hit, just
Damage: 2d6 + 4(edge) = 12
Reflex save DC17 or catch on fire))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:52 pm
[Listen: 13 + 4 = 17] Coventry nods vigorously, "Yes, yes! Please!" An eager smile forms on his lips, "This will prove a most delightful breakfast."

Posted by: Rusty Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:52 pm
: "IT'S OMBLIGO! GET IT RIGHT!!!" *Ombligo yells out, partially in frustration, but also partially from still being shaken up by the death of Nail. Ombligo zaps a Lighintning Bolt at the Kaiser Krab.* ((Dropping two more second level spells for a Lightning Bolt.
Damage: 4 2 6 3 3 1 = 19
REF save DC 22 for half damage))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:15 pm
"Oh, you know." Arbeiten says conversationally to the doctor. "Just in case his strategic mind predicted the enemy was about to unleash a giant crab or similar catastrophy on the weakened group, and he felt he might need us to postpone our heart-to-heart long enough to keep body and soul together for the rest of the team."
"Always wise," he added in the same tone as he healed the golem of his wounds. "To check with the captain. There's usually a reason why he's the captain, and we ain't."
Pearl of power used to cast CLW. 1d8 + 5 healed.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:22 pm
The crab swipes at Coventry when it first emerges, but the Doctor easily avoids the claw. Gilliam whirls around and fires, but his bullets clink off the hard shell of the crazed crustacean. The huge crab scuttles forward, swiping twice at Ombligo. The first claw misses, but the second catches the flying creature, squeezing it hard in the pincer.
((Miss. Hit. Ombligo takes 14 damage and is grappled.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:29 pm
Coventry leans backwards slightly, avoiding the blow from the crab with ease, "It seems to me that you have too much faith in bureaucracy..." He shrugs slightly, "Not that I'm surprised that a man such as yourself would believe so." He begins weaving magic in the air, cautiously, and rolls to the side of Ombligo, touching the jelly blob lightly.
[Tumble: 20+14=34]
[Defensive Cast : Auto-pass]
[CLW: 3 + 5 = 8]
[Mobile Spell-casting]
[Tumble: 1 + 14 = 15]
He then rolls back away from the massive krab, keeping himself from harm.

Posted by: Aldur Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:29 pm
"Hey! It's got Ombligo! Like, let him go you big jerk!" "Yes! We want to eat him..." "Must you aim for humour even now? Oh look out she's getting angry again." Kria points at the Crab, laughing as she blasted at it, a niggling feeling telling her to focus better or she'd miss. The eldritch energy crackled around her arm and she fired at it, eyes flashing red in the darkness.
(( 3+5+3 = 11 on ranged touch. Hit.
4+4+6 = 14 damage to Crab.))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:43 pm
((Magic Missile on the krab. 8 damage.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:51 pm
((Summary - I'm sure I can flank it somehow. Tumble to move into that position, then Sneak Attack. Tumble: 10 + 17 = 27 Attack: 12 + 3 BAB + 6 Dex + 2 Flank + 3 Other Buffs = 26 Rapier: 4 + 1 (Prayer) + 1 (Str from Elation) = 6 SA: 6
Total Damage: 12 reduced to 7 after DR.))
The rat glanced at Dicem once again and gave a short nod, ready to work in tandem if need be. He took the lead this time, breaking toward the crab before flipping just beyond it. Landing with ease, he lurched forward with his rapier.

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:33 pm
: OMBLIGO! NOOOOO!!! *Mahler hurries toward the side of the boat, nearly barreling over anyone in his way. His mighty fist raised to the air, he lashes out on the oversized crab with all his might. It was his responsibility to protect the magic creature. He wouldn't fail now.*
((Attack, PA 4
1d20 + 14 = 16 + 14 = 30
Damage
1d10 + 14 = 1 + 14 = 15))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:53 pm
((A bunch of attacks in chat too, so...)) The Krab lets low an odd moan as it slumps to the side, dead. "Oh, thank Mitula..." the ferryman says as he slumps against the raft's central sail. "I... I didn't think I was coming out of that alive..."
The raft slowly floats downstream at a crawl as everyone takes stock of the damage done.
VICTORY!
Everyone gains 2000 XP!

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:01 pm

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:29 pm)
Coventry leans backwards slightly, avoiding the blow from the crab with ease, "It seems to me that you have too much faith in bureaucracy..." He shrugs slightly, "Not that I'm surprised that a man such as yourself would believe so." He begins weaving magic in the air, cautiously, and rolls to the side of Ombligo, touching the jelly blob lightly.
[Tumble: 20+14=34]
[Defensive Cast : Auto-pass]
[CLW: 3 + 5 = 8]
[Mobile Spell-casting]
[Tumble: 1 + 14 = 15]
He then rolls back away from the massive krab, keeping himself from harm.

Arbeiten chuckles, his eyes twinkling. "So says the cultured man to the hermit." he notes.
The crab falls, quickly skewered by the team. The half-giant points to it and says, "Better grab your dinner, doctor. I'll be in the corner. We can trade insults there all we want, but if you don't mind, I'd rather practice out of earshot of the others. I'd hate for them to hear how bad I am at it."
((Kai, I'll be gone for a few hours, but will you be on AIM late tonight? Tomorrow morning would also work.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:08 pm
((Kai is getting on around 9.... hopefully. Edit: Or now. : P))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:08 pm
Coventry gains a level of Combat Medic! +6 HP +1 BAB +1 Reflex Save +1 Healing Kicker per day
Defensive Casting: Receives competence bonus equal to class level on concentration checks made to cast spells defensively.
Field Healer: You can now make a Heal check to provide first aid as a move action (rather than standard) and can take 10 on such checks even when stress or distraction would normally prevent you from doing so.
+1 Knowledge(Religion)
+1 Heal
+1 Bluff
+1 Diplomacy
+1 Concentration
+1 Tumble
Coventry learns the following spells.
1st:
Updraft (SC p228)
<Conj(Creation[Air]), VSM, Swift, Personal, Instantaneous>
Updraft conjures forth rushing air that propels you upward. You gain 10 feet per level of altitude, and then gently float back down to the ground. At any point during you descent, you can move up to 5 feet laterally.
2nd:
Close Wounds (SC p48)
<Conj(heal), V, Immediate, Close-range, Instantaneous>
This spell cures 1d4 points of damage +1 point per caster level (maximum +5).
If you cast this spell immediately after the subject takes damage, it effectively prevents the damage. It would keep alive someone who had just dropped to -10 hit points, for example, leaving the character at negative hit points but stable.
3rd:
Vigor, Mass Lesser(CDiv p186)
<Conj(heal), VS, 1StdAct, 20’ range, 10rnd + 1rnd per level (max 25rnds total)>
One living creature per two Caster levels in a 30’ area gains Fast Healing 1.
Wake up! Dam Dicem!
It is I, your one and only Doctor Coventry!
I'm a bastard as you see, a little quick and a little mean but on the whole...I'd say bestest evar!

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:41 am
Sorel climbs onto the raft, panting and staring downstream. He is still for a long while, mouthing silently to himself. Sorel is now Druid level 7! HP increases by 9! BAB increases by 1! Orisons increase by 1!
Level 1 Spells increase by 1!
Level 2 Spells increase by 1!
Sorel gains 2 Level 4l spells!
Sorel gains an extra use of Wild Shape!
WIS increases by 2!
Sorel gains a +1 Resistance bonus to all saves!
Concentration increases by 1!
Diplomacy increases by 1!
Listen increases by 1!
Ride increases by 1!
Sense Motive increases by 4!
Spellcraft increases by 1!
Spot increases by 1!

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:06 am
*Mahler takes a quick look back after punching a hole directly into the crab just before it falls over. He then turns back to Gorrik.* : So... how about that one? *Mahle then remembers why he had rush forward in the first place. It wasn't just the crab, it was what the crab had. Ombligo was now released from the foul, crab beast, so Mahler runs up to his magical friend.*
: Ombligo! Are you ok!?
*Ombligo struggles out of the claw of the dead Kaizer Krab, grunting as he breaks free.* "Mahler!" *He floats over to him.* Ombligo: "Thanks! I'm okay. I thought I was a goner, though..."
*Ombligo clings to Mahler's arm, both tentacles wrapping around the arm of stone.*
"I hate the sea! There's nothing but monsters in it!"
Kria also hurries over to the pair, trying to stop her insane giggle fit. She takes a deep breath and clears her throat. "Hey! Pearls are in the sea! And some bangles look great with them!"
: Naah... no giant crab is eating my buddy on my watch. And you might want to watch out... I am a giant rock.
*Mahler laughs heartily*
*Ombligo lets go, floating back.* Ombligo: "Sorry...It's just..." *Ombligo trails off as one tentacle points over at Nail.*
: Kria, you fou-... *Mahler's voice drifts off as he looks to what Ombligo is looking at. A large, troubled frown appears on his face.*
: ~sigh~ I guess I can't protect everyone.......
"Well...that's how these dangerous adventures work out I guess." Kria blinked, not really perturbed by the loss of Nail, him being the only person shehad never spoken to.
: We should try to get him out.
"Wasn't Sorel like doing that?"
"...That could've been you, or Sorel, or me, or anybody......Yeah. But what do we do with him?"
: *Mahler takes a second look around* Wait a minute, that's not Nail... One of the trolls that ran away must have carried him off!
"Ah...I need to get my eyes checked...But what would they want with Nail's body???"
"Well...that's bad I guess. So like, what now? The ferry guys ran away didn't they?" Kria sighed, looking down into the water and then looked at the Magic Creature. "Looting and an...evening meal?"
: I don't know, but it's not right. *Mahler looks at Kria.* I think it's a bit too soon to be thinking about food.
*Ombligo floats down, his tentacles reeling back into his body.* Ombligo: "Um, what about this Kaiser Krab? We need to get rid of this thing."
Kria blinked. "I meant the Troll eating Nai- Ewww! That's gross! How could you think of that? Oh shut up! You know I'm right." She sighed, ending the conversation with herself. Why don't all of you like...DISAPPEAR!?!
Coventry tilts his head at Arbeiten, then turns back to the fallen krab. He crosses his arms and looks over the body with a frown, "...the good meat is in the claws, right?"
Kria whirls around blinking. "Wowie. Like...you are really gonna eat it?"
: I wouldn't know, since I don't eat. Artibeus used to eat crab legs, though, so maybe that's where the good meat is?
Coventry looks at Kria with a frown, "Why not? It would be a waste not to...and trail rations aren't that tasty." He then looks at Mahler, "Excellent... Let's get those legs then cast it overboard. I'm starving... Time for some breakfast."
"You people are crazy! Indeed I do concur. Why eat the crab...the jellyfish looks succulent." Kria blinked. "DAMNIT! Get back inside my head you excuses for a mind!" And the catfolk blinked again, realising that- her outburst wasn't an internal monologue for once. "I mean...Bangles. Yeah."
Coventry adjusts his glasses dryly.
*Mahler stops everything he's doing and looks at Kria and blinks*
: ... What?
*Ombligo glares at Kria.* Ombligo: "What jellyfish?"
"His name is Ombligo and he's a magical creature." Coventry replies calmly.
"Yeah. What Jellyfish? It's a crab." Kria grinned. Alright...thanks alot you guys. Don't mention it. Oh you just wait...
"Yay, you finally remembered!" *Ombligo floats up and down.*
Coventry looks at Ombligo with a frown, "Remembered what?"
*Ombligo sighs.* "Nevermind..."
*Mahler looks at all three of the and shakes his head*
The golem suspects...reft him of his life...yes. Kria inwardly sighs, and makes a mental note to better control the various spirits and things inside her head. "What? Like...shouldn't we be stripping this crab?"
Coventry rubs his chin, "I think Arbeiten wants to fight or something... Odd. He was talking about insulting me." The Doctor shakes his head, "Well, let's get breakfast first."
*Mahler scratches his head.*
: Hmmmm... I guess I can help you all.
*Mahler puts all his effort into turning the crab over*
Coventry takes a step back then attempts to aid the removing from the legs.
Kria, using her bastard sword begins to hack off the legs, humming happily as she does so. "A cutting we will go..."
: I suppose with as big as this crab is, it could feed everyone. Maybe we should try to get all the meat? *Mahler asks, inquisitively. He is new to the getting food thing, after all*
Kria looks down at the bits of crab she'd been slicing. "Like...this enough? Yes...enough?"
Coventry chuckles, "Do you think this much will feed the whole group?"
*Mahler looks it over and shrugs.
: Well, it's a big crab...
"Feed the group...yeah feed them alright...Hehehe. Well like, is anyone a glutton? And like maybe some of them don't like crab..." Kria blinks looking at Ombligo who'd been rather quiet. "Yo. Ombly!"
"Ombligo!"
Coventry sighs, "Well... We can worry about that later." He looks at Mahler intently, "You do have a mouth...maybe we can teach you to eat too."
"I know what your name is. But Ombly is cuter." She pokes at his helment and grins. Yeah...cute...slice him. Cut him. No! That's wrong, give him a bath and cuddles and...You shut up now before I rip out your voice.
*Ombligo blushes.* "Well, okay. What do you want?"
"To put you in the oven!" Kria laughs, waving her arms around, and then straightens. "I'm just kidding. And hmm...I suppose you can't help those...feelers dun look...good at much. Um, no offence."
"Hey, Mahler! If she says anything like that again, can we skin her?"
Coventry looks at her intently, "She would make a nice fur coat..."
"I'd like to see you try...Jelly boy. And shut up and go be doctorly."
*Mahler thinks for a second*
: No, we can't skin her, but we can put her in time out.
*Ombligo giggles, floating over to watch the Kaiser Krab's meat be torn off more closely.*
*Mahler pauses a second more*
: Or we can make her swim the rest of the way, *Mahler says with a grin.*
Time out me? I am the Princess of the Dragonian Warlocks. Must you? I mean really, Yack yack yack. Like, can you all shut up? Argh. What the hell is with you all. You could hardly like...talk at all before. Darkness rises... Kria shook her head and then snorted derisively at Mahler. "Like...yeah right."
The crab meat is slowly removed and the remains are cast overboard.
Coventry looks at the meat longingly, "Nice... Now to cook it."
*Mahler looks overboard at the remains floating away down the river.*
: I guess that's that, then...
Kria frowns at the doctor and then wonders out loud. "I wonder if the icky Troll is eating Nail right now..."
Coventry frowns and looks at Kria coldly, "Thanks for that image..."
: ... KRIA!
"Why do you keep bringing that up?!"
Coventry shakes his head, "I wonder if Sorel was able to find him..."
"What? What did I do? I mean like, I was just wondering." SHe pouted, kicking at the raft and then looked around at them all. "And are we just supposed to like...not mention it?"
*Ombligo shivers, feeling disturbed by the image. Nail may not have been a friend, but he was still an ally and wasn't evil. Ombligo didn't feel Nail deserved anything like that.*
"The troll was swimming too fast, and I had no means to subdue it. When I submerged I saw the Krab and decided against my instincts and stayed with the raft."
: Kria, if it were you, would you want us talking about the troll eating you?
Coventry looks out over the water, quiet for once.
"...I'd not like really care...being dead and all?"
:From a hypothetical standpoint.
Sorel casts a concerned glance to Ombligo. "Ombligo? Are you alright?"
"Yeah...It still hurts, but Mahler took out that stupid Krab."
["Well...if my death gave you all a kick th-" She blinked. "I did not just say that! Oh well...as for the question, well...again, I'd not really mind. I'd prefer revenge."
Sorel shakes his head. "I didn't mean your wounds. Are you alright after seeing what happened to Nail?"
Kria nodded. "Yeah, it like pulled his wings off...I'd hate that to happen to me. But like, I don't have wings...hm."
"Oh...Um...Sure." *Ombligo rubs the carcass of the Kaiser Krab, not being completely honest in his answer.*
*Again, Mahler stops everything he he is doing*
: KRIA!
Sorel's eyes crease in a frown but he says nothing.
Coventry continues to stare out silently.
Kria looked around at the assembled people before and grinned. "Maybe we should all sing. It's a good way to be cheery! Row, row row your boat..."
Gorrik looks over Kria confused "What kind o' song is tha' te be singin' at a time like this?"
The Doctor sighs and looks at Kria with a frown, "You know... It looks like Gail could use some encouraging, why don't you go sing to her?"
"What part of the Krab are we not going to use?"
Coventry replies quietly, "The part we just pushed overboard."
"...Nah, she looks annoyed from your comments DC. And like...if you can't laugh you end up crying so...why be morbid when you can be cheery? It's like silly." Oh that was great. Inspiring! Like...stop mocking!
"Oh, right! Heehee...Nevermind. I guess no drawing for me, then..."
: Drawing?
"How long is it until we reach Ribble?"
"Hey...so...whose steering if the ferryman jumped?"
"The one tha's left." Gorrik retorts jokingly
"Oh...has anyone...checked he's not half dead or anything?" Kria turned around and went to check on the ferryman, leaving the others to their thoughts.
: It looks like the crew is gone, and we're going at a really slow pace, so it could be a while. If we all helped, we could probably get there faster.
With an audible grun Gorrik speaks up. "Sounds like we should start paddlin' then..." With that he reluctantly moves up to the edge of the raft and gulps as he looks at the water.
"Who needs paddling? I can just use the air."
: Well, if we do both, we should get there really fast. Let's get to it.
*Mahler lumbers over to a place with an oar and picks it up, all ready to go.*

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:50 am
Langston replaced his trusty Broderbund to his side. Fatigued, he inhaled and exhaled a sigh soon after, the whiskers on his nose exaggerating the movement. Standing at the raft's edge, he could only look out over the river with hints of sadness reflecting in his eyes.
He bowed his head as his eyes drifted to the back of the boat, watching the small wake it's progress left as it continued to plod forward.
"Barely knew you," he spoke softly. "But may you soar freely forever," he added slowly, his index finger extended in front of him pointing upward.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:55 am
: "Doctor Coventry, you are, of course aware that there is a nearly dying man steering this conveyance?" Gilliam asks, stomping up behind the Doctor. "It seems like something you might want to look at. You or the other healer."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:25 am
Sorel gestures at Gilliam's chest. : "How does that weapon work, exactly?" ((Edit: Prepared spell list for tomorrow: Spells Prepared Level 0) 6/6 Create Water, Dawn, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Mending
Level 1) 6/6 Cure Light Wounds[2], Lion's Charge, Obscuring Mist, Silvered Claws[2]
Level 2) 5/5 Barkskin, Dessicate, Major Resistance, Mass Snake's Swiftness[2]
Level 3) 3/3 Cure Moderate Wounds, Haboob, Protection from Energy
Level 4) 2/2 Arc of Lightning, Flame Strike))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:03 am
((It's not fair to throw in NPC injuries without giving me a head's up. Coventry glanced around for wounded several times, missing some no name isn't my fault. )) Coventry sighs wearily and turns to face Gilliam, "No, actually I wasn't aware of that." Shaking his head, the Doctor steps over to the wounded riverman with a scowl. He raises his hands to weave magic in the air and opens his mouth to speak words of power, then stops. A distant expression crosses his face, one of discovery and wonder. Slowly, a smirk crosses his lips as he looks over the raft noting those with the greatest remaining wounds. He turns back to the riverman, "You almost ended up troll food, you poor sap." He adjusts his glasses smugly, "But your luck just changed. Let me show you what its like to be a Troll." His hands weave magical symbols through the air and he speaks words of power. Something wholesome warms the heart of the riverman, his body is filled with a health and vigor that it lacked only a moment earlier. Before his very eyes, the vicious wounds begin to slowly close.
[Mass Lesser Vigor: Four Subjects gain Fast Healing 1 : 18 Rounds]
[+18 HP over the next two minutes to the riverman. The other three slots are open to any takers who direly need them. Plus post claiming.]
Coventry turns away from the riverman and slowly walks over the raft, staring at his hands. After a moment, he chuckles and twirls around in a circle before making his way to the corner of the raft where the cleric waits.

Posted by: Rusty Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:12 am
((*Grabs one*))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:24 am
((Placeholder for when Kai and I manage to talk.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:49 am
: "It's a short range energy weapon that amplifies ambient light into a coherent beam capable of vaporizing most solid matter. A few times per day, I have enough energy stored to charge more power into it and make use of the wide area effect lens and strike a larger area. Why?"
The ferryman looks up to Coventry in wonder as his wounds close. "Thanks, lad... Thank you... I feel great! I'll deduct your cost from the total," the ferryman nods to Coventry.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:57 am
: "I was impressed to see such power. I've never seen the laws of nature so manipulated outside the realm of magic. I wonder, though, if those we have and may yet face will have access to these wonders."

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:44 am
[Gail also has plenty of LoH, so anyone who wants some should speak up.] "I'm fine," Gail says, unable to keep the edge out of her voice as she accepts the Kayla's help. "Thanks." She then turned her attention to Coventry, eyes narrowing at his antics. Why did she let him get under her skin? What's he playing at, anyway? He couldn't be just looking for attention with that tirade. No, he's shown he's more intelligent than that...Whatever. She was sure the answers would come, if she would talk to him...and he would listen. She sighed heavily, her eyes shifting to the river, where the troll carried off Nail's body. Pity framed her eyes as she followed the river's path. Such a cruel way to die...No creature deserved that. "Can't even give him a decent burial, now..." Finally, she turned to the volunteer oarsmen, her face indifferent.
: "Perhaps it would be better if we rested for a while? I know we'd like to get moving, but I feel we should rest and make sure we don't overexert ourselves." she looks back to the water again before continuing. "This wasn't an easy victory."

Posted by: Nightmare Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:13 am
:"If you're worried about falling in, you're safer in the middle of the raft." : Gorrik looks around nervously "You make a good poin' thar Sorel... but tha's only part o' tha problem." Gorrik's face was slowly changing to a pale green. His stomach was not doing too well.
: Sorel frowns. "Even so, you are better off at the center of the raft. If you fall in the river you'll be seasick and drowning." His expression is concerned. "It will not be long now, I should think. We should be on dry land soon."
: "I hope ye be right 'bou' tha'... eeerrrr... one moment please..." Gorrik buckles to his knees as pieces of his last meal can be seen coming out of his mouth and then floating in the river. "Ugh... I think I'll be headin' te the center now..." The dwarf gets up and sluggishly makes his way to his destination.
((Spot DC 10 to see him puking.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:01 am
The ferryman hears Gail and turns. "Eh? Well, most of ya can rest... But I need a few people to help me! Now that the others are gone, I need help making sure the raft stays on course and doesn't run aground or smash into rocks or something like that."

Posted by: Rusty Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:17 am
*As Gail searches the dead Scrags for gold, Ombligo begins to pull treasure out from the Naga's throat - much to the force's disgust.* ((A total/combined finding of: 3,000 Silver [300 gold] 30,000 Copper [300 gold] 1,300 Gold
Agate [5 gold]
Opal [1,000 gold]
Emerald [1,100 gold]
Ring of Protection +1
Ring of Mind Shielding
Tiny Freshwater Pearl [10 gold]
Amethyst [120 gold]
Amber [100 gold]
Garnet [600 gold]
Fist-sized Emerald [3,000 gold]
Ombligo has a general/rough idea of what the gems are worth from an Appraise check of 19 total.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:25 am
"Two things," Dam said gruffly to those on the raft. "First and foremost, we need to track down that troll and find Nail's body. I'll be damned if I let it just chew on him like a piece of chicken. After that, I want to find that bastard's ship; I don't doubt there are things on it we could use."
"It's your ship, though," the rogue said, turning to the captain. "Will this raft hold up long enough to get to that troll and his ship?"

Posted by: Critical Mass Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:57 am
As the group rides on the raft, a large object can be seen drifting in the water in a small circle of debris. As they near the thing it can be made out: a single, bloody, shredded wing surrounded by scattered feathers. The lifeless wing slowly drifts closer and gently bumps against the raft, only the slightest trickle of blood still seeping out the wounds. It simply floats there, almost as if staring at the force accusingly.
Especially Ombligo.

Posted by: Alpha Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:11 pm
Having nothing else to do imminently, Tanis finds something to lean against and half shuts his eyes. He lets his mind go back to one of the books he'd recently read, hoping that soon enough it'd come in handy and be worth the price he'd paid for it.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:06 pm
Coventry acts at once, stepping over to the edge of the raft and bending down to reach for the wing. Grimily, he pulls it from the water and onto the raft. Sighing heavily, he looks around at the various members of the expedition, "Does anyone have a bag of holding?" He looks down at the wing, "With this we might be able to revive him."
[Knowledge(Religion): 20...+ 13 = 33]
The Doctor pulls a cloth from his pocket and beings wiping his hands with sigh, "Cleric, I'll need you to prepare a gentle repose spell." He then adjusts his glasses with a thoughtful frown, "...Sorel...can you manage a reincarnate spell? We need to act swiftly, before his soul departs or is lost."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:27 pm
Sorel looks down at the wing. : "If his spirit is willing to return, and Dam is willing to purchase the ritual oils and unguents required, it could be done at any point within the next week." He turns to Coventry. "Lavis does not offer this spell? I find it odd that a god of life would deny its chosen the power to restore life in any form."

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:37 pm
Coventry looks at Sorel pointedly, "Prepare the spell." He glances at Dicem firmly, "We'll purchase the components as soon as possible." He then turns back to Sorel with a sigh, "You embarrass me. Do not blame Lavis for my weakness..." He smiles slightly, "We cannot all be as experienced and powerful as you are. I am hardly an authority."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:42 pm
Sorel raises his hands in a mea culpa gesture. : "I did not mean to imply weakness, and I apologize for doing so. However, surely you can understand my confusion, and my ignorance. I am... unaware, shall we say, of the full nature of the source of your power.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:52 pm
Coventry ignores Sorel and looks to the others on the raft. He gestures to the wing, "Nail, feral birdman. A birdman no longer alive." He smiles smugily, adjusting his glasses, "Gentlemen, we can rebuild him." He nods, "We have the magic. We have the capability to build the world's first feral elfman." He chuckles darkily, "Nail will be that elfman... Better than he was before." Coventry continues to chuckle, a strange light shining in his eyes, "Better, Thiner...more beautiful!"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:58 pm
Sorel smiles, a little humor helping to temper the horror of their comrade's death. At times caustic, manipulative, obfuscating and dishonest, the doctor was nothing if not amusing.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:30 pm
Arbeiten is sitting on the edge of the raft, looking out over the horizon. Coventry looks around the expedition for a long moment, then sighs wearily, "Silence? That's it?" He shakes his head, "No awe? No joy?" He looks out over the water for a moment, then turns and walks over to the hermit. He stands silently for a moment, then sighs, "No one has any appreciation anymore..."
The hermit chuckles. "Perhaps. Perhaps they just don't show it through words." He turns to look at the man behind him. "You're a doctor, Coventry. What's the normal reaction people have after a sudden threat to their life, like a fight? Or to the death of a comrade?"
Coventry frowns thoughtfully, "Well... I'd imagine fear and shock... A feeling of mortality?" He looks at the hermit curiously, "Why do you ask?"
"You said no one has any appreciation anymore. I'm telling you why." The hermit sighs, and with one last glance out to sea, turns to face the doctor. "I'm not a speech-maker, doctor, and I'm not a politician. I can't mince words as well as many of the people here. So I'm going to lay my cards out, and be perfectly blunt and honest."
Coventry looks at Arbeiten intently, "Yes?"
"I've been very surprised by your actions lately. I would have expected more from a man carrying your title. I understand probing a team to find out who you can trust, and who you can't. What I don't understand is probing harder after the fighting starts, at the time they need the support of their doctor the most." Arbeiten continues, "I also don't understand why you seem determined to cast doubt on people's belief in themselves and their core values at this time. Doubt is a wonderful thing, and honest discourse is the gift of the gods. But everything has its time, and jarring announcements in the middle of a fight... well, I think you need to consider what you're really trying to do." The hermit shrugs. "I know you have a hang-up about religion, and about authority. I have the same hang-up about the second half, and I disagree with you on the first, but that's your right. And I know that when this comes from me, a professed cleric... well, I guess I could have gotten to know you better first, or had someone else say it." The half-giant sighs. "There it is. If you want time to mull over what I've said, feel free. I won't say another word until you're ready. Or if you've got something to say right now, feel free."
Coventry sighs heavily, "Well... That's very interesting..." He then looks out over the river, "...very interesting..." He pulls off his glasses and slides them back into their pocket, "You make a good argument, cleric. One that would be very compelling if I were here to watch over children." He looks at the half-giant pointedly, "But the fact is that I'm not here to watch over children. It's not my self-appointed role to walk on egg shells to prevent emotional harm, I think that's more the role you envision yourself in. If they can't handle some honest concerned opinion, that's their own fault." He smirks slightly, "Children have to grown up sometime, perhaps you could tell that to your Goddess. The more you try to shelter them the more you only end up smothering them." He chuckles lightly, "Let me teach you something... There is only one limitation to our potential and that's ourselves." He looks at the half-giant intently, "Do you know what limits us? When we follow the path of another instead of our own. Relying on crutches such as laws instead of doing what is right innately." The Doctor shakes his head, "You claim that my agenda is destroying this expedition. Well, my dear cleric, I have no agenda. I act as I am inspired to at the moment." He smiles, "It's served me well until now and it will continue to do so. As for your claim, I have no problems with authority properly manifested. Authority that promotes growth and allows freedom is fine by me, not authority that seeks to control and dominate." He tilts his head slightly, "You need to relax. I'm not destroying the members of the group... In fact, they seem fine to me with the exception of Kria and I had nothing to do with that mess." He arches an eyebrow, "Perhaps you should speak with them personally and see how damaging my presence actually is?"
Arbeiten smiles widely. "You know how long I've waited for you to come out and say something like that? Sure, it's completely wrong, but at least you're finally telling me what you think."
Coventry arches an eyebrow, "Two minutes ago when this conversation began?"
Arbeiten raises an eyebrow at the man. "You've been avoiding me or baiting me since you first saw me. Now I see why."
Coventry shakes his head, "Baiting, yes. Avoiding, no." He looks a the half-giant with a frown, "Your perception is wrong...in this case." "You mentioned watching over children." The half-giant continues. "I don't see children, I see patients. Patients who are facing war for the first time. You've read enough stories to see what that does to the strongest people out there. You say you aren't affecting the team. What was the reaction after your proclomation of abstinence in the middle of a fight? Why bring up an arguement to someone defending their life? And perhaps I have been wrong." he adds with a shrug. "I am not a wise man. Quite the opposite. I'm just someone who knows what he believes in."
Coventry chuckles lightly, "Please... Sorel and Mahler already had a go twisting my words, don't join them. I never said that I wasn't affecting the team, rather I said that I wasn't destroying them." He shakes his head with a sigh, "For some reason, authorities are always pushing back important issues because..." He makes quotation marks with his fingers, " '...it's not the right time.' Abstinence is important and despite what you may say, it is a matter of life and death." He rolls his eyes, "Also, she was hardly defending her life. Only two scrags remained and they were on the verge of being slain."
Arbeiten frowns. "I've always found it's the cornered animal that's fiercest, and I've always found that the deadliest fights are the ones you get distracted in. And consider the danger you put yourself in. If she had died then, regardless of whether it was your words distracting her or just skill on the part of her enemies, what do you think would have happened to you? At the very least, your respect in the team would be irrevocably destroyed."
Coventry laughs loudly, "I've been giving you too much credit, I see." He shakes his head, amused, "Your skills of observation need honing, I've done very little to deserve any respect from the team...yet." He sighs, "I have nothing to lose. But...please..." He smirks, "Do you really think I'd let her die while I was standing beside her? Nail was stupid and outpaced me, otherwise he'd still be standing around silently."
Arbeiten shrugs. "I agree. But you don't seem to realize that practical skills matter very little in matters of respect or comraderie. We are rationalizing, not rational." The half-giant shakes his head. "Think about what I've said, Coventry. I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish, but I don't think you're going about it the right way."
Coventry shakes his head, "Dear cleric, you've mistaken me for someone who cares about respect or camaraderie." He chuckles, "The only affirmation I require is my own." He shakes his head, "You enjoy being a slave to society and its standards... I'm sure its quite comfortable."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:54 am
Sorel's voice cuts across the raft. : "Ombligo? You have a moment?" *Ombligo blinks.* : "Oh, hi Sorel. Yeah, I'm free. What do you want?" : "I just wanted to check on you. See how you were doing after what happened."
: "Ah...You already asked me about that." *Ombligo says, looking at the water.*
Sorel nods.
: "I did."
: "Why bring it up again, then?"
Sorel tilts his head as he looks at Ombligo.
: "I suppose I just found it odd that you seem to have recovered so quickly. It... worries me."
: "Why? Shouldn't you be glad if I recover quickly?"
: "Not exactly. I don't want to see you suffer, of course, but the capacity for suffering, the ability to be shaken or even terrified by the horror you witness shows a resolve and a kindness that I had already seen in you. To not show it now tells me that it may have been lost. That thought frightens me."
: "I'm still the same Ombligo! I'm just going to try that much harder against these devils so they don't get anyone else!" *Ombligo replies, defensively.*
Sorel's eyes flash.
: "Are you sure you're alright?"
: "..." *He keeps asking me that. He must know something's up. Ombligo's tentacles droop down as he looks into the water at his own reflection, floating towards the raft to stay within it.*
: "Why'd it have to happen, Sorel? Why do they keep targetting us?"
Sorel looks up at the sky for a long moment before he answers.
: "Some people avoid battle at any cost. Some will take up arms to defend their homeland, their family, or their ideals. Some fight and kill for the pleasure of it and the dark will of their masters. Those we fight are the latter. They strike at is in shadows, in silence, and with feral brutality because we stand against them and are victorious. They may very well be on the same mission we are, and it is for that reason that they target us."
: "So, it's a competition? They sure like to play dirty..."
: "To say the least." Sorel says bitterly.
: "Well the bad guys just got a whole lot worse. I guess we'll just have to get a whole lot better, then, right?"
: "Do you remember, the day we met? The storm that drew you to me?"
: "Yeah. That was back in Ribble."
: "That storm lives within you, Ombligo. You bear the power to avenge all those who have fallen in this war, to ring out justice like the thunder. You don't have to get better, Ombligo. You are better. You just have to realize it."
*Ombligo rubs his shell, as if in confusion.*
: "A storm lives in me? Hmm...Maybe it was something I ate?" *Ombligo jokes, but seriously contemplates Sorel's words in his thoughts.*
Sorel laughs.
: "Ombligo, I want you to get some rest. You must be exhausted."
: "Well...Yeah. If I can, at least. It wasn't fun at all being in that Kaiser Krab's claw." *Ombligo shivers.* "Well, now we're going to be eating it!" *Ombligo exclaims, floating over to a box.*
: "OK, I'll get some rest, Sorel. Let me know if I'm needed for anything." *Ombligo floats to the ground of the raft laying there, wrapping himself in his red cape.*
Sorel watches the creature rest for a moment, smiling, before getting up and moving to speak with someone else.

Posted by: Tarethen Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:27 am
Sorel walks up to Farain, looking out over the passing scenery. "It is beautiful, in spite of itself." Farain had taken a place near the raft's edge. He had caught a piece of floating debris that was in the water and was holding it, a part of it in the water and the rest in Farain's hand as he let it skid over the water, making small waves that complimented that of the moving raft. As Sorel approached, the centaur looked at him with a small nod.
"Yeah, it is..."
"Have you been to Ribble before?"
Farain let out a soft chuckled, letting go of the piece of trash, watching it flow down the moving water.
"I'm actually from Ribble."
Sorel looks down, watching the ripples bounce against the raft.
"Are you looking forward to heading home, if only for a short while?"
"Yes, of course. Though, I can't help but worry if everything is as it should be there."
"I share your concern. It seems no corner of Parmecia is safe from this pestilence."
Farain gave a short nod.
"Since these people are looking for Max, and apaprently Max was in Ribble, do you think the town would be safe?"
Sorel looks over to the centaur.
"May I be frank?"
Farain stayed silent for a moment before finally looking to the old man.
"Yes... Please."
"I hope we will arrive in time to beat back any assault, but I fear we may only arrive in time to clear rubble and bury the dead."
Farain knew what Sorel was going to say was bleak, but he couldn't help but allow a small, cold shard of ice to strike deep within him.
"...I figured as much." He closed his eyes. "At least... Ribble will have two of it's own citizens help with the clean up, if that is the case."
"Two? Who is the other?"
Farain opened his eyes.
"Gail. Didn't she tell anything else she was from Ribble?"
"It hadn't come up in the course of my talks with her, and Gail is not one to share personal details unbidden."
Farain looked up at old man.
"I'm sorry... Well, please. Let's keep that little bit of information between us. I wouldn't want to uspet her."
Sorel nods.
"Very well. How long ago did you leave Ribble?"
"Well, it wasn't that long ago, actually. In fact, When I arrived at Hassan, I had just left Ribble. Things were rather peaceful in Ribble, then..."
"Perhaps there is hope, yet, then."
Farain looked out into the water.
"I would hope so. Ribble is my home. To see it destroyed... I wouldn't know how to handle it."
"No one does," Sorel says, looking off in the distance. "The loss of all you hold dear is a burden no one should bear, but so many do, so many... and it never becomes clear exactly how you pick up the pieces and move on."
The centaur was afraid to admit that he was afraid. Afraid of the entire expedition. He sat for a minute, wondering why his father even set him up on this expedition. His mind wandered to the thoughts of what happened over the past few days. The battles, the monsters, even the birdman.
"The birdman... I can't think of his name right now. What do you think will become of him. Or rather, his body?"
Sorel's visage darkens.
"Nothing good. If any is left after the troll has its fill, it could only be put to fell purpose."
It's as if everything that is said about the future or what is to come is like an icy knife to the centaur.
"Things continue to look bleaker as time goes by."
"It will get worse before it gets better, I fear," Sorel says, "But it will get better. Of this I have no doubt."
The centaur nodded.
"I know that... I just wasn't prepared for something like this, that's all. It's all of a shock right now. An influx of monster attacks and the death of an ally... It's all such a shock."
"Indeed it is, and it is not the sort of thing to which one should have to adapt. I have faith in us, and in this expedition. We will adapt, and we will perservere."
"Hopefully we won't lose anymore people. But, I guess this is a war, and death and loss is unavoidable. Even if I'm not able to help dramatically in this battle, I'll go on knowing that I'm doing my best and helping a little." The centaur looked beside him and saw a piece of rubble. He picked it up and looked at it before tossing it into the water, making a small splash. "I'm sorry, Sorel. I'd like to be alone for a little bit if you don't mind..."
Sorel nods.
"I understand. I will be here, should you wish to speak again. Farewell, Farain."
The centaur gave a small nod.
"Thank you, Sorel."
As Sorel left, Farain sat trapped within his own thoughts. The creatures the centaur saw over the past few days were things that he was told about when he was younger, but he'd never expected to have seen them, much less fight them. His bow was beside him, his thumb idly twanging the bow string as he stared as the water, the beams of sunlight reflecting on them. It was hard to believe that just hours ago the waters were violent with movement of nagas and a crab.
Farain sighed and rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted. He wanted to rest, but his mind was racing too much for him to. He gave the bow string a few more twangs before looking down at it. He lifted it up and examined it, rubbing his fingers across the string and along the wood that made up the bow. A bow to help fight off evil... A bow to help the weak... A bow to drive back your enemies...
"A bow to protect..." Farain pulled an arrow from his quiver, looking to the bank at a random tree. "Am I really that bad of a shot?" He notched the arrow into the bow and pulled the string back taut. After a few seconds of staying in that position, he released the arrow, sending it towards the tree. ((Rolled a 12. Bah.)) The arrow hit the tree in the side and at a slight angle, far from the center like Farain was hoping for. A few pieces of bark chipped off and flew away from the wound in the tree as the centaur sighed, lowering his bow. I don't need to doubt my skills. This is my chance to prove to my father that I can become a skilled ranger.
"I'm going to blame that on fatigue..." He didn't know how much longer it would take at this point with a single ferryman and a few of the party members rowing. The centaur decided to take this opportunity to get the rest he deserved. He put his bow down beside him and got into a more comfortable position; well, about as comfortable as a creature of his side would be on a cramped, hard raft. Eventually, he managed to push his thoughts aside and fell asleep, the warmth of the sun beating down on him. There may have been fighting else where. There may have been death and destruction, evil plots and insurrections occuring in other parts of the land, but at that moment, it was strangly peaceful on the raft.

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Jun 08, 2006 10:20 am
Gail stood in abject shock. The battle hadn't ended more than an hour ago, and yet here was the doctor...making jokes of the dead? She couldn't stand for this. No person, no creature deserved such treatment, and if he thought he could-Calm down. Now. Before you do something rash. Gail closed her eyes, taking deep breaths before once again glaring at the doctor in fury. Like breaking his face in. Deciding it would be best to rest for the moment, Gail sat down near the mast of the raft, leaning again it as she bit her lip.
Sorel takes a seat next to Gail on the raft. "Are you alright?"
Gail looks up at the druid, and nods her head, her gaze shifting back to the raft's hull. "I was merely caught off guard...though, really, I should have expected something like that," she explained, her voice slightly ragged.Her eyes move back to Sorel, a smile coming with them. "You look well, though."
Sorel smiles. "I have been lucky, I suppose, that I have not met with more suffering. And blessed, that I am surrounded by valiant and just comrades. And the doctor."
Gail chuckles a little before continuing. "I believe we all are. It is through camradarie that we survive, for alone, we..." She stops, the fresh images of Nail's death flashing through her mind. Her face falls a bit, giving way to a grimace. "He didn't deserve that, though."
"No one does."
Gail nods. "Can we truly restore him from...that? Though I know of spells that revive the dead, I've never seen them myself, and from the ones I've heard of, the entire body is required for the rite."
Sorel rolls his staff in his hands. "Most do. There is a spell that exists that would allow me to summon his spirit into an entirely new form, needing only a fraction of his old body to perform the rite. Of course, his spirit would have to be willing and able to return. If we are met with such otherwordly menace, who can say what burdens lie in the land of the dead?"
Gail pondered on Sorel's words. She had heard that some clerics were having difficulty using powerful spells...was that the cause? No...Though undead might roam, nothing could completely pierce the protection of the Light. "Something so powerful would have to face the Light, and all fell fiends fall in its presence."
"Have you been to Ribble before?"
"I was born there. Not much to see, but it's a nice, quiet place to live. Have you?"
"I have. I found it much the same."
After listening to the waves for a short while, Gail pipes up. "Who is this Lavis you spoke of? Is he Coventry's...?"
"Lavis is the god the doctor professes to follow. Gilliam tells me he is fictitious. I have no cause to doubt it, and many to think Coventry would lie."
Gail is visibly taken aback, more the fact he was supposedly false than the fact she had never heard of him. Her face turns serious. "How can you fake a god? The doctor's power is real enough, isn't that proof he exists?"
"I could tell you I was a devoted cleric of Mitula. I could carry a holy symbol, and preach when it suited me, and my powers would almost never mark me as otherwise. The fact that he has power is undisputed, their source is the question."
"If someone was masqurading as a priest when he was not, would he not be revealed for his deception by whom he claimed to serve?"
"He would, if said god existed, said god was inclined to point this out, and said god was not... otherwise occupied. You have heard the stores of Mitula and Volcanon under siege, answering only the prayers of their chosen. It would be even easier to fabricate a god entirely, since it is dreadfully difficult to prove such things when they're couched in obscurity or lore. I'm sure he has his reasons, and I'm sure they're at least partly reasonable."
"True...he could claim it's simply hidden from the light of day. I'll have to bring it up with the good doctor when we talk, though he's apt to simply run around the issue with another tirade...Something on your mind?" The paladin asked. He was usually so talkative...
"I was just thinking about the doctor, and how he reminded me of someone," Sorel says. "He's more... forceful, plainly, but the intent, the independence, the willingness to ignore what others think, the dedication.... they have much in common."
Gail watched Sorel closely, the question obviously hitting something. She smiled as she saw it was something positive. "This person must have been very important to you, to leave such an impact. Who was it, if you don't mind my prying?"
Sorel's voice is elegiac. "She was the songs of spring. The soft-dying day who touched the stubble plains with rosy hue. She was nature's beauty made flesh. Her name was Oihanebrielle, and she was my wife."
Gail stays still, listening carefully as the old man describes his love, noticing his use of the past tense. "She sounds...beautiful. I think I would have liked to meet her."
"I think she would have liked you, despite her... dislike of authority. She was never one to bear grudges, to hold ideas and beliefs against people as faults."
"She sounds like a wonderful woman," Gail responds. A strange half-smile comes over her face as she finishes, though. "Are you sure comparing her to the doctor is a compliment?"
Sorel chuckles wryly. "It is an observation. I think I've been too harsh with him, too judgemental. I'd no idea why until I saw the connection between him and her. His behavior stirs memories in me. Reminds me of feelings that I'd tried to move away from for decades. I had... quite a temper in my youth."
Gail joins Sorel in his chuckling, a hand moving over her mouth. "It's hard to imagine you as fiery, the way you let everything slide right off you. Well, most everything, in any case."
Sorel smiles. "It is hard, looking back, to imagine that I became what I am now."
"Imagine is all I can do," Gail said, as the picture of a slightly taller Sorel with young hair, spitting fire wherever he went popped briefy into her mind. Her ribs rattled as she bit back a laugh. The hair was the especially bad part.
Sorel's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Would you believe I used to have red hair?"
"Not in the least," Gail said, slightly calmer. She managed to stuff the laugh down before he said that, but she revisited the image the image for a bit. The hair colour made it perfect. "I would have thought brown."
Sorel chuckles. "Certainly didn't expect me to look like Dam. ...You are awfully young to share my hair color," Sorel says, seemingly only just noticing Gail's white hair.
Gail looks surprised at the change in subject. "I've had it all my life. I can't think of any other colour it would be."
Sorel nods, but makes no reply. He changes the subject again. "Do you expect our quest will suceed?"
Gail falls silent for a moment, her eyes looking into someplace else. Finally, she turns back to him, aswering with a simple "No. I do not expect us to find who we are looking for, especially the legends we seem to be chasing. However," she continues, a steadfast look in her eyes. "If I did not believe in the cause, I would not be here."
Sorel says nothing for a long while. When he finally speaks, his voice is distant. "It is good to know you, and to know you and others like you stand for this cause." He struggles to his feet. "Thank you for your time and your words, Gail."
Gail looks to Sorel as he rises, a slight hint of concern in her voice as she replies. "Thank you, Sorel." She then goes back to biting her lip and stewing in her thoughts.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Jun 08, 2006 10:23 am
It is less than two hours before dawn. Gail is silent, preparing to ask the Light for the next day's blessing. Sorel, awake and alert, sees the form of Gilliam, motionless after he went into his self repair cycle, begin to twitch. He hears a few mumbled sounds. Sorel approaches Gilliam, worried.
: "Everywhere... Nowhere... No... No!" Gilliam's eyes flare to life as he suddenly jolts online again.
: "Gilliam? Were you... having a nightmare?"
: "What? Sorel... that's right, you don't sleep," Gilliam says, looking around. "What's Gail doing up at this hour?"
: "Gail prays at dawn, I believe. And we're becoming accustomed to late nights bleeding into early mornings. Are you alright, Gilliam?"
Gilliam doesn't answer at first, staring at Gail for a while.
: "Yes. All systems report functional status."
: "I didn't think robots dreamt."
: "They don't," Gilliam replies, panning his vision around the raft.
Gorrik mumbles something which no one could make out, as he turns trying to sleep in his uncomfortable plate mail. Since Dam wouldn't let him take it off yet.
: "I'm sorry, I thought you were a robot..." Sorel says, "A mechanical man wielding technological power. My apologies."
Gilliam seems to chuckle a little, but makes no reply.
: "What are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
Gilliam stares into lightening sky, without its sun just yet.
: "You've picked up on my ruse very quickly. I expected it to last a bit longer. Pierced the twin disguises like that..."
: "Twin disguises? I assume the first, that you were a man in strange armor with ancient knowledge, was only the thinnest of facades, meant to keep away unwanted attention. The second, I presume, involves my question."
: "No one has ever figured out what I am if not a robot," Gilliam says, staring at the horizon. "Do you wish to know? I suppose I could tell you, you seem trustworthy enough."
: "I would like to know, yes, if you wish to tell me."
: "My wish... Heh... My only wish will be granted to me when this mission is completed."
The sounds of the river, the trees and wildlife all go completely silent as the string sections swells. The camera pans around the raft and slowly zooms into Gilliam's face. : "I'm Batman."
((kidding...))
: "If you knew what my wish was, you'd know what I am."
: "Once... a long time ago..." Gilliam stares into the water. "I was a man. Much like any other. I lived in the most wonderful home I could ever ask for, Metapha. I loved my home, very much so. I desired nothing else but to defend it... I joined the military... the army. The Vandal threat loomed on the horizon and I was determined to stand up to it."
: "But it wasn't the Vandals who attacked."
: "The Devils destroyed everything in their path, my flesh included. So I was put into this... metal shell. And so I've existed for the last thousand years. I'm what's known as a cyborg. Beneath protective armor and nestled in an array of tubes and wires are the last remains of my body."
: "I am an Ancient."
Sorel is silent for a long moment, looking out over the water.
: "Are there others? Other Ancients who walk the earth?"
: "It is possible. But if there are, I have not encountered them in my time wandering."
: "I cannot imagine you joined this mission for the money. Did Derrik offer you peace?"
: "He offered me my body back."
Sorel looks to Gilliam.
: "So you would become a man again?"
Gilliam thrusts one of his hands at Sorel, moving the fingers.
: "Magnificient dexterity, the maker of this machine was a genius... But I can't feel anything. It's information. Not sensation. I haven't felt the wind on my face, or water flow around me or the warmth of a fire on a winter's night, nothing!"
: "Can you still think of yourself as human?"
Gail, only now hearing the tones of voices behind her, turns to see Sorel and Gilliam talking. Figuring it would help to pass the time until dawn arrived, she begins to move over to them.
Gilliam looks at Sorel silently for a moment.
: "I don't think you meant harm by that, so I'll let it slide, but I'd be more... careful about such comments. I'd begin to regret informing you. You don't sleep or need to eat. Can you consider yourself still human? With all the ways your magic has saturated you?"
Sorel bows his head.
: "I apologize." He winces at Gilliam's words.
: "That is not what I meant to imply." He continues. "You lost your body and your world in unimaginable horror. I have known people of great resolve to go mad under lesser trauma, to lose something essential in themselves. To become less human." "These wounds seem to have avoided you; you carry yourself as a man, you speak as a man, you are a man, despite the form you've taken. I wondered if this appearance was another layer of disguise, or who you truly were. Once more, I apologize."
Gilliam is silent for a moment.
: "Apology accepted."
Noting the serious tone of the words being traded, Gail approaches more quickly, her brow furrowed.
: "Is something wrong?" she asked, looking from one to the other.
: "Weren't you praying?" Gilliam asks.
: "It isn't dawn yet," Gail replies. "I was merely waiting. I apologize if I interrupted anything," Gail says, the sudden silence making her uncomfortable. "It will be dawn soon, so I'll leave you two to what you were discussing."
: "Who do you revere again?" Gilliam asks.
: "The Light," Gail replies simply.
: "Hmmm... Yes, that would be about right," Gilliam says, quietly. "You weren't eavesdropping, were you?"
Gail stiffens at the question.
: "I heard Sorel's apology when I was coming over. So, yes, I did." She bows. "I apologize if it was something not meant for my ears."
: "No... That's fine."
Gail straightens at Gilliam's reply, melancholy adorning her face. She speaks after a short silence.
: "I know it means nothing, but you have my condolences. I cannot imagine what you are going through...have gone through."
: Gilliam stares at Gail for a moment. "You are correct... and I thank you for that."
Gail returns the stare.
: "I haven't done anything. You need not thank me."
: "You have, so I do. I will speak later, I need to think for a moment."
Gail nods, leaving the warrior be as she heads back to her post. Facing east, she unsheathes her sword, setting it in front of her as she kneels to the crimson rays of the coming dawn.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:00 pm
The red eyes of the fiend glare down at the young swordsman crouched in a battle stance before it, blue eyes smoldering in reply. Unruly brown hair waves in the foul air, rank with the stench of sulphur, while firm hands grip the hilt of a masterful blade mightily. Powerful claws flex while from between fangs oozing with vemon hiss promises of pain and death in a vile language. Twisted black wings of torn membrane extend from behind the fiend, casting a foul shadow over the torn rock and rubble. The swordsman levels his blade, strength pulsing through his muscles as he abruptly breaks into a sprint towards the fiend...
Coventry's eyes open suddenly, staring up distantly at the fading night sky as if he were still lost in dream. He slowly sits up, pushing aside the blanket that had been covering his body and looked out over the river stoically. He swallows and whispers a word in a quiet dry voice, "...ada..." The Doctor sits for a moment longer, then reaches into the river and splashes his face lightly. After rubbing his face for a moment, he slowly stands and begins arranging his equipment.
Sorel leans against a barrel, watching the sky lighten. "Good morning, Doctor."
Coventry silently completes his task, sliding the last of his bedding away into his bag before replying, "Good morning to you as well..."
Kria frowns, standing up straight as she awoke from her dreams. "I will not let you steal that Bangle!" She blinked, standing groggily. "I mean...wha? Uhh." She spots Sorel and Coventry and wanders over, "Too...early..."
Sorel frowns, "For you or for me?"
"Wha?" She shakes her head from side to side, mumbling to herself. "In general..."
Coventry sighs heavily and turns back over the waters, "How long till Ribble? ...or is it trail rations?"
Sorel shakes his head, "The hour before dawn is when the first strains of birdsong filter through the sky, and the sunrise is always a beauty." He tilts his head to the doctor. "Shouldn't be too much farther."
Coventry fails to make a reply, continuing to stare silently out over the waters.
"It's also the hour I usually am asleep at. And the chirping is irritating. Damn feathered thingies..." Kria again yawns, looking at the water. "Bleh."
After a moment, Kria prods at the Doctor. "Rune to DC...?"
"Here, on the river, light and sound play together like children in a field. But at sea, at sea the sunrise is a golden road to infinity, a path to tomorrow that carries boundless potential."
Kria nods at these profound words of wisdom while still prodding Coventry. "And if your ship sinks you get killed."
Coventry starts and looks at Kria for a moment blankly before replying, "What is it?"
"Nothing really. You seemed spaced out." She smirks, ceasing her prodding.
Coventry frowns heavily, "You meddler..."
"What? Don't be so..." She frowns trying to find a word for it. "Rawr like. Lighten up a bit!"
Coventry shakes his head and looks back over the river, "...boundless potential? That doesn't sound like nature, it seems to me that nature has rather specific limitations."
"Object have limits. They are bound by natural laws, and the more lax but still limiting laws of magic. As symbols, as ideas, they are infinite. The image of sunrise is a beauty in itself, but it also represents renewal, rebirth, and beginning."
Oh boy...here they go again. Kria looks from one human to the other, an amused look on her face as she sits by the edge of the raft, trailing one leg in the water.
Coventry shrugs slightly at this, "I see..."
"What do you see, when you look at the sunrise?"
"A really blinding light thing. I like night time better." Kria nods, idly splashing water about.
"And the horizon, spread golden end to end? The sky as it streaks with pink and purple? Mere objects, things to be observed?"
Coventry stares at the sunrise silently without reply.
"Well...like, it's pretty and all but...that's it. Like, It doesn't much interfere with life. Wow, that was profound."
Coventry stirs slightly, looking at Kria with a frown, "Not really..." He looks back at the sun, "More like completely wrong. The sun does have a great impact on life, imagine the world without the cycle of day and night."
"Well...it always does that."
"And clerics of Volcanon who harness the sun's power. The sun is a powerful, essential thing, as an object, and as a symbol."
Kria frowned. "So...they don't harness the power of their god...they use the sun instead? Wowie, doesn't that mean the Birdie thingie is slacking?"
Coventry chuckles quietly at Kria's revelation.
"The sun's power is Volcanon's power. Volcanon's power is offered in limited form to his chosen, that they may do his will. Much the same way Mitula grants power over animals, or Lavis over life and healing."
"Blah. High and mighty birdie man never appealed to me." She blinked. "The gods are boring. Well, I know their gods and essential and all...but still."
"Essential? Really?"
"Well aren't they?"
Coventry smiles widely but makes no move to rejoin the conversation.
"What is essential? That without which we cannot survive, correct?"
"I guess...wow. I never thought about it like that before. But then...I never really needed them. Though Clerics are handy. I guess."
Coventry frowns slightly, reaching into his bag and pulling out a large yellow pear. He wipes it on his coat for a moment then takes a bite, his expression distant once more.
Sorel nods. "Really... nothing is essential, unless you make it so."
Kria continues to splash around with water, stopping when it starts to hit her and those around her. "That's...wow. Confuzzling."
"Why? You could skip breakfast if you wished. You could jump in the river. You could walk around on your hands instead of your feet. The only things that let you take things for granted are complacency and an unwillingness to accept the consequences."
Coventry frowns thoughtfully, but again makes no reply.
Kayla's eyes finally open, the sun shining right in to her eyes. She pulls her hood down over her face more to keep the sun out. Kayla never was fond of the light.
The rogue sees the others talking and stands up, and sneaks over. Very quiet, like usual, she is sure that she won't be heard, or seen when she hides behind the barrels.
Kria sighed, turning to look at Sorel. "You say a lot of things. And I think I get what you mean, then I'm lost as usual."
Sorel's eyes catch movement in his periphery, but he ignores it. "I do say a lot of things. If you don't get them, consider the possibility that they're nonsense. Or that, perhaps, a little thought will go a long way."
"And again..." She shakes her head ruefully, looking back at the water. "Oh well. I'm only eighteen. I don't have decades of wisdom and all that stuff."
"Decades of wisdom can easily be supplanted by hours of thought."
Kayla tries to peer out for a closer look silently, but ends up stepping on her cloak and almost falling over. It does make a bit of noise, however.
Sorel turns his head. "Hello, miss. I don't believe I've gotten your name yet."
Kayla blushes bright red beneath the hood of her cloak.
Kria turned, tilting her head, and stands, seeing Kayla. "Oh Kayla. Do you like, always do the sneaky rogue thing?"
Coventry makes no response to the appearance of Kayla, still staring out at the sunrise.
"Kayla, is it? A lovely name."
"Well, I wouldn't be a rogue if I didn't sneak around." Kayla stands up and dusts herself off, looking at Sorel. "Thank you."
"I am Sorel, this is Kria, whom you appear to have met, and that is our esteemed Doctor Ark Coventry."
"Yeah but...Dam and Langston just kinda...walk up to us when they wanna chat. You can like...turn it off. Ya know?"
"Dam is an intimidator and Langston is a showman. It is not quite the same, Kria."
"Alright, but Dam doesn't stomp over in a GRRR way, and Langston doesn't somerault into the middle of us..."
"I've seen Langston do that, and Dam usually has us come to him."
"Well met, Sorel." Kayla looks at Kria. "I suppose I could, but...that's just not how I am."
"Point still stands." She shrugged, not really bothered.
In a thoughtful but quiet voice, Coventry abruptly begins speaking, "One that denominates the entire world, completely naturally." He rubs his chin with a slight frown, "It makes no effort except to be what it is... It yields its place with ease and retakes it with equal ease. Perfect freedom creates perfect order, in keeping to its own path it influences all yet makes no effort to control any." He smiles, "It burns and singes yet restores and enlivens."
The Doctor tilts his head to the side, looking back at the rogue, "Morning Kayla." He nods slightly, "How was your rest? This raft is not the most comfortable of sleeping places..."
"Alright, I suppose. It is better than nothing, Doctor Coventry."
"Especially after the... erratic sleeping schedule we've kept so far," Sorel muses.
"I don't see a normal sleeping pattern happening on this trip."
"It is a shame the forces of darkness don't like to fight at noon."
"They have no consideration whatsoever." Kayla frowns.
"There really is a crying shortage of polite fiends."
Coventry frowns slightly, a perplexed expression on his face, "True..." He looks out over the waters for a long moment before turning back to Kayla, "Ah yes, now I recall... It's Doctor Alastor Coventry, my old friend here must be having some memory problems so early in the morning. A pleasure to see you up and about, I trust that your wounds are no longer troubling you?"
"No, I'm fine now. It's a little sore, but that's about it."
"Alastor? Seems an... old name for someone who can't be more than twenty. Did you choose it or was it given to you?"
Coventry arches an eyebrow, "Why would I choose the name Alastor?" He rubs his chin thoughtfully, "If I was to choose a name it would be..." He chuckles darkly, "Andromalius."
Sorel smirks. "It is quite the manly name, to say the least."
Coventry smirks slightly, "You might say that..."
"I am curious about Lavis," Sorel says, looking out over the ascendant autumn sun. "Where did you get the idea?"
Coventry's eyebrow returns to its standard arched position, "Elaborate."
"Well, a false name is one thing. An affected persona, a manner engineered to test the limits of those around you, all impressive feats and clearly useful to you. But a false god? Complete with portfolio and holy symbol? That is quite an accomplishment of obfuscation."
Sorel adds,"Not to mention the fact that your powers are clearly not imaginary."
Coventry meets Sorel's eyes, his mouth still in the form of a smirk but his eyes serious, "What leads you to such a bold assertion?"
"One among us has quite a thorough firsthand experience with Ancient lore and the Metaphan pantheon, as well as having displayed far less overt dishonesty than yourself. When I asked him, curious, he asserted that which I have said just now."
Coventry is silent for a moment, his calm facade wavering for an instant before he recovers with a chuckle. Then he responds, his voice fairly low, "I see... I doubt Stoltz would do such a thing so that leaves one other such expert that I know of." The Doctor crosses his arms, looking out over the river, "The trinket that you call a holy symbol is what inspired the specifics, it's always wondrous to stumble across such treasures in a second hand shop." He chuckles, "I am rather impressed that the clerics and paladins on the expedition failed to see through it at once. Their knowledge is even less than I had expected. Quite impressive, indeed."
"Well, to be fair, their conclusion was the right one. They'd never before heard of such a god. Their mistake, if any, was in taking you at face value and assuming it was a lack of knowledge on their part rather than dishonesty on yours. Despite the stereotype, even paladins don't usually posess the arrogance to say something like 'I have perfect knowledge of every god that has ever existed, and that isn't one of them.'"
Sorel adds pointedly, "They trusted you, too early."
"A mistake on their parts then..." Coventry replies calmly, "On all counts. Knowledge of the pantheons of this world is a field of study that should not be neglected. A greater devil could easily manifest powers which seem divine in nature." He smirks, "Education prevents deception, they chose not to be educated and thus they were deceived." He tilts his head, "As for trusting me, what reason did they have to trust me? By this point, I've proven that I'm a capable healer but until combat began there was no reason for them to entrust me with anything."
"I will freely admit that knowledge is important, but it is not possible to lack knowledge of an imaginary thing. They lacked infinite knowledge, and presumed you were telling the truth. That was their mistake. Trusting those who have not presented themselves as trustworthy is dangerous, to be sure, but I cannot bring myself to call it a fault. It is often in the nature of good people who have not suffered to trust first and only come to mistrust upon experience. Such innocence is a beautiful thing, and not one that needs to be destroyed simply because there is the possibility of hurt. It is fragile enough on its own without being actively shattered."
Coventry shakes his head, "Are the Gods imaginary then? If one knows the true well enough they can spot the false." He sighs, "As for this glorious innocence that you speak of..." He looks at Sorel pointedly, "...it has no place on a battlefield. Indeed, it will not last long on this expedition. Better that it is lost to me than lost to the devils."
"One can know the truth and still be uncertain about things of which it is unaware. It is the sign of open minds, not ignorant ones, that your ruse went undetected. Knowledge of the truth will expose a lie in conflict. There are many truths that lie beneath the surface of offered doctrine. Why should Lavis be any different. As to your other point... I can find only agreement."
Coventry shakes his head with a smile, "In my opinion, open minds would question more in order to understand. Lazy minds are those that accept without seeking to first understand."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:00 pm
Another dream... The fire was everywhere, it seemed. Between the flame abilities of the enemy and the combustibles that had been affected, fire seemed to dominate the few rooms Gilliam had run through... There had to be a way out, had to reach the communications center... Had to warn everyone...
He wasn't supposed to dream. This wasn't supposed to happen.
What were they? He'd never seen them before, not even in the labs... But they were everywhere, popping out of the walls, out of the darkness, out of thin air... They were teleporting, but how? Teleporting without a pad? Without a transmitter? It was impossible, it couldn't be done...
Gilliam would've furrowed his brow in thought if he had one. As it was, he simply stared into the water.
Gilliam coughed and blinked, tears running down his eyes as he forced himself through fiery room after fiery room. The defenses had been torn to shreds so quickly... He heard a ragged gasp up ahead and moved toward it. Gilliam stopped dead in his tracks as he rounded a corner.
The soldier was hardly recognizable as such, but he was still alive somehow... They'd LEFT him alive... to die like this... Gilliam winced at the thought, but quickly ran over to the dying trooper, searching his belt pouch for any remaining medical spray or healing solution. The soldier, his ribs exposed, legs slashed open, face mauled beyond recognition, shook his head with the last of his strength.
"Nnnnoooo... I'm... dead.... Run.... Before they get you.... Run.... from those.... those... DEMONS...." the soldier hissed before moaning softly and closing his eyes, the pain making him fall unconscious.
Demons... That's what they were...
Hellfire, sulfur, black magic, it was a myth not real, can't be real...
Demons...
Gilliam's hands started shaking as they withdrew from the medpouch and went to his weapon... Even as the first of the voices started laughing at him. He ran even as the chorus of malevolent howls closed in around him and deafened him. He did the only thing he could do.
He ran.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:44 pm
Sorel nods, "Open minds question, to be sure. Others, and themselves. They assumed the fault was their own in not knowing of Lavis, as you have yourself concluded. They doubted themselves, and trusted you." Coventry replies quietly, "...when they should have doubted me, trusted their learning, and sought out more knowledge to verify their doubts and trust."
"It would have been arrogance to place their learning over the possibility that there was something they hadn't known. And, as you didn't confront them in the library and are a convincing performer, not to mention that they are fundamentally good people, they trusted you. Who can say if they intend to research the matter more fully?" Sorel frowns. "I maintain that this trust was and continues to be their only mistake, however grievous, in the matter."
The Doctor replies darkily, "I suppose that we'll never know if they were going to look into the matter or not... Thanks to our dear friend Gilliam." Coventry rests his hands behind his back, "Well... If it was a mistake or not, I suppose it is of little concern to me. It was pleasurable while it lasted."
Sorel shakes his head. "I doubt he has told anyone else, or will unless pressed. As you know, Gilliam likes his privacy."
Coventry smiles darkly, "While I doubt that he has told many, I am certain that he has told others than yourself." The Doctor chuckles, "He is too concerned with truth to let my little charade last until its end."
Sorel tilts his head. "I would not be so sure. Dam, maybe, but he wouldn't have cared to ask. No one else has the initiative to speak with him and the distrust of you needed to make the leap I did, I think."
Coventry shakes his head, then smiles, "Regardless... Do you have the reincarnation spell prepared?" He looks to Sorel, "We should bring Nail back to life now, later we can look into restoring his former body."
Sorel nods. "I do."
"Excellent..." Coventry replies, then frowns, "We should find a means of comunicating with the spirit beforehand...on the off chance that the enraged beserker doesn't want vengeance."
"Or the chance that the spirit is inhibited."
"He was never inhibited in life, why would he be in death?" Coventry questions.
"That is not what I meant. You have heard how the gods have withdrawn, answering only their chosen. If the powers afoot can limit even Volcanon and Mitula, who can say what sway they hold over the land of the dead?"
Coventry shakes his head, "All the more haste then to reincarnate him before his spirit leaves this realm." The Doctor shakes his head, "There is the chance that he has been rendered undead... but that hardly seemed to be the goal of the Troll in making off with the body."
"I doubt enough will remain once the troll has had his fill for his superiors to attempt it even if they wished."
Coventry sighs, "That wing was quite a...godsend." He smiles slightly, "Now, at least, we stand a chance of saving him."
"Certainly more than we had when he charged out of range of effective healing unbidden."
Coventry nods, "I'm now prepared if anyone else takes such a rash action..." He pauses, "Although, I'm concerned that the cleric can't care for the others while I'm occupied if such a thing would occur."
Sorel raises an eyebrow. "Why?"
Coventry shrugs, "He can heal well enough but his mobility is rather limited."
Sorel nods. "I find myself to be quite the opposite. I'm fairly mobile but limited in my ability to heal. Still, in close quarters battles, and perhaps positioned with slower moving units, he should be exemplary."
Coventry smirks, "Then I suppose that I'm the best of both worlds..."
Sorel smiles. "As if you needed anyone to tell you that."
"I was just reminding myself." Coventry replies, "I wouldn't want to have low self-esteem. I'm constantly being accused of ruining lives and destroying worlds or what not...I need something to keep me from getting depressed."
"I find bathing regularly helps," Sorel says, eyes glinting.
Coventry arches an eyebrow, "Oh...really? That rather surprises me..." He sighs, "It seems we do have something in common after all."
"Although I cherish our differences. Speaking of which, it occurs to me I never apologized for what I did at the tavern. It was foolish and immature and wrong of me."
"I took no offense but..." Coventry replies, "I'm rather pleased that you acted in such a fashion, it was quite revealing of your character."
"Oh?" Sorel leans back.
Coventry smiles, "The sunrise is quite beautiful." He shakes his head, "Daylight is upon us."
"Without question," Sorel says, admiring it. "I wonder how many I have left."
Coventry arches an eyebrow, "Interesting that you've taken up adventuring so late in life..." He looks at the druid, "You are obviously quite skilled but at your age I would expect quite a bit more power and experienced."
"I've only been adventuring for ten years or so," Sorel says, "I hadn't the inclination in youth and other priorities in adulthood."
"How odd... Quite the opposite of most." Coventry responds, "It would be a pity for you to die before we reach Ribble, old man. I suggest that you last at least until then. Nail needs you."
"I will do my best," Sorel says, smiling, "Dam should be awake by now. If he isn't, I think I should rouse him. Never can be too prepared for a surprise attack, you know."
"Recently, has Dicem seemed rather distracted?" Coventry wonders aloud, "His leadership in the last battle was lacking and he's made no response to the death of Nail. Curious."
"It is possible. He has made no grievous errors yet, and I doubt anyone would replace him, despite the general consensus that he's not an ideal leader."
Coventry chuckles, "Certainly not... I was merely considering rousing him from a different type of slumber."
"I can only imagine how surly he would be when so awakened."
Coventry smiles eagerily, "It would be rather glorious..."
"Oh, I'm sure you'd revel in the carnage," Sorel says.
Coventry tilts his head with a smile, "Dealing with carnage is my chosen field."
"You certainly perform it admirably. Taunting Gail, for example, a stroke of genius. Assaulting the morality of a paladin, absolutely brilliant. Coming within a hair's breadth of calling her a whore, marvelously done."
Coventry shakes his head, "How absurd, I never came close to calling her a whore..." He looks at Sorel for a long moment, "You do understand the difference between a whore and a slut?"
"If the distinction is monetary, then no, I do not."
Coventry sighs, "One does it for fun, the other for money. Simple enough. Neither care much for love I fear... Generally..."
"Which is which?"
"A whore is like a sex mercenary." Coventry replies in a scholarly voice, "A slut is more like a sex serial murderer."
Sorel nods. "I see."
Coventry nods, "Like I said, quite simple."

Posted by: Alpha Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:16 pm
Perhaps it is the discussion that does it. Or maybe the fact that it's now light out. Or even yet, that he's in the throes of a nightmare. Whatever the case, Tanis chooses to wake up at that moment. Quickly looking around, he notes Conventry and Sorel nearby. Hoping nobody notices his slight ineasiness, he shuffles over. "Good morning all."
Coventry nods, "Good morning, warmage."
"Good morning, Tanis. How are you this morning?"
"I feel fine thank you Sorel. I didn't sleep well, but having done better in the fights yesterday than is in my current record, I think it's been an improvement,” comes the reply.
Coventry chuckles, "Yes... You did much better in this last battle." He tilts his head, "Any thoughts on the last battle? Tactically? ...since you've studied military science."
Sorel smiles. "That is good to hear." His gaze drifts off, looking at nothing at all but seeming to take everything in.
Tanis ponders this for a moment. "I think the battle yesterday showed that perhaps we were not as organised as we should have been. Considering what happened to the birdman. Tactically though...I really don't have much to say. I was never really great at tactics to be honest with you," he finishes somewhat lamely. "Why? Do you think Dicem's tactics were poor?"
"Tactical knowledge is for leader, it says nothing about the quality of your training." Coventry replies, "No...actually... I don't think they were poor, I thought they were limited as compared to the previous battles. I think the birdman would have died regardless due to carelessness on his part but I'm curious as to the silence on the part of our leader."
Tanis can see what the Doctor is saying is true. "Yes, I think you're right. However, had a different approach been taken, a different outcome could have resulted. For better or worse, it's impossible to say though." Then he adds quietly, "I would have prefered to use some of my fire spells against that troll though, instead of casting at the nagas, if the truth be known."
"I think something is troubling with him." Coventry replies, "Ah well... Tanis, do you think you could do me a favor?"
"I would like to say yes, but it does depend what it is. What would you like done?"
Coventry smiles, "Over the next few days, could you interview the various arcane casters in the party and come to understand their abilities?" He chuckles, "You don't need to report your findings to me but rather to Dicem... I think that would be benefical." He smiles, "I know that he interviewed them already but he lacks your knowledge of the field."
"Why are you asking such a thing of me instead of another? As you know, I specialise in causing damage, not the abilities of arcane casters in general," comes the reply.
Coventry chuckles "I know... I know..." He smiles, "That's why I'm asking you, I think that you're in a unique position to bridge the gap between the arcane casters and the warriors." He nods, "As a minor example, as a warrior you can certainly see the need for more support spells such as Haste while as a mage you can see the limits of spellbooks and such." He smiles, "It's a large load to bear but I think you'd be a good diplomat of sorts between the two sides."
"You makes very valid points," Tanis says after quick consideration. "I shall endevour to do as you ask." Then he does some quick thinking. "The arcane spellcasters of the group, I suppose that would include myself, Ombligo and Morgan, correct? Though it may be useful to pry out of Kria the limit of her abilities." It's obvious that Tanis thinks that will be easier said than done.
Coventry bows slightly, "I would be most grateful..." He then nods, thoughtfully, "Indeed... Kria would also be one to speak to...as painful as that might be."
Tanis grumbles at this slightly. It's always been a difficult topic between him and Kria. He then looks up, something just having occurred to him. "By the way, have you had any of that crab to eat yet? You seemed eager to have some for your breakfast."
Coventry nods, "Yes... It was excellent." He frowns, "What do you think of Kria? She said you were like her younger brother..."
"I think many things of Kria. Anything in particular?" Then he considers what Kria had said. "Really? Odd that she'd say that, considering I'm three years older than her." Upon saying this, he smiles. "No harm in it though, I suppose."
Coventry sighs with a frown, "I don't know her well but she seems rather flakey to me..." He shakes his head, "Do you know what's... Um..." He points at his head then shrugs, "You know..."
"Well, not really," Tanis replies. "You'll have to be more...precise."
"I joke that its that time of month but..." Coventry continues, "...there's odd about her. Mentally... Emotinally..."
"He wants to know why Kria appears insane," Sorel interjects.
Coventry nods, "Ah, yes, thank you... I have a lot of trouble being blunt sometimes."
Tanis isn't sure how to accurately answer this. "To be honest with you, I'm not really sure. When I met her, it was just so nice to have somebody else around, I never really questioned it. But now that we're in a group, it does appear odd, and I'm fairly used to her." But now that we're in a group, it does appear odd, and I'm fairly used to her."
"She's not shy about it, really, and she trusts you, Tanis."
Coventry shrugs, "It's up to you..." He chuckles darkily, "I might ask her later."
Tanis shrugs also. "I don't think I will. I don't really have much of a problem with it. If others do, then they can ask her." He stops and considers something breifly. "Though, if it has anything to do with something that may bring harm to her, I'd happily try and find out about it from her."
Coventry grins, "Well, it doesn't really matter... How long can it take to find this supposed great hero. This expedition could be over in a few days."
"That's true Doctor. But it's just as possible that it could go on for many weeks. I'm not particularly bothered about that prospect though. If what's happened so far is anything to go buy, I'll have plenty of opportunity to practise my skills."
"True..." Coventry nods, "I've already begun to improve myself..." He frowns, "How do you see your skills improving in the future?"
"Well, with the active learning that I'll be going through, eventually I'll be able to wear heavier armour, and still be able to cast without penalties, which I'm looking forward to, considering what's happened to me recently.” Then, as an afterthought; "Also, as I progress, I gain more skills in causing damage."
Coventry frowns thoughtfully, "Interesting..." He crosses his arms, "...and your warcasting will only continue to improve."
Tanis nods. "That's what I hope to achieve. I could be seen as a sort of, artillery mage, if you'll accept the analogy," he says with a smile.
Coventry nods, "Interesting..." He looks around the raft, "Definately a good addition to our forces." He chuckles, "Tell me, what do you think of this Max person? He's practically a legend..."
Tanis shifts slightly uncomfortably at this. "To be honest, I know on the very well known about him. That he was the leader of a Shining Force and a mighty warrior and hero. Apart from that, I can't accurately say anything."
Coventry shrugs, "I see... Ah well, if we manage to find him I doubt that he'll be all that different than any other person."
"You think? A reknowned Hero will actually turn out to be...well...ordinary?"
Coventry chuckles loudly, "Well... You see..." He then shakes his head, "No... Just...trust me on this, great heroes are skilled in battle and generally have admirable resolve but otherwise... They aren't that different from you or me."
Tanis finds that he doesn't really have a great reply to this. "Well, perhaps. I suppose we'll find out when we find him."
Coventry sighs, "Well... I've ranted enough, I think I'm going to take a little nap." He stretches with a yawn, "I'm certain Dicem will wake me before long..."
“Sure thing,” Tanis replies. He stands up and moves off to find one of the other arcane casters, thinking he may as well begin the interviews straight away.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:17 am
It's another day before the raft finally docks at Ribble, the small town intact and whole. "Er, I wish I could say it's been a pleasure, but... Well, can I just have my money?" the ferryman asks as people go about their business in the town beyond.
-------------
RP awards:
Mahler: 50
Gorrik: 50
Kria: 100
Ombligo: 100
Conventry: 500
Sorel: 550
Arbeiten: 100
Farain: 100
Kayla: 50
Tanis: 100
Gail: 100

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jun 09, 2006 5:17 am
"Yeah... thanks," Dam said, handing the ferryman his payment. "I just wish the ride had been more smooth. If ever I can do a favor for you, ask around for Dam Dicem." ((During the trip back, Dam swam out and got to the trolls boat. Inside, he found a sack with 2000 gold and a +2 shocking burst rapier, as well as 4 regular javelins and a +1 returning javelin next to the sack.
Also, if you didn't donate to the group fund, deduct 50 gold for your passage to Ribble.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 09, 2006 5:21 am
The ferryman nods and takes his money, leaving you to explore the town. It's midday, the sun high in the sky.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:28 am
(( The spoils, in total... 3,000 Silver [300 gold] 30,000 Copper [300 gold] 1,300 Gold Agate [5 gold]
Opal [1,000 gold]
Emerald [1,100 gold]
Ring of Protection +1 [2000 gp]
Ring of Mind Shielding [8000 gp]
Tiny Freshwater Pearl [10 gold]
Amethyst [120 gold]
Amber [100 gold]
Garnet [600 gold]
Fist-sized Emerald [3,000 gold]
2000 gold
4 javelins [2 gp]
+1 returning javelin [4150 gp 5 sp]
+2 rapier of shocking burst [16,160 gp]
==========
Everything but the ring of protection, the garnet and the opal were sold. I wasn't originally going to have the rapier sold and instead let Don get it, but then I thought about what shocking burst does vs getting a +2 shocking rapier.
= +2 shocking burst =
+2 to hit / damage
+1d6 elec damage
+ 2d6 on a crit
costs 32,320 to make [retail value of 16,160]
= +2 shocking =
+2 to hit / damage
+1d6 elec damage
costs 18,320 to make [retail value of 9160]
So yeah... is getting 2d6 really worth Langston losing out on 7k worth of gold / items (as Dam will be distributing as fairly as possible, based on retail value)? I don't think so. Don, if you want it you can have it, but I'm putting it out there so you know what you're getting.
==========
anyway, assuming don doesn't take the rapier...
total retail value: 40,147 gp, 5 sp
total cut per player: 2113 gp, 2 cp (rounded to 2113, the remaining 15 sp and 8 cp goes to the group fund)
to nightmare: opal, garnet, 513 gp
to another player: ring of protection, 113 gp
to everyone else: 2113 gp
Those who have put their money into the group fund can assume it's there. Those who have not get their gold.
Speaking of... the sheet that had how much money each of you put into the group fund is missing from my excel file. I'd like it a lot if you'd just let me know how much you donated. With any luck, all available money will be sorted out by tonight, so better purchases can be made.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:27 am
Gail approachs Dam with Sorel in tow. "Mister Dicem, Sorel and I would like to discuss our idea with you, now that our situation is more stable." "Yeah, sure," Dam said as he walked to a private spot with the two. "Alright... what's on your mind?"
Gail turns to Sorel. "Do you want to start, or should I?"
Sorel steps forward. "I will."
"Well, someone should, before I end up as old as him," Dam said.
"You have seen, at length, that many, perhaps the majority of this expedition dislike and distrust you," Sorel begins, "and this suits you fine. You are not here to garner popularity, but to accomplish a mission. You are openly and happily undiplomatic, which is grating at the best of times and potentially dangerous in the worst. You know this, and before we speak we'd like to know how you intend to deal with the issue, if you see it as such."
"I don't see a need to deal with it," the orange-haired youth said, crossing his arms. "I say what needs to be said - no sugarcoating."
"With all due respect, sir, disguising callous guile as unabashed honesty only worsens the problem."
"Sorel, I'm not disguising it as honesty," Dam said. "Because I lie often. Very often. And I'm much, much nicer when I lie. Get to the point," the rogue said, switching his gaze from sorel to gail, then back to the older man.
Gail sighed. It was obvious this was not going well. "Well, sir, we were thinking that we could aid you in areas out of your expertise. Sorel would mediate inter-party conflicts, as he shown great aptitude in understanding and dealing with the problems of others, and I could be the public face, generally to deliver your edicts and raise group morale. Of course, the plan would need your approval, sir, as you are the head of this expedition."
"You've got to be kidding me..." Dicem said, shaking his head. "So you two think I'm so bad I need not one but two public speakers?"
"One public speaker, one private speaker," Sorel counters. "And yes."
"No way in hell," Dam said. "You really want me to try and be 'nice', I can give it a shot. But I'm not going to be censored just because Derrik stuck me with half a group of soft-hearts."
Sorel sighs. "We're not asking to censor you. We're asking you to see that a lighter touch is better for group morale and thus group performance."
"I'm not going to baby anyone, Sorel," the rogue said. "Telling them 'oh, it's okay, just do better next time' isn't going to do any good for them. If you screw up, I'm going to make sure you know it so it doesn't happen again."
"Once again, you miss the point," Sorel says, "There is a middle ground, whether or not you will take it. It is possible to be honest, to criticize, and yet to inspire, to unite, and to better. A leader must do all of these things to be of any worth, rather than just a bean counter and a strategist."
"I said no, Sorel. I will talk to them myself, and that's final," Dam said. "You and Gail want to play counselor, do it, but I'm not going to be some figurehead because you don't like my attitude. Now is there anything else you need?"
"The Reincarnation spell failed," Sorel says.
"Why?" the rogue asked.
Gail looks at Sorel with surprise. "What?"
Sorel shakes his head. "I cannot say. There are any number of possible reasons, from the unwillingness of the spirit to the blocking of the magic itself."
"I'd say it's the former," the orange haired youth said, snorting. "Out of eighteen people, he's the only one who refused to answer my questions. Even Tanis didn't give me hell."
Sorel smiles at that, but says nothing.
"Look... I have things to take care of," Dam said. "There'll be another meeting later. In the meantime, get Stoltz and Ombligo and see what information you can gather.
Gail, go visit your house or tend to whatever personal matters you need to. I want everyone at the inn around eight."
Gail merely bows to Dam, keeping her thoughts locked to herself. "Yes, sir." She then leaves the secluded spot, her brow furrowed.
"Gail, one more thing," Dam said.
Gail turns back to Dam, silent.
"This is your home. So I want you gathering info from the locals too. And I need you to set up a meeting with the mayor for me; before we go, I want to make sure Ribble doesn't go through what Hassan did." And with that the rogue departed, pulling the hood of his cloak over his head as he moved.
Sorel sighs heavily. "I cannot say that I am surprised."
"Of course, sir," Gail answers, shaking her head as he walks away. "I expected resistance, but...He is truly paranoid about his leadership."
Sorel shakes his head. "You read too much into it. It is not paranoia. It is pride."
"How much pride can one person have, to disregard the lives of others so easily?" She continues to watch him go before turning back to Sorel. "We soon get to our work; we don't know how long we have until they arrive."
Sorel nods. "Tonight, then."
Gail nods before leaving the site, heading toward the mayor's office.

Posted by: Cyrus Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:04 am
Gail approaches what from her memory would be the mayor's office, giving three slight taps on the wooden door. "Yes?" comes the voice of a young man. : "Hello, is this the mayor's residence?" "Ah, yes it is," the door opens to reveal a man with messy brown hair, and eyes. He looks around 27 years old. "May I help you?"
Gail is slightly surprised by the man's appearance. He couldn't be... "Ah, excuse me, but do you know where the mayor would be at this hour? I need to speak to him."
"Oh. Then your needs are met, I guess. That was easy..."
Gail merely blinks as the pieces fall into place. "Oh! I'm sorry about that, I didn't expect someone quite so young. May I come in?"
"Er, sure, sure... Was there something else you needed?" the man asks, admitting Gail.
: "Well, sir, there are a number of pressing issues I would like to discuss with you, but unfortunately, I am only here to set up an appointment with you with the leader of our expedition."
"Oh, all right. Tommorrow OK? Noon? Lunch?" the mayor asks.
: "Tomorrow might be too late. Time is of the essence for these matters. Could it be sometime today?"
"Er, let me see..." the mayor says, staring off into space for a moment. "It'd have to be in an hour."
: "That should be fine."
"OK... See you then, I guess," the mayor says, shrugging.
: "Thank you, sir. You will not regret this." I hope. With that, she excused herself, leaving the residence to scour the town for Dam.
[After she finds Dam, she'll go Information hunting. 22 was the total result.]

Posted by: Alpha Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:12 pm
((Tanis dontated 1,000 gold pieces.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:36 pm
((I'll pass on the rapier -- thanks for breaking it down Arc))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jun 09, 2006 6:07 pm
Far above the town, grim eyes watch as the Paladin visits the house of the dashing young man. Coventry sighs heavily, leaning against the chimney of the house he stands upon with a frown as he watches the conversation. "What's that slut up to..." He shakes his head and looks out over the rest of the town, spotting various members of the expedition going about their business.
[Spot: 7 + 4 = 11]
Then he reaches into his pouch and pulls out a single ruffled feather. He stares at it for a moment, then sighs and releases it into the wind, "Sorry." The feather drifts away in the wind as Coventry watches it silently.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Jun 09, 2006 6:20 pm
Sorel enters the tavern, a weary expression on his face. He sees the cloaked form of Kayla seated alone at a table and joins her. : "Hello, Kayla." Kayla looks up. : "Oh, hello Sorel." : "How are you faring this morning?"
: "The wound aches a bit, and I'm weary, but I'm fine." Kayla takes a sip of her juice. "And how are you?"
: "I am doing well," Sorel says, smiling slightly, "A little drained, but none the worse for wear." He casts a glance about. "Have you been to Ribble before?"
: "No, I haven't."
: "It is a nice enough place," Sorel replies, "A quiet town to be sure, with all the trappings of one. You seem like one who values her privacy," he remarks, gesturing to her drawn hood.
: "Oh, that... I've only removed it for two people thus far. Dam Dicem, and Kria. Even then I was...a little hesitant."
Sorel's expression is thoughtful.
: "Are you ashamed of your face?"
: "Well, you could say that..."
Sorel nods.
: "It is understandable, I think, to mask that which may do you harm. Would you agree?"
: "I suppose..."
: "You said that only Dicem and Kria have seen your face. Do you believe, then, that showing it to the rest of us would do us harm?"
: "It's not that, Sorel." Kayla sighs. "I fear that it will bring negative attention. Dicem and Kria didn't seem to care, though..."
: "Dicem doesn't seem to care about anything," Sorel notes, "And Kria actively uses fiendish power in battle. I doubt there is much that could shock her."
: "I have this feeling that hiding like this makes the party think that I don't like them or trust them. I haven't gotten the time to know any of you really well yet, so that's why I might not trust everyone completly."
: "I understand," Sorel says. "However, if you have the courage to stand and battle fiends, you have the courage to make that first step. Trust is like a dance, one in which everyone wishes to take part but no one wishes to lead."
: "You are indeed a wise man, Sorel." Kayla finishes her juice and puts the empty glass down onto the table. "I should be able to trust my comrades with something like this."
Sorel smiles broadly.
: "You see? You have the courage, Kayla."
Kayla decides that now might be a good time to reveal herself. She reaches up and pulls the hood back, dark red hair spilling out over her shoulder. Kayla is pale skinned, and has pale blue eyes with slits in them. Other than that, and what appear to be fangs, she is quite beautiful.
: "There, I removed the hood."
: "Do you feel better?"
: "Actually, I do feel better."
Sorel smiles.
: "I am glad. You have taken the first step, and now I will respond with my own. Should you ever be wanting for counsel or advice, do not hesitate to come to me." He stands. "There's to be a meeting tonight, at eight o'clock. If we do not meet again before then, we shall tonight." He bows slightly. "Farewell, Kayla."
Kayla smiles.
: "Thank you Sorel. Farewell."

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:57 pm
*Ombligo, refreshed from the first night he had with plenty of rest, bustles over to Gail.* : "So, you're from Ribble?" Gail smiles broadly as Ombligo floats over to her, and nods at his question. : "I haven't been back in a long time, though. It's good to see that a lot hasn't changed."
: "Yeah, I haven't been around here in a while, either. I first met Sorel here, but he had to leave the village, because he punished a bad guy, but would end up looking like the bad guy in doing so."
Gail's brow furrowed in concern.
: "Punished? Who was punished? What happened?"
: "Oh, there was this bad orphan keeper, or worker, in town that was being mean to the orphans. Sorel didn't seriously hurt him or anything, he just knocked him out and made this big storm to scare 'em, I guess. And I saw the storm and rushed over to see what it was all about, since I could tell it wasn't a natural storm."
Gail's eyes widen in surprise, before she sighs dejectedly.
: "Seems things have changed since I've been gone. Father Joseph would've never allow things to degrade that far."
Her brow then furrows. Seems his temper can still get the best of him, even without the doctor to help it along.
: "Oh, how long ago did you leave here? It was only recently when it happened."
"I left five years ago," Gail says, her eyes turning away as her face shifts into a grimace. "I knew my purpose, my destiny, and I simply left everything else behind. I came back around half a year ago, but...It was a short visit, and I left worse off than I came. I haven't been back since." Gail goes back to the magic creature. "How long ago did this happen, exactly?"
: "I think that was...three months ago in human years...I was four at the time."
: "Then yes, I would have missed that. You wouldn't happen to know what the consequences were of that incident?"
: "Um...I think Sorel just had to leave the village, or at least he wanted to."
: "I was more referring to the man that he...frightened, or his charges, but I suppose you wouldn't know about that, would you?"
: "All I know is that he was a bad man that was being mean to the orphans."
Gail nods before bringing her left hand to her mouth, her teeth setting in their familiar position on her lower lip. She seems to be thinking for a while before speaking again.
: "Do you know what the man looked like? Did you get a look at his face?"
: "Sorry...I didn't really get a good look at him. It was really early, but still pretty dark."
Gail sighs.
: "It's alright. Perhaps Sorel would know...or even maybe Farain..."
: "OK. But yeah, that's how I met Sorel...He's been traveling with Mahler and I ever since."
"Sounds like quite the story," Gail says simply. She then goes silent for a small while before saying, "I was going to the inn to gather some info, but why don't you come along? I could use some company."
: "Sure!"
: "Well, let's go, then."
With that, Gail and Ombligo head off to the inn.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Jun 09, 2006 8:08 pm
Langston walked along the streets, evidence of minor fatigue dragging below his eyes. The rat yawned as he walked, clearly bored. "Hey there," Graigus said, staff in hand as he walked. "You did a good job on the boat." Gail, making her way to the local inn/tavern/hangout, spies Langston and Graigus, giving a light wave and a smile as she approached.
The rat smiled, teeth peeking a bit through before he replied with "I'm just happy to be of some use, that's all." He waved a furry hand to Gail when he spotted her.
*Ombligo floats along not far behind Gail, approaching the group.* "Hey, everyone!"
Kayla leaves the tavern shortly after her conversation with Sorel. Some fresh air would be good for her, especially in her current condition. Kayla spots the others in the distance and decides to approch. "Hello."
"Hello, all," Graigus said. "Is everyone alright after the fight?"
Ombligo: "Oh, I wasn't feeling too good after the fight, but I'm feeling great now!"
With a barely audible whoosh, Lunauga descends from a nearby tree, landing on Ombligo's shell.
"Yeah... the crab almost got you," the monk said, stepping back suddenly as the owl landed.
*Ombligo giggles, one tentacle reaching up to pet the owl.*
Lunauga twitches affectionately.
"Couldn't be better," Gail says, right before a small yawn escapes her. "Well, I guess I could use some rest, but otherwise, I'm fine."
"The wound has mostly healed. I'm still a little bit soar, but I'm feeling better than I was after the fight." Kayla smiles slightly, wondering if anyone has noted her.
"Hey, this beats the pants off of the last town we were in," Langston added, before a look of worry came to his face as if he wondered if he had, perhaps, spoken a bit too soon.
Sorel strides into view, looking rejuvenated. "Hello, everyone."
"Hello Sorel."
"Hey, gramps," he said, with a wave.
"That's good to hear," the dwarf said, nodding to both women before Sorel arrived. "Hello to you too, Sorel."
"I'm glad to hear my hometown has your approval," Gail says to Lang before waving to Sorel.
He turned to Gail. "It does, if you don't mind my saying so. I like what you've done with it."
Sorel smiles as he surveys those assembled. "You all look like you could benefit from a long night in a soft bed."
Ombligo: "Well, it's probably better than sleeping on that cold, hard raft."
Kayla looks to Gail. "This is your hometown? It's nice..."
"Yeah, actually... some sleep wouldn't be bad, although I don't know if it has to be in a bed to be good," Graigus noted.
Gail's eyes move to Kayla, a slight feeling of tension running up before she responds. "Yes, it...it's a nice place to live. Nothing much really happens around here, so it can get slightly boring, though."
"I was always partial to napping under a tree," Sorel says, "As a boy, many a summer afternoon I'd doze off with a book in my lap beneath a hanging oak."
"We used to go out and sleep in the wild sometimes, when I was still at the monastery," the monk noted. "Sleeping in the trees with the monkeys isn't bad at all. After a while, you get to feel like one."
"It beats sleeping with monkeys in a tent, I'm sure."
"A bed sounds nice right about now," Gail comments, wondering how her room at the order is being kept. Gail then looks to Graigus with surprise. "In the trees? That must take a fair bit of balance to pull off."
"Well, yeah... it's not easy at first, but you learn to tumble and roll with the monkeys," the dwarf said, nodding.
He eyed Kayla in some bewilderment; the woman had gone out of her way to disguise herself up to this point it seemed, and it surprised him to see her with her hood down so casually in the middle of town.
"My master once told me a story about a monk and monkeys, actually... anyone care to hear it?"
Ombligo: Sure!"
Sorel nods. "I'm always up for a good story."
"Particularly when it's full of monkeys. Can only be gold there," he added.
"Sounds like a fun way to pass the time."
"Well, there was once a young man who liked ale a little too much," he began. "He was thrown into jail for fighting in a bar. No locks on the door or bars on the window, but he was afraid to leave anyway. He spent a day or so there before he saw three monkeys living in a tree near the gate. And these monkeys were just as bad as the prisoner; they would drink ale all the time, and used to fight the guards if they got too close." As if to explain, he twirled his staff and swung it, stepping back when necessary to avoid hitting anyone. "Mugs, branches, their arms... whatever they could use, they did, and between their reach and their acrobatics no one could get rid of them. Eventually," Gragus continued, "the young man started to watch them. He saw how they moved, how they used reach and balance to overcome men easily twice or three times their size. And once he figured it out, he strolled out of the jail and went home. Not before he beat the monkeys, of course," the monk added. "According to my master, that's the way his fighting style came about."
Ombligo: "Alcohol makes him stronger??" *Ombligo says in confusion, rubbing his shell.*
"I don't think so," Langston spoke, pausing to think before continuing. "The morale of this story is that monkeys...well...they do more than fling their own poo at each other. One can learn a great deal from a wise monkey, after all." He scratched the fur on his head and chuckled. "What great monkeys."
"Clever rats are nothing but trouble, though."
He grinned at Sorel. "Yeah, if we ever meet a rat with half a brain I'd be wary of it," he quipped.
"Maybe I'm not such a good storyteller," Graigus said, frowning, before brightening at Langston's statement. "Yeah, that's what he meant when he told us that, I think."
"It was a good story," Sorel says, "Your master sounds like a very wise man."
"And this is the point where you tell us you've been secretly studying this ancient art of monkey mauling?" Gail asks, a sly smile on her face.
"Yeah... he used to remind me of that story whenever I started having trouble; part of the reason he taught me how to use a staff was because he used to call me his little drunken monkey. Haha," the dwarf said. "I've got the drinking part down, but not so much the mauling. I still have a ways to go to be anywhere as skilled as my master."
Ombligo: "I didn't know monkeys were so good at fighting - or even that they drank alcohol."
"Sounds like these monkeys refuse to be mauled anyway," he noted, grinning. "If you swing at them, they're probably all like.." and at that point the rat faked as if he were dodging an attack before executing a relatively easy looking backflip followed by a twirl as he landed. "Like that. You can't hit a crazy flipping monkey, I bet." ((25 Tumble))
"You will find this skill, in time, I think," Sorel says, "You are on the right path and moving steadily onward."
Tossing his staff in the air, Graigus dropped to the ground, sweeping the feet out from under an imaginary opponent before executing a handstand. Walking backwards, he positioned himself to catch the falling staff in between his feet. ((30))

Posted by: Cyrus Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:08 pm
"You can't hit what you can't catch," the monk agreed, balancing on one hand to grab the quaterstaff with the other before again settling on his feet.[/COLOR][/B] Gail seemed about to respond, but merely watched the series of acrobatic feats in astounded, appreciative silence.
"I don't know if I'll do quite as well again, but I'll try," Graigus said. (4+11=15 Tumble)
"Hey, nice..." the rat studied the movements carefully. "So in your training the acrobatics are linked heavily with combat. Only recently I've started incorporating my routines into combat. Especially since guys like me don't have to worry about getting their tails kicked at the top of a tent."
"It's important, yes," the monk said, using the staff as a brace as he executed a cartwheel. Such use of your skills - which I think are easily better than mine - let you remain in close combat while not being injured. Combined with the proper assistance from allies, you could easily overwhelm an enemy much larger than yourself, like I did with the scrags earlier. Though my father would not be happy to learn I let one of those creatures lay a claw on me," he said, frowning, before Coventry's words interrupted his thoughts."
Abruptly, a voice calls down from atop one of the nearby buildings, "Sorel! I say, Sorel, can you hear me?" High above, the face of Coventry can be seen staring down from the rooftop, "I seem to be stuck, do you think you could help me down?" He sighs in a distressed manner, "I asked the cat to show me more of her powers and she stuck me up here."
"Well, that makes me look rather lazy," Gail says, rubbing the back of her head. "All I do is swing a sword, really."
Ombligo: "I could fix this. Just don't resist, OK?"
Kayla looks up at Coventry, her eyebrow raised.
Langston nodded, before his hand went to the rope casually slung about his shoulders.
Coventry nods, "Yes, yes... Just don't put me somewhere unpleasant like the cat did."
Gail then turns a glaring eye to Coventry's antics, sighing heavily.
Sorel nods to Ombligo. "You're in good tentacles, Doctor."
"Your sword skills are a good thing," the monk said. "I never really showed much aptitude with swords or axes, which is part of the reason I went to the monastery."
Ombligo: "Hey, Sorel, how about he switches with Lunauga? But Lunauga will have to get off me first. I don't want Coventry sitting on me!"
Sorel taps his staff upon the ground, and Lunauga flies to it. Another tap and it rests upon the ground.
Gail: "To each his own, then. Your profession seems to be suited for you."
The Doctor frowns, "Wait...wait... You want me to switch places with the chicken? What if something goes wrong?" He looks at himself, "I don't want feathers...."
*Ombligo floats up and down.* Ombligo: "Nothing will go wrong! OK! One Ombligo-super-swap coming right up!" *Ombligo points to Lunauga with one tentacle and to Coventry with the other.*
Langston: "Well, I could climb up there if you'd like."
"Indeed. I'm a bit parched; I'm going to see what ales the tavern deals in," Graigus said, bowing before attempting a backflip as he raised. He managed to complete the somersault, but landed on his knee. Standing, he said "I'll talk to you all again."
*He swirls his tentacles and then switches their positions.* Ombligo: "Abracadabra!"
"I'll be looking forward to it," Gail answers back, waving as the monk leaves.
*Instantly, Coventry and the owl swap locations.*
Coventry stumbles back and looks around in wonder, "Amazing... I don't feel any different at all..."
"Really? The feathers don't itch?" Sorel says.
"A pity..." Gail comments, throwing a look to the doctor.
Ombligo: "Looks like I'll have to try harder next time..."
Coventry shakes his head, "No...actually, they're surprisingly comfortable." Coventry catches the look and tosses it back.
Kayla runs a hand through her hair and looks at Coventry, then Ombligo.
The Doctor straightens his coat, looking at Kayla for a moment, then sighs, "Well... Thank you, Ombligo." He shakes his head, "What were all of you talking about? Something to do with acrobatics?"
"Alcoholic monkeys, really," Sorel says, pointing his staff at the retreating form of Graigus.
Langston: "That know martial arts, even."
Ombligo: "That can beat up creatures three times their size, too."
Gail: "Apparently, monkeys are an invaluable resource inlearning martial arts."
Coventry frowns, "Ah yes... Mister Enlightenment..." He chuckles, "Well, I have skills as well. I can get clobbered by creatures three times smaller than me."
Sorel withdraws a broad, flat leaf from his pouch. Splitting it down the middle, he folds it and brings it to his lips. A piercing whistle and Lunauga swoops from the rooftop onto Sorel's shoulder.
["Trees are damn sexy." >.> <.<]
"I think we're all well aware of your skill, doctor," Gail says, her voice indifferent.
Coventry nods, "...and for my part I hope that we remain equally unaware of yours."
Sorel frowns at Coventry. "I am eternally grateful for Gail's skills," he says. "It was she who brought me from the brink of death in Hassan."
Gail makes no reply, choosing only to glare.
Ombligo: "Yeah, Gail's good!" *Ombligo adds, defensively.*
Coventry smiles kindly at Gail in reply.
Gail quirks an eyebrow at the doctor's smile, before heaving a sigh. "You never give up, do you?"
Coventry shakes his head and instead of answering, turns and starts to walk away.
Sorel looks askance at Gail.
Gail watches as he wanders off, a grimace on her face. "Excuse me," she says, and begins to go after him.
"Ok..." Kayla quirks a brow.
"Someone's 'bout to get shot out of the cannon," Langston joked, failing miserably.
Ombligo: "Yeesh! You guys dislike each other way too much!" *Ombligo shouts so that both can hear it.* Ombligo: "Stop acting like devils and demons. Let's just be happy, or at least get along!"
Coventry abruptly cartwheels to the side with a grin.
Kayla looks down slightly at the mention of devils and demons.
Gail stops aburptly, watching as the healer cartwheeled to the side. Her startled look is replaced with a quirked eyebrow as she tilts her head in confusion.
Coventry then rolls to a standing position and begins brushing off his hands, "Ombligo, I'm offended by your accusation. I don't dislike anyone on this expedition..." He frowns, then smiles darkily, "Well...there is one person..."
Ombligo: "Who?"
Langston: "That pesky tumbling rat, no doubt. This is more drama than the bearded lady and the elephant man fighting over the last piece of cake."
Coventry chuckles, "Do you really want to know?"
Ombligo: "Yeah. Why keep any secrets?"
Coventry grows silent looking at Ombligo in wonder.
Gail looks at Ombligo before looking away. Her left hand shoots to her mouth as she begins to chew on her lower lip.
Coventry frowns slightly at this, then a knowing smile crosses his lips, "Well..." He turns to face the magical creature, "...some of us have things worth hiding, perhaps to avoid embarrassment or because knowing can at times be a heavy burden which we want to keep from others." His eyes grow distant, as if he remembering something, ...or...some of us might carry secrets that can lead to hatred and rejection if they were known." He chuckles, "You've never kept anything secret?"
Ombligo: "Umm..." *Ombligo rubs the lower part of his face, which could only be his chin.* Ombligo: "Not really!...Except for when I'm gambling."
Coventry grins, "You gamble?" His grin widens, "Then you certainly understand another reason to keep secrets... They give one an advantage."
Ombligo: "Why are we trying to gain an advantage over our allies? We're not working against each other here. We're allies."
Coventry shakes his head, "Will we always be allies?" He looks to the east, "We serve gold, because of this some day we might find ourselves on opposite sides of a battle." He sighs, "Neither side wrong, neither side unjust... Yet fighting none the less, until you fight for something other than gold you certainly run that risk." He smiles grimly, “Some might say that you always run that risk no matter what master you serve." Coventry stretches down to reach his toes, "...and what if you knew something about me, a weakness but didn't fully understand it's significance?" He slowly returns to standing, "You might reveal it to my enemies without meaning to. Thus better never to tell you at all."
Ombligo: "While I like gold, it's not the basis of my fighting here, and I'm sure others here aren't held captive by gold, too. If you're a future enemy, I can't trust you.
Do people always plan to be enemies, Sorel?"
Coventry arches an eyebrow, "You didn't come here for gold? Yet, as far as I know, none of us knew that we would be searching for the hero..."
"People hardly ever plan to be enemies, Ombligo. And ask yourself what harm trusting him can do, now, while we are allies."
Ombligo: "Well, I did. But that's not why now. Sorel said it'd be a good experience, gold aside, and I trust him. Sorel...When he talks like that, I can't trust him."
"So it’s impossible?" Coventry smirks.
Sorel: "Why? What has he done?"
Ombligo: "He's hiding something. Just like in gambling, you can't trust anyone that's hiding something - but of course everyone is hiding something in that, so you can't trust anyone. After all, they're all in it for themselves."
"No one lays the cards on the table until someone does," Sorel counters, "We can all be islands of mistrust, or we can risk the chance of hurt and trust each other."
Coventry chuckles, "I think you'll find that trust few of the expedition then..." He glances at Gail for a moment, then turns back to Ombligo, "However, just because I won't trust you with some things doesn't mean that I won't trust you with others..." He smiles, "Besides, trust has to be earned and the thought that I should trust you completely after only knowing you for a few days...is..." He smirks, "...childish?"
Ombligo: "But the way he said it, he's just in it for gold and that's it. What's stopping him from backstabbing us and swiping our gold in the middle of the night? Well...You and Mahler. But if you guys weren't here, would he?"
Ombligo: "Hmph! Maybe, but that's no reason to talk like that."
Sorel: "Do you think the doctor is evil, Ombligo?"
Coventry laughs, "I'm not in this for gold, I'm in this for experience." He shakes his head, "The gold is just a nice side. Keeping you saps alive provides me with plenty of experience...why would I kill you while you were sleeping?"
Ombligo: "No, but right now I don't think he's much better than our leader." *Ombligo states, bluntly.*
Coventry smiles, "Good, at least you're thinking now."
Kayla just remains silent for now, seeing no reason to speak unless she's brought into it.
He chuckles, "...but have you considered that if I was going to betray you, don't you think I would be nicer so you let your guard down?"
"Perhaps you would be rude simply so you could mount that defense?"
Ombligo: "Well, betrayal can be done either way. You'd just have to be arrogant to not do it the "nice" way. Or what Sorel said."
Gail merely watches the conversation. Her hand has lowered, and her lip has stopped moving, but she remains silent, listening to the main points and visibly tensing at a few key points.
Langston yawned.
Coventry chuckles darkly, "Well, I do like a challenge so perhaps I am out to get you?"
Sorel sighs. "Ombligo, do you want to be respected, trusted and treated as an equal and a peer?"
*Ombligo folds his arms.* Ombligo: "Maybe I should've left him up there...Well yeah, But what good is trust from a guy that I can't trust?"
"You don't have to trust him."
Coventry states firmly, "You shouldn't trust me until you have a reason to." He shakes his head, "It shouldn't matter how nice I am. You shouldn't trust anyone until they've proven themselves."
Sorel: "Haven't you?"
Coventry shakes his head, "No."
Sorel: "Explain."
Coventry replies, "I'm proven my skills as a healer not my trustworthiness."
Sorel tilts his head. "Define trustworthiness."
"Maybe I'm readin' into it too much or not enough, but it seems to me you just let Ombligo get you off the rooftop there." He scratched at the earring in his ear. "I feel like you had to trust him a little with that, I guess. Maybe. Er. Don't mind me. I just work here."
"Um, I'm going to go now..." Kayla says quietly.
Coventry looks at Kayla, "Why?"
"I would like to get some sleep before tonight’s meeting, if possible."
"Sleep well then..." Coventry glances back at the druid, "That I'd make sacrifices on your behalf?" He smiles, "The greater the sacrifice, the more trust you deserve."
Kayla nods and walks away.
Sorel: Have you not consistently risked life and limb to heal us when needed? Are you not, now, in mortal peril simply by virtue of being on this expedition?"
Coventry shakes his head, "Not really, I'm trusting my skills to keep me from harm. Now in a situation in which my skills were outmatched..." He smiles, "Then you know who your friends are."
"Would you?" Sorel says.
Coventry shrugs, "Depends on the situation..."
Sorel nods. "Go on."
Coventry smiles, "Where?"
Sorel: "Roughly how large a dragon would you charge in front of to heal Gail?"
Coventry smiles, "How could anyone say what they would do in such a situation? I'd be a fool to answer such a question without having first faced something of the sort..." He shrugs, "Perhaps I have more courage or cowardice than I know." He smiles, looking at Ombligo, "...or perhaps more arrogant."
Sorel: "Perhaps it is possible to have trust in something you have not tested. Perhaps faith is not simply ignorance in disguise."
Coventry looks at Sorel, "Perhaps...but not in my experience."
Sorel: "Well, thankfully, that is why you are here."
Coventry arches an eyebrow, "Indeed now?"
Gail looks at Sorel with confusion. "If it was dangerous enough that'd he'd have to get in front of me, then I wouldn't allow him to put himself in that kind of danger."
Coventry laughs, "You silly girl, you couldn't stop me."
Sorel looks at Gail steadily. "I would not have allowed you to leap into a trio of fiends to heal me. Indisposed as I was I was in no position to stop you."
Gail: "True. If straights were that bad, I couldn't stop much of anything, could I?"
Coventry sighs, "Not with that outlook..."
Gail can only smile sadly at the doctor's comments. "I guess not..." With that, the smile disappears, the stern look and furrowed brow returning. "Now then, I have work to finish. If you'll excuse me..." With that, she continues her trek to the inn.
Ombligo: "Yeah. I'm going with Gail. Bye." *Ombligo floats, following Gail.*
Coventry nods, "Farewell..." He glances at the others, "Well, I think I'll be off as well. Gold in the pocket means gold to be spent." He walks in the direction of the shops.

Posted by: Tarethen Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:21 pm
Upon arriving in Ribble, Farain was relieved to see that everything was as it should be. There were no signs of monster attacks or anything out of the ordinary. He let out a soft sigh, a smile creeping silently across his face as he stared at this home. Everything's okay... Thank goodness...
Farain stepped off of the raft, making his way into the town as he looked around. It was strange to see something peaceful again. Everyone seemed pretty much normal and in control. Crops were in tact, houses with okay as soon has little puffs of smoke bellowing from their chimneys. People were laughing, children playing, old biddies chattering. He was happy to be home. Once it all had sunk in that Farain was home again, the next thought that entered his mind was that of his parents. With a happy trot, the centaur started off to his parents house.
When he arrived, he was even more relieved to see that everything there was okay. He looked around the area and saw that things were in tact. There was wood laying around, some that was freshly cut and some that seemed as if it had been there for days. There were broken arrows about to show that his father had been practicing lately. In addition to all of that, there were a couple of chickens pecking about the yard. Why there were chickens, he didn't know.
After taking in the sighs of his old home, Farain made his way to the door. With a small sigh and a smile, he walked in, seeing his mother milling about. It took a second for it to register in his mother's mind who was standing at her door, but when it clicked, the excitement and joy on her face was astounding.
"Farain! Oh, thank goodness you're okay!" She nearly broke into a gallop to travel the short distance from her position to the door. With a single motion she wrapped her arms around her son's neck, squeezing tightly and repeating the same thing "Thank goodness, thank goodness..." She was even almost in tears.
"Mom! Mom! Calm down, you're choking me." Farain's arms were flailing slightly as he tried to pry his mother off of him and escape from her death grip.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm just so glad you're alright." This time, she was crying. He wiped her fingers under her eyes to get rid of the tears that were staining her face. "Come out of the doorway and come tell me what happened."
Farain made his way into the house, closing the door behind him and went to the living area, sitting down. His mother came in after him, her arms folding across her chest. "Look at you. You're all filthy. Just what have you been getting into?"
Farain shook his head, looking down at the floor. "Just... a lot of bad things. A lot of horrible things..."
His mother came into the living room after him, also sitting down. "I thought you were going to Hassen. Why are you back all of a sudden? Did you miss your boat? Don't tell me you overslept again?"
The centaur shook his head. "No... In fact, I've hardly gotten any sleep in quite a few days. A lot has just happened." He finally looked up at his father. "Do you know where dad is?"
Farain's mother thought for a moment. "He had some errands to run, he should be back shortly." As if he were magically summoned, Farain's father walked into the door. He was about to say something when he saw Farain sitting with his mother. "...Farain..." The centaur's father put down some things he had in his hand, still looking at his son. "I guess you want to talk with me. Come on, let's go outside."
Farain nodded and stood up, his mother grabbing him by the hand. "What's going on? Why can't you two talk in front of me?" Farain shook his hand free from his mother's grip, his head still down and his eyes still focused on the floor. "I'll tell you in a little while..." Farain's mother finally let him go, a look of concern on her face as Farain walked over to his father, both of them walking out the door. Once they were outside, they walked away from the door, moving to the area in the woods where it was clear; the place where they use to have target practice to teach Farain how to use a bow.
Farain finally looked up at his father, a look of anger burning within his eyes. "You lied to me. You told me that you wanted me to go to Hassan to find some master for me to apprentice under. That wasn't the reason you wanted me to go there. You knew that some jerk named Dam Dicem was there hiring people to fight in some war. You knew that something was going on, but you didn't tell me! You let your only son go off on some goose chase for some guy I've never heard of. Things I've never seen before were attacking the other people I was with. Pure evil devils... As he made our way back to Ribble, we were attacked by creatures of the water. Hags, trolls, nagas. One of the people in the party was killed and nearly almost eaten as we all fighting! How could you do this?!" Almost completely our of impulse, Farain had drawn his arm back, his hand balled into a fist as he swung his arm forward, punching his father in the face. His father stumbled back a little, holding his jaw as blood began to trickle from a newly formed wound in his lip.
Farain's father stood there for a moment, his face expressionless. He knew his son was angry, and he knew that he deserved that punch. He wiped some of the blood away on the back of his hand. "I thought it would be for your own good... I thought you'd be able to learn more than what I could teach you by being directly out on the battlefield."
The smaller centaur really didn't care. He pulled his hand back against, about to launch another blow to his father, but his father managed to catch Farain's arm this time. "Stop it! Hitting me won't do any good."
Farain tried to break free of his father's grip, but he wasn't strong enough. He finally pulled away, but this time, he didn't punch him. "What do you know about what is going on? I know that you know something! You always know something!"
Farain's father stayed silent for a moment before finally shaking his head. "I don't know anything, actually. I only heard about someone looked for skilled warriors to go on a mission. I figured it would do you good..."
Farain growled, giving his father a look of complete hate. "Well, it didn't do me good. Hassan was attacked not once, but almost three times by devils. Devils that I could barely hit with this god forsaken bow! I could barely help those people! I wasn't skilled enough to be any good!"
His father was calm. "But you're still alive. You're obviously not as bad as you thought you were."
Farain shook his head quickly, throwing his hands in the air and turning away from his father. "I'm alive because everyone else was so much better. I still can't believe you thought I was ready!"
"But you are."
Farain stayed silent. "What did you tell mom? She knew I was going somewhere, but obviously you didn't tell her where."
"Of course I didn't. She'd be worried sick and wouldn't let you go."
"Well, I wish I hadn't, now!" Farain shouted.
"Farain, calm down. Stop being so upset. You're fine. Your skill is where it should be, and you are not useless to those people. You're still alive and you relatively unharmed."
"Relatively unharmed? Ha! I may be relatively unharmed now, but the battle on the raft here showed that no one is safe anymore. Not the innocent, not the bad, and not even the skilled. These devils are strong, and frankly, I'm completely amazed Ribble isn't in ashes! I was really expecting to come back here to find you all dead!"
Farain's father stayed silent. "I'll give you some time to calm down. When you're ready, come home and stay with us until you leave again. You're mother wants to spend some time with you."
"...I want you to tell her. Tell her everything. What I said, what you did, and what is going on. She has a right to know what her son is doing and what sort of scheme her husband came up with." With that, Farain turned away and began walking away from his father.
"Farain! Farain! Come back here!"
Farain didn't, though. He kept on walking until he reached the town center. He wanted to be away from his father for a while, so he decided to take residence under a tree for a bit to possible calm his nerves.
((Don't mind any spelling errors. There are plenty.))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:44 am
((My new spell list (at last) : Level 0 : Resistance, Disrupt Undead, Disrupt Undead, Read Magic, Disrupt Undead Level 1 : Shield, Persistent Blade, Spirit Worm, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Chill Touch Level 2 : Death Armor, Blindness/Deafness, Light of Mercuria, Ghoul Touch, Bonefiddle
Level 3 : Mass Curse of Impending Blades, Mass Curse of Impending Blades, Dispel Magic, Halt Undead
And I'm really sorry for becoming so damn inactive))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:01 pm
Sorel wanders the streets of Ribble for a long while, finally stopping to come to rest under an enormous tree. He sits between two thick gnarled roots, while Lunauga swoops into its mass of intertwined branches to sleep. The old man leans his head back against the rough bark of the tree, closes his eyes, and begins to sing a slow, sad song in the tongue of woodland creatures.

Posted by: Aldur Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:16 pm
Kria blinked, listening to the song and looked down to find Sorel. She tilted her head, listening to the melancholy tune. She looked sorrowful, being able to understand the language the druid was speaking. She nimbly descended from the tree, standing to one side of Sorel.
"Wow...that's like, beautiful."
She responded in the same tongue he was singing in and smiled at him.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jun 11, 2006 4:12 am
Coventry strides through the town with a smug grin and troubled eyes, his pockets still filled with gold. [Listen: 18 + 4 = 22] As he makes his way, he pauses for a moment and looks around with a frown at some rather strange sounds. However, he then shrugs and continues on, "Must be feeding time at a farm around here or something..."
Reaching the tavern, he enters with a quiet smirk and looks around at its inhabitants. However, he only stays long enough to order a loaf of bread, which he pays for with a flourish, before leaving the building. Munching on bread, the Doctor now makes his way back towards the shops once more.

Posted by: Critical Mass Sun Jun 11, 2006 5:02 am
*Rots.*

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Jun 11, 2006 7:21 am
The song fades, seemingly on its own, and Sorel opens his eyes. He looks at Kria, his voice small and distant. : "I spent... thirty years of my life living in the shade of a tree very much like this one. I learned that song beneath it."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:41 am
Alone in a secluded spot in the town, Graigus's staff laced the air in random patterns. Eyes closed, he visualized not an enemy but a practice dummy from the temple. Steel yourself, my little drunken monkey, his master said, even as the dwarf's erratic strikes became increasingly more focused. Focus your movements. The world and those things in it are not moving obstacles to you; in comparison, they will be as this stuffed sack, inert and motionless. Only your actions matter... it is what you do that will shape your destiny.
Moving ever closer to a pile of rocks he'd stacked to his height, the monk's jabbed his staff at the air surrounding it, insterspersing the weapon attacks with kicks and punches. But as time continued, his mind wandered, drifting ever further from the serene place to which his consciousness had drifted. Sighing, he opened his eyes only long enough to perch himself in a tree, sitting cross-legged on a branch with the quarterstaff in his lap.
There are so many enemies now, master, Graigus thought, closing his eyes in meditation. I can't only worry about myself; if I do, something like what happened to Nail will happen to someone else. And that I could not bear, not when I left to keep such htings from happening. I only pray I learned well enough from your teachings, master...
=======
((The approximate value of the items was gone over on the raft ride to Ribble, for our convenience. Unable to haggle well, Dam only gets fair market value for the things he sold. Someone should also claim that Ring of Protection.
10 gold for a room for those who aren't part of the group fund.))
As night began to drag on, the group was gathered in the largest room the inn could provide. Dam again sat apart from the others, watching each person in the room until all had been gathered. Then, sighing, he took to his feet and spoke.
"Alright... before we get started, I need to say something. A lot of you don't like me, and I understand that. But I don't say things for my benefit; silence works fine for me. Last time I talked about group tactics, I noted that I didn't like how Kria and Nail decided to charge enemies when Arbeiten offered them a place to fall back to, injured as they were."
"Well, Nail decided he knew better. So he charged that troll and got ripped apart for it. Sorel's informed me that his reincarnation failed, so it seems that we're now down to a party of 18 people. His share of whatever money we get will go to the group fund."
"I cannot stress this enough," Dam said sternly. "None of us is invincible. No one - and I mean no one - should ever go at anything alone, much less whatever fiend may be leading the next band of raiders to come at us. If I see you even thinking about that, I'll kick your ass myself; it's a damn stupid way to die, and I will not stand for it."
"Now then," the orange-haired rogue said, "Tell me what information you all have gathered."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:54 am
Sorel steps forward. : "There has been no word of devil army movement near Ribble. It appears they were sidetracked at the Desert Shrine, a ruin a day west of Hassan guarded by an iron giant called Taros. There have been reports of devil attacks at the birdman city Bedoe and the centaur citadel Pacalon."

Posted by: Rusty Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:19 am
*Sorel, I'm going to hold my tongue in regards to his comments, but only for you. This apathetic leader is really getting on my nerves!!! Ombligo floats forward.* : "I learned that Max was seen here recently asking about some ruins to the south. He also met with the Paseran family, so I think that we should go there and investigate further on his possible whereabouts. Some think he decided to return to Hassan, but I think the Paseran family would have a better idea."
((And here's Gail's and Stoltz's
Local Ancient Ruins: There's a large tomb complex south of the city, and supposedly a big ruin under the town. In addition, many smaller ruins all around.
General: "Normally, we in Ribble are suspicious of outsiders, but you've got Gail AND Farain travelling with you... I guess you're OK."
"Ribble's not really much in the way of fighting or in the way of... anything. We're a bit removed from the beaten path, so we don't get hassled much by anyone. Still, we have no defenses, so we're a bit paranoid sometimes."
"Ribble's a town of scholars, mostly. A few tinkers too. Anyone that likes old things."
"It began in Manarina. It will end in Manarina. You'll see."
"Hey, what's with that guy in the corner you were just talking to! I swear he wasn't here a mome... GAH! Now he's gone!"
"Hey, I hear the elves in Devil's Tail are having a... heh... devil of a time fighting the Devil Army. Aha! The wit!"
"I enjoy plants."
"So far, kingdoms like Enrich and Thornwood have stayed out of the conflict. We at Ribble are trying our best to emulate them..."
"I don't understand how the Cult could've grown so big in such a small span of time... I'm convinced it didn't exist until a few years ago, but look at how many members it claims! At their geographical dispersal!
"How very odd... There seems to be a new star in the sky. Ooooo, I wish my telescope had a better range...Maybe it's an omen!"
"Hehehehehe... I found something special in an old temple I found! Eh? You want to see it? OK... Here! Look, it's a wand of passwall! This is gold for an archaeologist like me!"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:35 am
"We just came from Hassan... either we're blind, or he headed somewhere else. Gail, Farain, arrange me a meeting with the Paseran family so I can find out more about that myself. I want you two, as well as Sorel present when I talk to him." "As for the other rumors ... Gilliam, Stoltz, I understand you two know a good deal about the ancients. I want to take a look at those ruins before we go. I also want news about the matter in Devil's Tail as quickly as I can get it; I'll be damned if I let them move in on us unawares. The rest of you... we came into a decent sum of money, so it may take a couple days to get things enchanted. I expect we'll spend two more days here, maybe three at the most before we head off. Those of you with magic, look into picking up spells that would speed up our progress."
"Also..." the rogue said, looking at the druid and the paladin, "Sorel and Gail will be acting as mediators from time to time, when I can't talk to you all myself. Sorel is also the second-in-command of this expedition, so unless I say otherwise whatever he asks you to do should be considered just as binding as what I ask of you."
"Any questions?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:41 am
Blank, dumb shock is swiftly replaced by neutral resolve. Sorel says nothng.

Posted by: Aldur Sun Jun 11, 2006 12:34 pm
Oh I got a question for him alright, Hehehehehe...How many eldritch blasts does it take to humble an arrogant idiot? What an uncouth man. Honestly, Kria, why do you consort with such? Kria hid a giggle, the twin voices in her head making her laugh slightly. She then shook her head at Dam, indicating she had no questions

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jun 11, 2006 2:14 pm
Leaning aganist the wall at the back of the room, a vindicated smirk crosses Coventry's face as Sorel is declared second in command. After a moment, the Doctor raises his hand, "Excuse me, governor, there are a few matters that I want to bring up. First, since the reincarnation failed...we'll be constructing a funeral pyre and burning the wing as I believe is customary for Nail's people." He shakes his head slightly, "I think it might be better if someone rather than me said words so if any of you feel so inclined..." He adjusts his glasses, "However, don't think we're giving up just yet. I'm keeping some feathers from the wing in hopes that we can find someone who can cast true resurrection at some point in the future." He then sighs, "The next matter is that of spell components... The reincarnation spell cost nearly a thousand gold. In the future, at least for me, the cost for such expensive components will be charged to the person benefiting from the spell... In most cases, I believe that this will mean the party fund will handle the cost. As such, I'll check beforehand with Dicem...or Sorel..." He smirks slightly, "However, let's hope that we won't have a need to cast such a spell again." He glances at Tanis, then back at Dicem, "Ohhh... On another note, are we still suppose to sleep in a group? I can imagine that certain members would want to stay with relatives in town?"

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sun Jun 11, 2006 2:59 pm
((This discussion happened before the meeting in the inn)) Tanis walks to the side of one house and leans against it, providing him with a good spot to think. Right now he was considering the task Doctor Coventry had set him. What questions to ask to get a decent feel of the casters scope for potential? He thought back over the battles he’d participated in so far with Ombligo, Kria and Morgan.
It was blatantly obvious of Ombligo’s love for electricity and lightning bolts. And he couldn’t recall Ombligo casting any support spells so far. Tanis approved of this. Being a warmage, he was bound to think more of powerful, offensive magic than those who cast support spells. Kria, as far he knew, didn’t have much access to any support-like invocations. Just “point and blast” as she put it. Still, it’d be useful to know what her range of abilities was. Last and perhaps least came the necromancer. Most of the spells Tanis had seen Morgan cast hadn’t been terribly effective, damage wise. Out of the three arcane casters, he’d probably be the best one to act as a support mage.
Morgan leaves the inn and heads for a calm area in town to meditate over yesterday's events.
Still leaning against the side of the building, Tanis decided that he'd gone over the others' capabilites enough to start asking questions. Pushing away from the wall and standing up straight, he looked around to see if Ombligo, Morgan or Kria was in the imminent area. As if on cue, Morgan exits the inn at that moment.
“Morgan!” Tanis calls. “Do you mind if I talk to you for a while?” And with that he walks over to the necromancer.
Morgan stops and looks in Tanis' direction as he draws nearer. "Good day, Tanis..." He says absently, his mind being focused on another matter.
Instead of jumping straight to the point, Tanis puts his mind back to their previous conversation. “How are you today? Still worrying about group relationships?”
"Fine, fine..." He replies him. The young man only pay half-attention over the catfolk's question, still caught in a deep thought about the last battle.
"How? How did Nail not realise?... This was far too dangerous to engage them all by himself . hmm... a shame, really. To lose a traveling-companion so early in this quest... "
Tanis notices that Morgan is side tracked. Thinking that getting straight to the point would be more effective, he says, “Well anyway, it’s been suggested that I interview the arcane casters of the group and get a better understanding of our abilities. You’re the first I’ve come across, so you I’ll start with you if that’s ok?
Tanis' comment suddenly makes him come back to reality, as soon as the purpose of his arrival is mentioned. For a few moments, he's inwardly taken by surprise, though it's not perceptible on his face. He looks back at the catfolk impassively "Who needs this information, may I ask?"
Tanis looks at Morgan straight in the eye as he answers. “Nobody needs the information. It’s just been suggested to me by Doctor Coventry to find out the scope each caster’s abilities.”
Morgan sustains the catfolk's gaze silently for a while, thinking to the consequences of what would be revealed of him after this discussion. "What will be their reaction if they ever learn about it? I can't keep it secret forever but... Hmm... right...." He finally answers Tanis in a slow and calm voice : "Alright... what do you want to know?" He stares at him suspiciously.
Tanis kept eye contact with Morgan, trying to guess what was hidden behind that stare. “I’d just like to know what sorts of spells are available for you to cast. As you know, I’m an offensive caster. I’m sure you’ve seen Ombligo’s skill with lightning bolts. I wanted to ask you if you have many support spells in you repertoire, because we will need a support caster.” He pauses momentarily. “And from what I’ve seen so far, you could likely be the one to fill that spot.”
"Hmm... I can ward off evil in different ways." He pauses, reconsidering his answer, “I’m more specialised in weakening our opponents than protecting our comrades though."
Tanis considers this. “So, you’re saying that you have very few ally support spells? Just, more enemy detriment spells,” he asked. “Not even the occasional haste to throw around?”
"Exactly." The young wizard answers.
Tanis was rather disappointed by this. Still, it can’t be helped. Perhaps Ombligo would have some support spells hidden under his lightning bolts Tanis thought with an inward smile. “Ah well, not to worry I suppose. Perhaps you could pick one or two up as you progress in power? It’d certainly be helpful.”
"Yes, I suppose I shall see what I can do for it along the way." he says.
“Ah good. Now, finally, you say you specialise in weakening opponents. But, how about damaging opponents?”
"That's all depending on the opponents we'll be facing in the future. Some of my spells are more efficient against certain type of creatures while others have equal effect on any kind." He pauses, remembering an important point of his training, "I'm also focusing on the way to improve other casters' spells power by metamagic, though you can't consider it as a concrete support yet. I need to study this domain a bit more in order to develop this power."
“Ah you can use metamagic also? Very useful indeed. I’m hoping to master some of those techniques myself soon.” With that, Tanis intended to finish the conversation. Then, “Wait, what types of creatures? The ones that some of your spells are more efficient against?” he asks.
"Evil creatures and undead." He replies softly.
“Ah, excellent!” Tanis replies with some enthusiasm. “Considering what we’ve heard about the Chaos Cult and stuff, there’s lots of undead and evil creatures around. Having a caster with spells that’ll be effective against them will be most useful indeed I expect.” He pauses and smiles. “Well, that’s all I really need to know. Thanks for answering my questions.”
The wizard slightly shakes his head in approval : "Alright. Have a nice day." He says. He then leaves the warmage and seeks for a quiet area to organize his thought.
Tanis looks at the slowly departing wizard. “Oh, don’t forget, there’s a meeting in the inn shortly. Make sure you’re there.” And with that, Tanis heads back to the inn.

Posted by: Alpha Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:50 pm
((this is just after Tanis' conversation with Morgan, so still before the meeting)) Feeling glad that the interview with Morgan had gone easily, Tanis headed inside the tavern to look for either Ombligo or Kria, to ask them similar questions he’d asked Morgan.
*Ombligo finishes paying for his room for the night. He spots Tanis enter the inn and approaches him.*
: "Hey, Tanis! Here to pay for your room, too?"
Tanis span around to see Ombligo, and once more he couldn’t help smiling at how charming he was.
: “I’m not entirely sure Ombligo. I am uncertain if I have to or not, as I put money into the group fund.” He shrugs noncommittally. “Whatever the case, you can be sure I won’t be sleeping outside.”
: "Oh, you actually trusted the leader with that? Well, you should be set then."
Tanis shrugs again.
: “No, I wouldn’t say I trust him. Just that I saw no harm in contributing. Especially if it would prove to be beneficial in the future. I gather you didn’t contribute?”
: "Nope! I know how to handle my money, so I don't need some sneaky guy like him holding onto it."
Tanis nods.
: “Fair enough. After all, it’s everyone’s free choice whether they do or not. And how is it you know how to handle your money?” he asks. “Have you had practise?” he adds with a smile.
: "Hehe! Well, I actually gamble for a living, or used to. It's pretty fun!"
Tanis’ eyes widen slightly at this.
:“Really?” he asks. “Coincidence really, but I used to a little also. Not with real money, but it was encouraged to have a pastime when I was training. Not that we had much free time as it was. But, as you say, it certainly can be fun.”
: "Hehe. My specialty is bluffing. Not even Sorel can tell what cards I have!"
: “Well, considering you’re talking about Sorel, that must be quite impressive,” Tanis says. “Perhaps when there’s some free time you and I could play. With others of course, if they want to.”
*Ombligo bobs up and down excitedly.*
: "Sure! It'll be fun!"
Tanis laughs with good natured amusement.
: “It would indeed, I daresay.” He pauses for a moment, and then says; “Ombligo, would you mind me asking you some questions about your spellcasting abilities?”
: "Sure. What about 'em?"
: “Well, I’ve noticed that you’re particularly good at causing damage with your spells, lightning bolts being the prominent one that shows up. I was just wondering if you have any support spells available to cast, amid those offensive ones you’ve been using to good effect.”
: "Um...Yeah, I have a few support and utility spells. I do specialize in electric spells, and pretty much anything else that's involved with storms, because I loooove storms! But...yeah, you probably saw Mahler switch with Graigus in the middle of battle, right? I can swap people like that."
: "Oh wait...I'm sorry..." *Ombligo says, remembering Tanis wasn't with the group in that battle...*
Tanis winced at the memory of that battle. The memory of the pain still hadn’t left him. He shook it aside though, and said;
: “No, I didn’t. But from the sounds of it, it has great potential to be useful. And I greatly approve of your speciality with electricity. One thing though, what sort of support spells do you have? A haste spell perhaps?”
: "No, but Sorel has something like one. It's not haste, but it's similar."
: “Hmm. I’m sure that’d be helpful too. So mainly, you’re best at blasting the enemies?” Tanis asked. “Well, good on you. It appears then, that if we were to have a support caster, it wouldn’t be you I expect. Unless you wanted to be?” he adds with a smile.
: "Any support I have is to be done prior to battle. That's more or less why you haven't seen me cast anything else...We've always been caught off guard."
: "But there's another reason I use the same spells over and over again, and Sorel discovered this. The more I use the same spells in succession, the more potent they become! Isn't that cool?"
Tanis can’t help but smile again at the boundless enthusiasm Ombligo seemed to possess.
: “Yes,” he replied. “That is indeed pretty cool. And potent as well I expect.”
He pauses for a moment, wondering if there’s anything that needed to be asked still. Deciding that there was not, he said,
: “Well, thanks for your time Ombligo. It’s always fun talking to you. Unless there’s anything you want to ask me, I’ll go and find Kria.”
*Ombligo thinks for a minute, but can't think of any topic to discuss.*
: "Um...Nope! I can't think of anything. Take it easy, Tanis!"
: “I will Ombligo. Same to you of course. Remember that we should test our gambling skills against each other sometime.” With that, the catfolk walks off and looks for Kria.

Posted by: Aldur Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:14 pm
As he walks past the tree in the centre of the village, he notices something. Looking up, it's none other that his purple furred friend. "Kria," Tanis calls, with a hint of exasperation in his voice, "Why are you up in the tree?" "...Why not? It's nice up here and I can see everything. And not like there's not much else to do." She waves at him from up in the tree.
Tanis shrugs. "I suppose that makes sense. Mind if I join you?"
"Sure, come on up!" She gestures, bangles jingling for him to ascend.
Tanis nods and says "Okay," under his breath. Making sure he doesn't fall, Tanis carefully climbs up the tree. "So, you seen anything interesting?" he asks.
"Not really. Ribble is quiet and boring. The bangle market however is...also dead and boring. When are we, like moving on? It's not a fun place." She watched him climb up and giggled. "You're like, part of the tree Mr. Green."
"Well then Kria," Tanis says as he climbs, "You should remember this place when you start your bangle empire. And I don't know when we're going to move on. I expect it will be soon, as Dicem will want to find Max as soon as possible." And he smiles at her comment on being green.
"Blah." She pouted, her legs swinging off the branch, and she watched then dangle. "So like, what's new?"
"Hmm, not too much. Doctor Coventry suggested that I interview the arcane spellcasters in our group. Which I've done. And I found out that Ombligo is a gambler. Surprised me, I must say." At that point he reached the branch she was sitting on and took a seat next to her.
"Oh. Gambling, it's like...not fun." She nodded, looking at him. "But you seem to like it so whatever." She turned slightly to face him, humming to herself, watching a squirrel further up the tree.
"Well, gambling may not seem fun. But playing cards is," he replies. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you, how often can you use your invocations? Like, how many times, say, in a day?"
"Huh? Whenever I like. Why?" She tilted her head to one side, wondering why he was asking her this. She blinked, the penny dropping. "But like, you already know what I do. Point and Blast."
"No real reason. I just thought I might include you in those who have offensive spell talents. Except yours don't count as spells," he says with a hint of exasperation. Upon saying that, he sighed.
"Oh. Alrighty." She continues her hum, a cheerful little ditty, her eyes distant for a moment, and then she suddenly turns back to him. "So, what are mine?"
"Yours?" he asked, slightly confused. "They're…invocations. Right?"
"Oh yes yes. Blastie things." She grins vapidly at him.
"Yes," he replies, smiling back. "Blastie things."
"Yup." She tilted her head at him, this time to the other side, and grinned. "That it?"
"Yeah, that's all really. Unless you want to describe bangle tactics to me? Say, have you got any new ones? I havn't asked since we first got to Hassan."
"Nah, I've not really been able to have time to like focus on it. I think they'll take a backseat till we find...him." She blinked, and then shook herself a little. "Bleh. Random shiver."
"Him?" Tanis asks. "Who's him?"
"Him. That guy. Orange hair. Wielding that sword of green shiny stuff." She smiled.
"You mean Max?" came the question.
"Or Dam?"
"Yeah. The first one. And since when did Dam have a shiny sword?" She giggled. "He's not the hero type."
Tanis nods. "True, true. Just...yeah," he says lamely.
"What?" She looks at him, slightly perturbed.
"Oh, nothing," he replies. "Just the mistake about Dam and having a shining sword," he says, looking out at the view offered to them from their position in the tree.
"Oh. Ok." She looks instead at the distant horizon, always drawn towards the east. She grinned to herself, a private joke. "So."
"Hmm?" he asks, if that counts as a question. "Oh, I think there's a meeting starting soon. We should probably get to the tavern soonish."
"Oh. Alrighty." She returns to looking at the east.
"Yeah," Tanis says. And he continues to look out also.After a few more moments, Tanis says "Ok then, I'll catch down there, yeah?" And he begins a steady climb down the tree.
She waves to him, giggling to herself. And breathes a sigh of relief when he goes.
Close one there. Hehehe.
Why are you wary about your abilities? You should thank the light you have them!
Thank the light for profane abilities, Ha! Sure you've not gotten your theories mixed up?
And she is using them for goodness! And the betterment of others!
I'm more using them to like, pay for things and stuff. Aehehe.
Nonsense! You are searching for the Hero Max! A-Is something wrong?
Hehehehe...it's him isn't it? Ooohh yes, the seething hatred for that man.
Oh darnit! I thought he was put away inside my mind. Thanks to you two. Have you been skiving!?
Rest easy, he is contained.
For now. Heh...

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:03 am
Later in the day, Kayla wakes up from her sleep. The rogue sits up and stretches her arms above her head. She crawls out of the bed and puts her armor on, her boots, and then her cloak. Kayla pulls the hood over her face, and slings her backpack over her shoulders. After that, she picks up a belt with various pouches attached, and a short sword sheathed on each side. Kayla puts it around her waist and leaves her room to attend the meeting. Once inside the room, she takes a seat and pulls her hood back enough for her face to be seen, but most of her head is covered. Kayla does no say anything, for now anyway.

Posted by: Nightmare Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:17 am
Meanwhile in another part of town... Gorrik was speaking with his brother Taklinn about the recent set of events in a secluded room. Brother, doesn't it seem odd to you that Hassan was attacked soon after we were gathered twice? Then there was the attack on the raft.... It makes me wonder what kind of things this Derrik is involved in to have such enemies interested in his plans.
: "Hmmm... it does worry me a fair bit. Just remember we ARE trying to find the great hero Max. As a result if any evil being knows about it, they're going to want to try and stop us. Since finding him would most certainly be the end of them."
*Ombligo floats by, hearing the dwarf speak, but no one else is around. Ombligo speaks, obviously confused.* Ombligo: "Um...Gorrik? Who are you talking to??"
I find it hard to believe that one man could be such a threat to them, but of more immediate concern is that I believe that the enemy might be watching our movements due to the timing of the attacks. I wonder if Dam has thought of this...
: "Uhhhh... no one there Ombligo... just uhhh... thinking to myself aloud." ((Bluff = 20) If he doesn't buy this, then it looks like you'll have a new friend to talk to.
Ombligo: "That's weird. No offense, I mean. Do you always do that?" ((Sensme Motive = 2))
Hmmm.... It was bound to happen sooner or later brother.
: "Only when something's really bothering me." ((Bluff = 5))
Ombligo: "Oh! What's bothering you?" ((Sense Motive = 5))
: "Well... There have been a fairly large amount of monsters wherever we go it seems. And I'm just trying to figure out why."
You could perhaps ask his opinion on the timing of the enemy attacks. Always good to know what our comrades think.
Ombligo: "Well, Sorel says we're competition."
: I'll get there brother... "I suppose that does make sense. Oh, but where are my manners? Ahh, come in here and sit down for a bit... errr... assuming you can sit and all... as I'm not too familiar with your kind to be honest with you."
Ombligo: "I don't need to sit, really. But if you want me to, I will."
: "Whatever's comfortable for you my friend."
*Ombligo remains floating.* Ombligo: "What's so important about that Max guy anyway?"
: "Well, he was the hero that lead the Shining Force to great victory over the evil Dark Dragon several years ago, and as a result restored peace to the world. If we could find him, then perhaps he could lead another group to end these dark times that we face."
Ombligo: "Oh, so he's an experienced leader. That's good. Maybe if we meet him, he could teach our leader a thing or two."
Dam unfortunately seems to be the type to ignore the advice of even a hero.
: "Hehehe, if only Dam weren't so stubborn he just might."
*Ombligo looks at Gorrik's axe.* Ombligo: "I can't imagine using something like that. It must weigh a lot!"
: "Aahh, that's nothing. You get used to it after a while, the real challenge is with this armor. But no matter what, I could never get rid of it. As it belonged to my beloved brother Taklinn."
Ombligo: "Oh? So you guys are pretty much the same height and weight, then."
: "We were indeed, it was rather fortunate that way, it just took me a while to grow into it. But the best part of this armor, is that some have said that they've heard Taklinn's voice when his armor's present. Listen closely Ombligo, see if you can hear his voice."
*Ombligo's eyes widen.* Ombligo: "Really???" *Ombligo floats near the armor.*
Was that an invitation brother, or are you just playing around with Ombligo?
: I figured we could both have some fun with this. Gorrik chuckled to his own thought.
Is that so....
Ombligo: "You're not lying to me, are you??"
: "Why would I lie to you about something like that?"
Suddenly a voice speaks directly to Ombligo's mind. You.... what do you think of Gorrik?
Ombligo: "I don't know. The same reason Coventry lies about random things?" *At this moment, Ombligo blinks twice. So it's true! You're Taklinn, huh? You're speaking to me somehow?? Ombligo tries to speak in his mind again, but goes unanswered.* Ombligo: "I think he's deaf."
Ombligo hears an amused chuckle in his mind. I am not deaf little one, but if you were trying to project your thoughts to me, it doesn't work that way. I can not read you mind.
Ombligo: "Oh! Sorry, Taklinn. It's just weird being spoken to through the mind but not being able to speak back the same way."
Yes, it could be considered weird, but so could much of this world. However this does have its advantages.
: "What's he trying to say to you Ombligo?"
Ombligo: "He was just explaining how I can't talk back the way he does."
: "Really, That's it? He normally tries to make a fool out of me when I introduce him this way.
A mental laugh from Taklinn echoes in the minds of both Gorrik and Ombligo. Only, my brother almost never introduces me to anyone.
Ombligo: "Oh yeah, he asked me a question about you. He said, 'What do you think of Gorrik?' But I don't know much of anything about you yet."
: "Well, now that you know aobut this Ombligo, you've got to promise me you'll try not to say anything about Taklinn to anyone else. Okay?"
Ombligo: "Um, okay! Even though I dislike secrets, I won't tell anyone."
Indeed... some people wouldn't understand.
: "Although, Dam does know about Taklinn aswell, so I suppose there's no problem mentioning it to him."
Ombligo: "I probably won't be talking to him about anything other than business, though." *Ombligo chuckles.*
: "That's a good point, he's not exactly the best type to chat with is he?"
Taklinn's mental chuckle is his only response.
((Am I the only one that found it funny that I had to give Rusty a SF history lesson?))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:20 am
"Nail's share went to pay for his failed reincarnation, Doctor; the remainder was put into the group fund," Dam said. "In the future, his share of money will be divided amongst us evenly. And as to your second question... Farain and Gail are home. They can sleep where they'd like. Considering the past couple encounters we've had, I wouldn't be surprised if they preferred to sleep in their homes, if only to be able to defend against a possible attack."

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:11 am
From astounded shock to a geniuine smile to a furrowed look of worry, Gail's reaction to the announcements are visibly mixed. At the mention of sleeping arrangements, the furrow deepens. She wouldn't even let me inside last time. Sleeping at home is not an option...not yet, in any case. With that, she remains silent for the rest of the meeting, simply watching the proceedings unfold.
-----
[After the meeting, at the residence of one mister Paseran...]
"Yes? Can I help you?" a middle aged man in glasses asks, as he answers the door.
"You can, actually," Dam said. "I hear you've got an idea where Max went. I'm an interested party, and if you're up for it I'd like to pick your brain."
“Max? Oh, the fellow with the robot! Yes, that Max! Come in, come in, wipe your feet..."
"Thank you, sir..." the orange-haired youth said. "I'm Dam Dicem; you may or may not know Gail already. What can you tell me about where they were headed?"
Gail follows Dam inside, bowing her head and saying a soft "Thank you," as she enters, wiping her feet as instructed.
"Oh, I haven't the foggiest idea," Paseran says as he sits down. "He asked a large amount of questions regarding the ruins around here, conferred with his robot friend and left."
"I see... which ruins in particular did he seem most interested in?"
"You know, it's very hard work, the work that I do. With times of war like this, people aren't willing to finance archaeology much..." Paseran says, looking away. "And archaeology is vital to our civilization! The digs must continue to progress, but without sources of finances to fund them, how can they?"
“Indeed... I myself have some knowledge of the Ancients," Dam commented. "But I am also aware of what we now face, having stood toe-to-toe against the devils myself, and no one will be able to study ruins so long as this continues."
"Please, Mr. Paseran," Gail says, gently shifting back him on track. "Which ruins did Max ask about?"
"So much is true, but such matters are far out of my hands. The heroes of battle have the spoils of war, but what have we poor diggers in dirt? Then again, you require vast supplies for your wars, where my own costs are relatively cheap... Even if I were to receive a thousand gold coins, it would be enough to keep the digs afloat for another few months or so..."
"We're not asking for you to stop work, or for anything but information," the orange haired youth said, quite aware of what Paseran was implying. "Just what ruins he asked most about, so we can leave you to nobler pursuits than gallavanting across Parmecia."
"But information is very valuable, and indeed, information is what scholars like myself buy and sell... The lore of the past that affects the lore of the present!"
Gail's brow creases at Paseran's insinuation, his games getting tiresome quickly. Nevertheless, she shows a smile as she attempts to reason with him. "We aren't questioning the validity of your research, but our time here is limited. Perhaps we cut to the point?"
Dam sighed, looking at Gail before responding. "Mr. Paseran, if all you wanted was for us to pay you for the information, you could have said so in the beginning. I assume the one thousand is what your asking price is?"
Paseran sighs. "It's improper to ask for money in such manners... Rather, you came to me in your hour of need and were so impressed by my knowledge, you couldn't help but give my research a donation...Otherwise history might not remember me kindly. So yes, I would love a thousand gold to pay my workers with families that need food," Paseran says, dryly.
"It saddens me to hear you ask for so much, though; I'd hoped that you, a man of great thought, would offer me a better price than the others who offered information," Dam said. "They want twelve hundred, but they're willing to throw in extras..."
"My memory is a steel trap. I can tell you everything he said and my own conjecture on the matter as one familiar with the flow of history."
"One was willing to throw in an escort easily worth five hundred; certainly seven hundred would be a much better asking price," Dam said.
Gail remains silent, glowering slightly at the archaeologist before closing her eyes for a second. This man was insufferable...and her efforts to help the process along seemed to be useless. Dicem, for what it was worth, had a handle on things.
Paseran's brow furrows. "I'll open... I'll provide services in hand with my information that will provide most useful."
"What kind of services?"
"With the information I will provide, you may wish to visit a location that is usually inaccessible. I shall make part of it accessible and inform you how to reach the other part."
"Hmm... not bad for a thousand gold, but that escort included a harem. Wonder how I'm going to explain that to the boys..."
Paseran's face pales, but he grits his teeth and stares at Dam. "If you come near my daughter, I will make sure you regret it... I'm willing to do business, but..."
"Oh god no, sir..." Dam said. "That was not what I was implying at all. What I'm saying is that when you deprive soldiers of a woman's touch, there better be a good reason. Like, say... a reduced price."
"It doesn't matter," Paseran says, his good humor gone. "One thousand gold is little to you, I've seen your type. But it's enough to feed the families under my care for a year...But you want more, more, and MORE!" Paseran shouts. "Always more! Always the bottom line! No one cares about knowledge anymore! It's all war and gold! One thousand gold... and then we'll never have to meet again," Paseran says. "And you can bring your war and lust to another town."
"Please, sir," Gail intervened, watching as the man's temper flared. "I apologize for my companion's ill humor," she says, throwing a glare in Dam's direction, "but perhaps we can still negotiate."
"Do you not have a thousand gold?"
"I could really care less about the money, Mr. Paseran; I'm just trying to get the best deal I can. After all, Gail and Farain - who live here, by the way - do need to be paid as well."
"I'm sure you mercenaries have a hard time finding work in these times of war," Paseran says, dryly. "Not at all like us scholars. Funding opportunities EVERYwhere! Gold throwing itself at us!"
Dam withdrew a sack containing coins, taking out a few before dropping it in front of the man. "A thousand gold. What are the extra services?"
"Max wanted to know how to access a tomb. I told him I could open the outer chambers, but the inner ones were sealed beyond my ability. I will open those chambers for you, and tell you how the inner ones might be bypassed."
"Well..." Paseran says, taking the gold. "Let me start from the beginning. Max came to me asking about the tomb complex south of here. He asked because he found out my family's been studying the place for ages. It's vast, but his interest was in the central complex."
The rogue nodded, taking out paper and a pen to scribble notes.
"I think he asked about it because it contains a powerful Ancient artifact. In their waning days, the Ancient's use of magic surpassed their waning technology. This was the age of the most mighty magics, TheUnknownMarine: and in this age, they made tunnels in space time, great gates of stone that function as their teleportation pads did. The tomb complex, for reasons we're still researching, bears one of these gates. Specifically, it leads to another complex on Granseal."
Dicem raised an eyebrow, but said nothing else as he waited for Paseran to continue.
"We know it's there due to divining magics, but we can't access it due to a sealed stone door. I do know, that one of the freelance tomb raiders here in town recently recovered a wand that allows passage through rock. If you take that wand, you can get through to the inner chambers. I can open the outer doors for you. I believe it's probable Max wanted to access the tomb to use the tunnel. So logically, he would be heading for Granseal."
Gail nods, her brow furrowed in thought as she tries to recalled what the man looked like.
"I see. And is that all, or did he speak of more?" the rogue asked.
"He also asked if I knew anything about a place called Megiddo. The name is mentioned in a few Ancient texts, rare ones, but I don't know much more about it. My expertise is in the local ruins. One last thing... Devils do not age, you know. It's entirely possible that one or more of the devils from the Ancient Days still walk with the Army and know about the tunnel. I'd be careful in seeking it out."
"I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Paseran. Expect to hear from me in the very, very near future. Thanks for your time."
"Good bye."
As Gail and Dam walk back from the Paseran residence, Gail takes a last look back before sighing and shaking her head. “Take the money from my savings. I don’t need it.”
"Keep your money," Dam said. "I've got it covered."
((Color edit FTW!))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:01 pm
After the meeting ends, Coventry exits with a heavy frown. Not a one of them showed any interest in the pyre... He sighs grumpily, "How typical..." Shaking his head as he steps outside, the Doctor pauses suddenly, a look of surprise on his face, Could it be that Dicem isn't playing a game but that he's just dense? His eyes narrow thoughtfully, "Interesting..."
The next day, Coventry constructs a small pyre of cedar wood at the appointed time. He seems indifferent to the fact that most of the expedition, if not all, do not make an appearance at the ceremony. He gently sets the wing on top of the pyre and crosses his arms, looking down silently for a long moment.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:44 pm
"Doctor," Graigus said, staff in hand as he arrived. "Do you still need someone to speak? I... I didn't really talk to him, but someone should say something and you said you might not be the best person to do that..." ((Check with Vox and Cy, but I think it's safe to assume Gail and Sorel, at least, are also present.))

Posted by: Aldur Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:48 pm
Kria grinned, she was watching the proceedings against a nearby tree. It looked like a fascinating thing. The catfolk watched as Graigus offered to speak. "Wow..."

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:57 pm
Coventry closes his eyes and replies only with, "Mmmm..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:11 pm
Sorel arrives at the pyre a moment after the doctor does. He looks upon the severed wing stoically, before looking up at Graigus. : "If you'd rather I spoke, I shall. But I believe your words would do him great service."

Posted by: Alpha Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:25 pm
Tanis arrives to be present for the ceremony also. He watches silently as things proceed, being glad such an occasion hadn't been necessary for him after he died. He'd been risen and was very glad about it.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:26 pm
"Well... okay..." "Nail was... a fighter," the dwarf began, holding his staff tightly. "He was good at it, I think, and in the end he tried to use that for a good cause. I know his end wasn't the best, but if intentions count for anything, I hope he's resting in a good place now, away from all of this."
Unable to hear anything, Dicem shook his head and moved closer, remaining hidden as best he knew how.
((Listen: 1d20 +2 (ranks) +1 (wis) = 8
Move Silently: 1d20 +2 (ranks) +4 (dex) = 20
Hide: 1d20 +2 (ranks) +4 (dex) = 21))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:41 pm
((Spot 21 Listen 25)) Sorel's head is bowed, his eyes shut when he hears the snap of a twig. He looks up, instinctively, to see Dam crouched in the shadows some distance away. His eyes lock onto the rogue's for a moment, but the old man says nothing, and soon bows his head once more in respect for the dead.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:43 pm
Graigus' ears perk up as he finishes, picking out the sound of footsteps; seeing nothing, however, he attributed it to one of the men around town passing by. "Sorel... would you like to say something?"

Posted by: Alpha Mon Jun 12, 2006 5:28 pm
((this takes place right after the meeting before Dicem et al. go to see Paseran)) After the meeting had finished, Tanis approached Dicem so he could report what he’d found out from the other arcane casters. “Hello Mr.Dicem,” he says. “Could I have a few moments of your time?”
"Shoot," the rogue said.
“Well, Doctor Coventry suggested I ask the arcane casters of the group about their abilities to get a scope of them. And then report to you what I found out.”
"The Doctor had a good idea for once. What did you find?"
“A fair amount actually. In all, I asked Morgan, Ombligo and Kria. I got a good scope of the first two’s abilites, but Kria didn’t give a very specific response.
He continues. “I’ll start with Morgan. He told me his spells were probably most efficient against the evil and the undead. He also said he had access to metamagic abilities, and with more training would be able to power up other casters’ spells using them.”
"Also, he said his spells were more about weakening opponents, rather than damaging them."
He pauses for breath for a moment, then resumes. “In the case of Ombligo, as is probably obvious to most people, he specialises with electricity. He said that the more he uses the same spell in succession, the more potent it will become. He also mentioned that any support spells he’d cast would be done before battle, which is why we haven’t seen any yet.”
Dicem nodded, saying nothing as the warmage continued.
“In the case of myself, I am an all out offence mage. Nearly every spell I can cast causes damage. I have none available to weaken enemies, unless an offensive spell includes detrimental effects. I also have no access to support spells, including ones directed at either myself or an ally.”
“After considering all this, it’s become clear to me that we have no arcane caster with a good set of support spells, which would be something to think about. I suggested to Morgan that he perhaps learn some as he gains new spells.”
“Finally, all that Kria said to my question was that she could use her invocations whenever she liked.” He pauses, nodding slightly. “This sums up what I’ve found out.”
"Good work. I'll bring this up next meeting, then," the rogue said. "Now, if you'll excuse me... I have a date with a Paseran."
Tanis nods. "Ok," he says. And he walks off.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Jun 12, 2006 5:32 pm
Sorel nods, and steps forward. He looks about at all assembled, his eyes lingering on each before they move on, then he speaks, in a clear voice. : "Graigus has said that which was most important. Nail was a great warrior, who bent his talents against evil, and that, while his end was terrible, his spirit is at peace. We are gathered here today to mourn, and to remember. We mourn the loss of a comrade, and remember all he had done serving with us. We mourn a fate so hideous no mortal act deserves it, and remember the fiendish and unspeakable evil that was its cause. We mourn the failure to restore his spirit, but we remember the peace and freedom it enjoys. We mourn Nail's death, and we remember how precious and fragile life is, and how vital it is to safeguard it."
He finishes, and sighs, looking weary.

Posted by: Aldur Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:42 pm
Kria, do you mind If I take over? Huh? Well...Alright. But no funny things or back you go! Kria stepped forwards, walking closer to the pyre, and cleared her throat, and then with her head raised and eyes closed she began to sing. ((18 on check.))
"I think about...how time has come and gone with the wind.
Another voice lost, another soul sent screaming far away!
Take heart brave warrior, your deeds ascend to the heights.
The gods know what you have done. It's been a long road to follow..."
At this point, even while Kria appeared to still be singing, somehow she also began to hum, adding a melodious background to the song.
"And up and up the steps of fate...Take heart.
You're above it all! Fly high and be free, we shall continue.
And then...we shall strike down the threat, your soul will be avenged!
So live happily in the arms of the great Firebird, for we shall claim your vengeance!"
As she continued singing, the background hum grew louder and louder reaching a crescendo as she finished on that one powerful word. She opened her eyes and stepped back to her tree.

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:12 pm
Coventry slowly opens his eyes and looks up, then without a word he turns and walks from the pyre.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:24 pm
Sorel looks grimly at the doctor's retreating form, before conjuring a fire spirit to devoure the pyre. The flames crackle and lick around the edges of the tattered wing as it shrivels and blackens.

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)