Game Thread

[Ghezryln]

Thank you. Some guys appeared out of nowhere a few miles back, killed the 2 people with me, and the horses.

You're welcome. What did these guys look like? We're hunting a pair of murderers, a centaur and an elf. Was it them? We also ran into a group of militia and a group of desert riders. The two Peserkhal militiamen had white uniforms with blue and gold trim, and they were driving a carriage. The four desert riders rode large black horses, were dressed in sand colored hooded robes, and had masks over their faces. One of them used glowing blue eyes to detect magic. We think they were looking for... nevermind.

Search: 2+(20=5)=7

Spot: 13+(d20=18)=31... haha Vi, beat you!

DM: We're all searching and spotting, why don't you roll for each of us and let us know what we see?

[Anaesthesia]

It was those fiends with the black horses. Came out of nowhere, I tell you!

[Ed Zachary]

Search: 2+(20=5)=7

With that seven you were able to find a few rocks on the ground.

Spot: 13+(d20=18)=31... haha Vi, beat you! (wife beater!)

On the other side you spot the same note that you've been reading on each side of the crossing. But you do spot something floating down the center of the river, it's about 500 feet upstream and will pass by you soon. It's human size, and hairy.

We're all searching and spotting, why don't you roll for each of us and let us know what we see?

I doubt anyone will beat the Search-27 or Spot-31. Even so, there's nothing else to see.

[Vimachipal]

Some guys appeared out of nowhere a few miles back, killed the 2 people with me, and the horses. They took our rations and waterskins, too. Well, after that, I started walking until I blacked out.

It was those fiends with the black horses. Came out of nowhere, I tell you!

I'm sorry they killed two of your companions, were they close friends? Fortunately they didn't surprise us. All they wanted to do was check us for a specific magic item which we didn't have. Why do you believe they attacked you?

[walking over to the river] What is that thing floating, is it alive?

[turning back to the red cleric] And you didn't answer yet Jannys, what were you and your companions doing out here?

[Anaesthesia]

We were sent by my temple to find a few people, for a Debt of Dereliction. I wasn't too close to my companions, they were soldiers. I suppose they attacked us for a similar reason, although they took our supplies and killed innocent people for whatever they were looking for.

[Semaria]

It's good to see that you are well. The clergy of Selune speak well of the followers or Torm. I am also sorry to hear about the deaths of the two soldiers and the situation you had to survive.

This "Debt of Dereliction", what does it involve? Are those "few people" involved in any way with the desert riders?

Do you feel up to continuing your mission, or do you wish to ride with us? We can't take you back to Almraiven yet, but if you can spare a few days we'll get you there safely.

[Typhon]

But you do spot something floating down the center of the river, it's about 500 feet upstream and will pass by you soon. It's human size, and hairy.

Typhon walks to the back of the wagon and grabs a large spool of rope. As he ties one end of it to an arrow, he calls to Ghezryln, Kadion and Sorrel to give him a hand. As the three arrive he asks one of them to hold the end of the rope. Typhon loads the arrow in his masterwork composite longbow, aims, then fires...

Shot: 11+(d20=11)=22
Damage: 7+(d8=4)=11

If the arrow hits, we're going to pull it onto the shore. If not I'll keep shooting until I hit it. If it fights, I'm going to keep shooting at it.

[The Wandering Bard]

I strain against the rope. Pulling to keep the body from traveling to far down river. knowing that if the current grabs the body and it passes our position it will be harder to pull it ashore.

With sudden inspiration I reach into my quiver and pull out my staff of flight. Tying the rope on to it, I command the staff t pull forward at a slow but steady pace. As the staff pulls, I still remain on the rope, pulling to aid the whole process.

[Ed Zachary]

Shot: 11+(d20=11)=22, Damage: 7+(d8=4)=11

You hit the hairy blob as it approaches your position. You see eight hairy legs pop out of the water, then settle back down. It looks dead. The group pulls on the rope to bring it in shore, and eventually that happens. Vi identifies it as an Aranea (see post #178, page 12).

[Semaria]

Eeewww... what's that? It looks like one of Tronja's relatives from the swamps of Baator. Looks like you (Typhon) killed it, whatever it was, and put it out of its misery. Imagine going through life being that ugly?

Is there anything on the body?

Search: 1+(d20=8)=9

[Typhon]

Is there anything on the body?

Just an arrow.

Search: 2+(d20=3)=5

Damn... where did that arrow go?

[Typhon]

Enough of this nonsense, let's get moving again. We're losing valuable time.

Ghezryln, time for you to swim across the river. Are you ready?

[The Wandering Bard]

A shiver runs down the My spine as the corpse reachs the shore. Yes lets get moving, This area just feels wrong. Ghezryln you can use my staff if you like, all you have to do is concentrate on the direction you wish to go.

I offer the staff to the monk, and tell him the command word to activate it if he uses it.

[Ghezryln]

Ghezryln, time for you to swim across the river. Are you ready?

No [beep]ing (this is a family forum) way am I taking a dive into that weed infested cesspool full of spiders and whatever else.

Search: 2+(d20=15)=17... Here's the arrow you lost.

Do I notice anything else about the spider that Typhon overlooked while he was more occupied with trying to convince me to swim across the swamp?

Ghezryln you can use my staff if you like, all you have to do is concentrate on the direction you wish to go. I offer the staff to the monk, and tell him the command word to activate it if he uses it.

Thank you kind sir, at least someone here isn't anxious to see me eaten alive. I understand your repulsion to spiders. Don't look at it.

I take the flying staff, place it on the ground, stand on it, then utter the command word in a whisper to myself. As the staff rises above the ground I aim it away from the river.

Balance: 11+(d20=17)=28 [DC=20, right?]

I may not be be able to kill a spider with one arrow, but I am agile and dexterous. And a bit of a show off too. After flying around and getting a feel for the staff I finally decide to cross the river. But stories about lizards with 20 foot tongues told to me by the elder monks of the monastery still scare me, so I fly at least that high while crossing. Once on the other side I land and start checking it out.

Search: 2+(d20=10)=12

Let me know what I see. If all is safe I'll signal to the others.

DM: Can you describe the ferry and the landings?

[Vimachipal]

I should still have a minute or so left on my DETECT MAGIC, is there any magic on the spider, or around the ferry?

Search (spider): 13+(d20=9)=22

Unless Typhon rolled a critical, one arrow shouldn't have killed it.

After searching the spider I'll start watching Ghezryln, trying to spot any threats.

Spot: 5+(d20=18)=23

[Ed Zachary]

Is there anything on the body?
Search: 1+(d20=8)=9

Search: 2+(d20=3)=5

Search: 2+(d20=15)=17

Search (spider): 13+(d20=9)=22
Unless Typhon rolled a critical, one arrow shouldn't have killed it.

You are correct Vi, the aranea had been in a previous battle. One of its eight legs was cut off half length, and it has two wounds to the body not caused by the arrow. Judging by the decay and lack of blood, it had been dead for at least a day. Typhon's arrow hit its brain (on its back), causing a nerve spasm. There are no items or clothing on the aranea.

I should still have a minute or so left on my DETECT MAGIC, is there any magic on the spider, or around the ferry?

You stopped your concentration to converse with others, ending the spell. Do you want to cast it again?

Once on the other side I land and start checking it out.

Search: 2+(d20=10)=12

Footprints, both horse and humanoid. Nothing else of interest.

After searching the spider I'll start watching Ghezryln, trying to spot any threats.

Spot: 5+(d20=18)=23

You don't see anything other than a few birds and a squirrel or two. The forest tree line is about 200 feet from the crossing. I'll assume that you keep spotting until both wagons are across the river (no need to re-roll).

[Ed Zachary]

Can you describe the ferry and the landings?

The ferry is made of wood with a flat flooring and is 20 ft wide by 30 feet long. You can fit four horses and a wagon on it, nothing else. Two cables are fixed at each end of the landing at water level, and they act as guides to keep the ferry from being carried down stream by the current. Another cable is fixed to the ferry at three feet high, and loops around pulleys at each landing about 200 feet back from the shore. This cable is what you must pull to move the ferry from side to side. There are also two poles if you get stuck and need to push.

[Anaesthesia]

It's good to see that you are well. The clergy of Selune speak well of the followers or Torm. I am also sorry to hear about the deaths of the two soldiers and the situation you had to survive.

This "Debt of Dereliction", what does it involve? Are those "few people" involved in any way with the desert riders?

Do you feel up to continuing your mission, or do you wish to ride with us? We can't take you back to Almraiven yet, but if you can spare a few days we'll get you there safely.

The debt of Dereliction involves opposing those of Bane and Cyric; especially those from the Zhentarim. The ones I'm looking for were not involved with the desert riders. I'd like to continue on with the group, as I think I'm on the right path of who I'm looking for. ;)

[Ed Zachary]

Tronja: I know that voice, it's Nysjan of Westgate! I didn't know that Torm was taking in ex-Zhent thieves into their ranks. Or do they not know the details of your shady past? Like that time when your associate tried to steal the star sapphire from Trolvius? Good thieves don't get caught. Too bad Trolvius had to kill him, the two of you made a nice pair. I guess that's why you gave up the thieving, both of you were bad at it.

What did you promise the Tormites, that you would turn in all your ex-associates? Did you double cross the desert riders? Is that why they were after you? If these fine people let you join them, will you tell them that you will bring an entire horde down on them?

[Semaria]

Shut up you despicable thing, nobody here believes a word you say. Jannys is welcome to travel with us, and I don't think you've ever met her before. One more foul utterance and I will Blind you.

I'm curious what killed that spider thing. Is anyone else curious? Semaria casts Speak with Dead. I can ask it's body three questions.

Q1: Who killed you?
Q2: Why did they kill you?
Q3: When did they kill you?

[Anaesthesia]

Eager to get thrown in to Tormite jail, eh, Tronja? Why don't you tell these nice people the truth?

(DM, I'd like to cast Zone of Truth in the same area where Tronja is, if you don't mind.)

[Ed Zachary]

1: Who killed you?

I do not know their names.

Q2: Why did they kill you?

For no reason, they kill us on sight.

Q3: When did they kill you?

Yesterday morning.

[Ed Zachary]

Eager to get thrown in to Tormite jail, eh, Tronja? Why don't you tell these nice people the truth?

Ha, you... you know me as Kamiel. I have already admitted my name to these people. Your associate (forget his name) was killed by Trolvius during the course of a business exchange that went bad. I am here because I was unsuccessful in stealing a map. I am not the one that killed the three priests. The centaur and the elf have the map you are looking for. I would rather die than be turned over to the Selunites, or get stuck in a Tormite torture chamber. Those desert riders are to be feared, I fear them. The lore I told you about the swamp was mostly true with some exaggerations thrown in to scare the party a bit. I can tell you more lore about the Marching Mountains and the history of Calimshan. I believe that you're hiding something.

[Vimachipal]

It was not a coincidence that the body floated by while we were here, it was meant as a distraction. You should've asked the aranea how it got into the water. Now, what are we being distracted from?

[Typhon]

Let's get going.

Kadion, get your crew together and move your wagon onto the ferry. I'll help pull from this end.

Ghezryln, see anything yet?

Jannys, you're welcome to join us. Why don't you ride in my wagon so you can question the prisoner.

[Anaesthesia]

Ok, thanks for the ride. :) Would you like to say anything further, Kamiel-Tronja?

[The Wandering Bard]

A pity, The last question I would have asked was, where were you killed? that way we know if the killers are still around. But I do agree with your questions and any information garnered from them will be to our advantage.

Tronja, why must you make yourself the enemy of everyone? Also, why were your traveling with the elf and the centaur? How did you meet them? What made you work with them, especially on this last job?

[Ed Zachary]

Tronja, why must you make yourself the enemy of everyone? Also, why were your traveling with the elf and the centaur? How did you meet them? What made you work with them, especially on this last job?

I am under no compulsion to answer your stupid questions. My task is to help you hunt down the centaur and the elf, and to recover the map. If I feel generous I will tell you more. You need my help.

[Ribe]

Sorrel wakes from his half doze and shudders.
Those who have been watching closely notice he was staring off into space but somehow shifting with whatever was going on.

"I am sorry my friends it has taken me some time to get to know a little about your presences and I am not used to trying to use my... shall we say special abilities in a group this large. If I could but have everyone’s attention for but a moment. I need to do something with your cooperation so that I can easily assist each and everyone of you."

"If you would please gather over here near me please."

With a little dramatic flare he flourishes a weapon and spins it in his hand and quickly cuts his other hand. Spilling a little blood onto his fingers.

"With this I can assist each of you looking for the enemy that is bound to be out there as well as... well a few other helpful things."

[The Wandering Bard]

Tronja Why the hostility, I know you are angry with us. But it is not our fault, we just responded to the call for aid. I am sorry that your Lover was Killed I know how you feel. I am just trying to be amiable. I like to know about people for the tales I tell.

Nodding my head to Typhon, I guide the wagon on to the ferry.

Everyone with a ranged weapon, I suggest readying it. Once we get moving we are an open target. Also we need to help Typhon and Ghezryln Pull the ropes to speed our progress along.

(My longbow and arrow are still on the Drivers bench, I am out pulling the guide rope to speed up progress.

[essyx]

Adara has been watching this whole time, and after all teh fuss, has decided to let the Raven in the air take a nap. After 'kaughing' it down, she steps off of the back of the wagon, and transforms herself to Raven form, then launches into the air to take it's place.

[Ribe]

Sorrel wakes from his half doze and shudders.
Those who have been watching closely notice he was staring off into space but somehow shifting with whatever was going on.

"I am sorry my friends it has taken me some time to get to know a little about your presences and I am not used to trying to use my... shall we say special abilities in a group this large. If I could but have everyone’s attention for but a moment. I need to do something with your cooperation so that I can easily assist each and everyone of you."

"If you would please gather over here near me please."

With a little dramatic flare he flourishes a weapon and spins it in his hand and quickly cuts his other hand. Spilling a little blood onto his fingers.

"With this I can assist each of you looking for the enemy that is bound to be out there as well as... well a few other helpful things."

Now that Sorrel is familiar with most of the party he drops some blood on the ground and makes some symbols in the air.
"All of you my friends should have a better ability to spot the enemy and see his tracks if any."

[Ghezryln]

Being on the other side of the river I yell out; "All is clear, get the wagons moving!"

But the sound of the river drowns out my voice. Instead of preparing the wagons the group starts to huddle around Sorrel. Thinking I'm missing something I fly back over, hot dog style, standing on the flying staff.

Balance: 11+(d20=18)=29... I want to roll like this all the time

[Vimachipal]

Spellcraft: 20+(d20=9)=29

EDIT:

After first believing that it was a PRAYER spell, I have no idea what Sorrel cast. But it does appear to be beneficial.

[Ed Zachary]

After Sorrel puts his enhancement on the party, your vision seems to be a bit better. I will assume that all eight of you (including Adara) met to receive this gift, but not Tronja who is still tied on the wagon.

Afterward Kadion drives his wagon onto the ferry. He, Ghezryln (back on near side), Semaria and Sorrel pull the rope from on the wagon.

Back on shore Typhon and Jannys help pull the rope. Vi is spotting, Adara and her entire flock are flying, and Tronja is still tied to the wagon.

With the six of you pulling it should take you from five to ten minutes to move the ferry from one side to the other.

[Semaria]

Sounds good. Semaria will cast her last Alter Self spell and take the form of an ogre/merrow again. My 20 strength should help move the ferry along.

[The Wandering Bard]

I smile as the Beautiful Preistess changes again into the Merrow, How Ironic, the changes in the physical are with that spell.

Looking to Semaria, That is a wonderful spell, I shall endevor to learn its abilities. Can you change yourself into anything else?

[Semaria]

That is a wonderful spell, I shall endevor to learn its abilities. Can you change yourself into anything else?

Not anymore. While I feel strong as an ox, I also feel surrounded by a dense mental haze. There are trade-offs with any humanoid form, and I feel dirty. I'll tell you more later when I feel more like myself.

[Vimachipal]

Vi is spotting

For the sake of the others I hope it's not contagious!

I'm still brooding over the "stick elf" comment, even my 8 strength could contribute. Instead I'll keep on spotting away for anything out of the usual, especially from upriver.

[Anaesthesia]

((Jannys is digging through her things, taking out a parchment.)) I have considerable reason to believe that Tronja is someone I am looking for.

[Typhon]

I have considerable reason to believe that Tronja is someone I am looking for.

Why does that not surprise me?

I care about getting paid for my work and the risk I'm taking. Right now we need Tronja to find the centaur and the elf, so we can bring them in along with the map they stole. We are not suppose to kill her, and I don't want to be docked any gold because we failed to bring her back alive. Once the seven of us collect our reward back in Almraiven, everyone else can fight over her.

[Ed Zachary]

When the ferry is in midstream, in the fastest part of the current, Ghezryln, Kadion, Semaria and Sorrel feel a small jolt. Then they notice the ferry start to get pushed downstream by the current. That’s bad, because the cable attached to the two pulleys that they’ve been using to pull the ferry across the river is firmly attached to the ferry. As the ferry gets pushed downstream the pull cable gets very taught and the ferry starts to tilt on its side. Water starts to flow over it. The four horses start to panic. You notice that the two guide cables have broken away from the base of the far landing. All this has happened in a mere second.

Then the pull cable also breaks and the ferry gets swept downstream by the current. There are two poles on board, but they’d only be useful in shallower water with less current. As the party on the ferry and those on shore look at the far landing they see three humanoids.
* A centaur with a great sword in his hand, he just sliced through the pull cable.
* An elf with red hair sitting on a floating disk, he just cast a spell. A fireball detonates around the second wagon (the one on shore). The horses were missed but they panic and take off. As you recall, Tronja is still tied to that wagon.
* A halfling with a short bow in his hand, he fires an arrow at Typhon (Att=21, hit to left upper arm, Dam=6).

That was a surprise round, the three villains made attacks and became visible. Wagon #1 (Ghezryln, Kadion, Semaria and Sorrel) is floating downstream out of control on the ferry. Those on shore (Jannys, Typhon and Vimachipal) are 200 feet away from the villains, with a river between them. Wagon #2 (Tronja) is on fire and racing away with four panicked horses. Adara and her ravens are flying overhead.

Initiative:
Ghezryln: 7+(d20=19)=26
Halfling (villain): 5+(d20=15)=20
Elf (villain): 3+(d20=16)=19
Semaria: 2+(d20=15)=17
Jannys: 2+(d20=14)=16
Centaur (villain): 4+(d20=11)=15
Sorrel: 1+(d20=12)=13
Kadion: 3+(d20=7)=10
Vimachipal: 3+(d20=7)=10
Adara: 3+(d20=6)=9
Typhon: 2+(d20=3)=5
Tronja: n/a

[Ghezryln]

After much thought and deliberation, I decided to hold my action until after Semaria's turn.

[Vimachipal]

The best you could do for me was a 7? No more brownies for you.

Ön egy áruló!

I cast a fireball directly centered on the traitorous elf, hopefully I can catch the other two in the blast radius.

7d6=24... eat that!

[The Wandering Bard]

I will wait for Semaria's turn.

[Semaria]

Wow, two gentlemen holding the door, letting me go first. They must need something!

Semaria will cast Walk on Water, she'll cast it on the four horses, Ghezryln, Sorrel and herself. Kadion, good luck driving the horses!

As soon as the spell is cast I'm going to run toward the landing where the centaur is, trident in hand.

[Ghezryln]

Semaria will cast Walk on Water, she'll cast it on the four horses, Ghezryln, Sorrel and herself.

That's what I needed!

I should still have half a round left to move. I'm the fastest humanoid here so I sprint toward the elf. My base move is 50 ft/rd, so I can run at four times that speed (looking for confirmation).

How far downstream were we carried? How soon can I get to the elf?

[Anaesthesia]

I will cast sheild other on Tronja. (As much as I hate doing it, I think we still need her alive, rather than dead. ) Dm- let me know what the damage is.

[Ed Zachary]

I can run at four times that speed (looking for confirmation).

Yes, you can run at 200 ft/rd.

How far downstream were we carried? How soon can I get to the elf?

Including the end of the surprise round and the beginning of this round when you can jump off the raft it has moved 100 feet downstream. You are 150 feet away from the elf. You'll get to him a few seconds into the next round, take a -5 on initiative and attack normally.

Dm- let me know what the damage is.

Once I get everyone's actions I'll describe the results. Don't forget, the villains get their actions too. I still need to hear from Sorrel, Kadion, Adara and Typhon.

[Typhon]

A halfling with a short bow in his hand, he fires an arrow at Typhon (Att=21, hit to left upper arm, Dam=6)

When it finally gets around to me I dust off the minor nuisance and fire two arrows back at the little putz…

Attacks(2): 10 & 5+(d20=9 & 15)=19 & 20

Damage: 6+(d8=6 & 3)=12 & 9

[The Wandering Bard]

Seeing Semaria finish her spell I urge the horses on. I am riding the lead horse and guiding the rest. The horses are pulling a rope tied to the raft. Once we reach the shore I will stop the horses and tie them and the raft to a stationary object.

[The Wandering Bard]

ride check (17+11)=28 oh yeah. ;)

[Ed Zachary]

Seeing Semaria finish her spell I urge the horses on. I am riding the lead horse and guiding the rest. The horses are pulling a rope tied to the raft. Once we reach the shore I will stop the horses and tie them and the raft to a stationary object.

Are you trying to pull the entire ferry (post #267, page 18), or just the wagon (post #76, page 6)?

The wagon will take 3 rounds (18 seconds), the ferry will take 10 rounds (one minute).

[Ghezryln]

You'll get to him a few seconds into the next round, take a -5 on initiative and attack normally.

OK, so than means I go first by one point rather than by six points.

[The Wandering Bard]

I'm guiding just the wagon.

OOC: How far away from the shore is the raft?

[essyx]

Then the pull cable also breaks and the ferry gets swept downstream by the current. There are two poles on board, but they’d only be useful in shallower water with less current. As the party on the ferry and those on shore look at the far landing they see three humanoids.
* A centaur with a great sword in his hand, he just sliced through the pull cable.
* An elf with red hair sitting on a floating disk, he just cast a spell. A fireball detonates around the second wagon (the one on shore). The horses were missed but they panic and take off. As you recall, Tronja is still tied to that wagon.
* A halfling with a short bow in his hand, he fires an arrow at Typhon (Att=21, hit to left upper arm, Dam=6).

That was a surprise round, the three villains made attacks and became visible. Wagon #1 (Ghezryln, Kadion, Semaria and Sorrel) is floating downstream out of control on the ferry. Those on shore (Jannys, Typhon and Vimachipal) are 200 feet away from the villains, with a river between them. Wagon #2 (Tronja) is on fire and racing away with four panicked horses. Adara and her ravens are flying overhead.

Tronja: n/a

After watching the atrocities below, Tronja decides that something needs to be done.

TO DM:
1)If the far shore where the baddies are has decent foliage,then spell ENTANGLE.
2)If shore has beachy-like area, then spell SPIKE STONES


Next move will be to either:
A) Land and use Bag Of Tricks, or
B) if I can line them all up, then spell CALL LIGHTNING
C)if they run, then spell GUST OF WIND and SOFTEN EARTH AND STONE (in whatever order necessary to make them trip and fall.)

If the DM needs, I can explain the hows of what I am doing.

[Ribe]

Sorrel concentrates and shifts his focus and a golden hue pushes out from him and surrounds all of his allies, This golden hue shines with an aura of the sun reflecting off the water.

Swift action Presence aura. He also activates his boots of speed. Giving him haste.

Sorrel then screams, "This young dragon will make your end come now!!!"
Intimidate rolled (5)+2 + 9 = 16. And charges at full speed (running 4 x movement) at the centaur as soon as he notices he can walk on water.

If he can charge into range, Sorrel swings his mace lit with fire at the centaur with all his might. rolled 17 + 10 = 27 If he hits rolled d8 for 6, d6 flaming damage for 6 +2 magic and +3 strength = 17 points.

[Ed Zachary]

At the Near Shore:
Jannys: casts Shield Other on Tronja (after fireball hit), allowing her to take some of the damage Tronja would've taken. Jannys takes 3 points of fire damage from the burning wagon and 3 points of impact damage. After that she stops taking damage. Jannys doesn't know if Tronja is dead, safe, or out of spell range. The wrecked wagon is 60 feet away from her.
Typhon: fires two arrows at the halfling who hit him with an arrow the previous round. As the halfling moves closer to the elf both arrows look on target to hit him right in the upper torso. But at the last moment a swift current of air blows them upward and harmlessly away from their target.
Vimachipal: casts a fireball at the elf and two others. It was a nice attempt, but the spell fizzles out harmlessly around them. Her spellcraft check 20+(d20=15)=35, DC=24 tells her that the elf has protected himself and friends with a Lesser Globe of Invulnerability and a Wind Wall.
The Wagon: is on fire and being dragged by four panicked horses. As the fire burns on, the horses break free of the wagon and run away. Still on fire the wagon is hit by a second fireball from the elf. It is now mostly charcoal and ash, and there is no movement around it.

At the Drifting Ferry:
Semaria: casts Water Walk on the four horses, Ghezryln, Sorrel and herself.
Ghezryln, Semaria (as merrow), Sorrel: all start sprinting toward the centaur, halfling and elf. They won't get to them this round, but will be in combat next round. All three are moving extremely fast and over water and are about 50 feet away from the landing. Sorrel is out in front by a bit.
Kadion: gets on the lead horse and drives the wagon into the water. While the four horses can run on water, the wagon merely floats as normal wood would. The horses pull the wagon through the water as if it were stuck in mud. Kadion should be able to clear the 100 feet of river by the end of the next round.

At the Far Shore:
Elf (villain): casts another fireball at the crippled wagon. He remains seated on his floating disk. Seeing the charging monk, shaman and ogre, he floats back to 30 feet from the shore.
Centaur (villain): sees the charging enemies, and takes a defensive position in front of the floating elf.
Halfling (villain): sees the charging enemies, and has to run to take a defensive position in front of the floating elf as he was a bit further upstream.
Adara: is flying as a raven, casts Spike Stones around the elf, centaur and halfling. Unlike Vi's spell, this spell seems to work. It caused noticeable discomfort to the centaur and halfling as they moved in front of the elf.

The next round will work as this one did, with the same initiative rolls. Post your comments and actions by tomorrow evening and I'll sum up the events as I did here.

Due to movement by the elf and the spell cast by Adara, I'll have to recalculate the initiative penalties for Ghezryln, Semaria and Sorrel tomorrow.

[The Wandering Bard]

Kadion, seeing the bank approching urges the horses on as hard as they will go, with out pushing them to death.

[Vimachipal]

Vimachipal: casts a fireball at the elf and two others. It was a nice attempt, but the spell fizzles out harmlessly around them. Her spellcraft check 20+(d20=15)=35, DC=24 tells her that the elf has protected himself and friends with a Lesser Globe of Invulnerability and a Wind Wall.

There's only one way for me to deal with this problem, I'll have to get closer. Vi will DIMENSION DOOR across the river so she's 100 feet upriver from the elf. Hopefully they don't spot me since all the action is coming from the other direction.

[Ghezryln]

Ghezryln, Semaria (as merrow), Sorrel: all start sprinting toward the centaur, halfling and elf. They won't get to them this round, but will be in combat next round. All three are moving extremely fast and over water and are about 50 feet away from the landing. Sorrel is out in front by a bit.

Semaria and Sorrel are cheating, they're using magic.

Despite the spiky stones I'll charge through them to the elf.

[Semaria]

Semaria will cast a Dispel Magic at the area around the elf, while still running with the others.

7+(d20=19)=26

If I need to make a roll for every spell and item, can I keep my 19? If not make the roll for me.

[Ribe]

Sorrel will keep trying to do these actions.
Sorrel then screams, "This young dragon will make your end come now!!!"
Intimidate rolled (5)+2 + 9 = 16. And charges at full speed (running 4 x movement) at the centaur as soon as he notices he can walk on water.

If he can charge into range, Sorrel swings his mace lit with fire at the centaur with all his might. rolled 17 + 10 = 27 If he hits rolled d8 for 6, d6 flaming damage for 6 +2 magic and +3 strength = 17 points.

[Anaesthesia]

I'll run over to Tronja, see if she's dead or alive.

[Ed Zachary]

Semaria will cast a Dispel Magic at the area around the elf, while still running with the others.

You get a standard action and a move action. But if you move at more than a walk you'll have to make a concentration check.

The DC=10, that's pretty low. Go ahead... risk that fine Dispel Magic roll.

[Ed Zachary]

Despite the spiky stones I'll charge through them to the elf.

Sorrel, Ghezryln and Semaria - Are you sure you want to run through 30 feet of Spike Stones? They look very nasty.

Sorrel, your initiative will be at -7 for this round only due to the distance you must cover to get at the bad guys.

Ghezryln & Semaria, your initiative will be at -11 for this round only due to the distance you must cover to get at the bad guys.

You'll get in your full attacks, but they'll com later in the round.

[Typhon]

I'll run over to Tronja, see if she's dead or alive.

I'll leave Tronja in Jannys' very capable hands, I'm going to try to get the four horses back.

[Semaria]

You get a standard action and a move action. But if you move at more than a walk you'll have to make a concentration check.

The DC=10, that's pretty low. Go ahead... risk that fine Dispel Magic roll.


OK, here it goes... Concentration: 3+(d20=dammit

You cursed me, you gave me bad luck, you made me miss!

Sorrel, Ghezryln and Semaria - Are you sure you want to run through 30 feet of Spike Stones? They look very nasty.

No, with my Con I'm not going to run through there. Instead Semaria will circle around behind the elf and get them when they run away.

[Ghezryln]

Sheesh, those stones look too nasty for a sandaled monk, I'll follow the ogress.

[Ed Zachary]

At the Far Shore:
Elf, Centaur & Halfling (villains): huddle together, then disappear.
Adara: was getting ready to cast Call Lightning on them, but they disappeared. Adara, you can cast the spell anyway, or you still have a half a round to move or cast another spell.

At the Near Shore:
Jannys: looks for Tronja, or what is left of her. I sent you a PM regarding what you found, you can report it to the group as you wish.
Typhon: runs toward where the four horses ran off to after they panicked. The flaming wagon is no longer attached to them, and they stopped about a quarter mile down the road. Typhon, make a handle animal check if you want to call them. Or do you want to keep going down the road after them?
Vimachipal: dimension doored to the other side of the river, 100 feet upstream from the landing. Vi’s spellcraft check 20+(d20=4)=24, DC=24. I sent you a PM regarding what you noticed, you can report it to the group as you wish.
The Wagon: is burned to a crisp, there is nothing left of it.

At the Drifting Ferry:
Ghezryln and Semaria (as merrow): run to shore around the Spike Stones, and behind the three villains.
Sorrel: arrives at the landing ahead of the others. As he climbs ashore he sees the elf and others disappear. Sorrel, you still have a half a round to move or cast a spell. You can walk around the Spike Stones without going through them, they are in a 50 foot square bordering on the river, centered on the landing.
Kadion: brings the horses and wagon to shore. He’s 100 feet downstream of the landing, the wagon is soaked, and he lost the food, water and other supplies. Despite the best efforts of the DM, you still have one wagon.

[The Wandering Bard]

Kadion ties the Horses off on any stationary object that will hold and than grabs his staff of flight.

OOC: How far is the raft, if it is not to fr away, I will fly after it and launch an arrow into it tied with my rope. I will than tie the rope to another stationary object and get help to reestablish a raft for the others.

[Typhon]

Typhon, make a handle animal check if you want to call them. Or do you want to keep going down the road after them?

I'll call out to them while walking in their direction. I spent two days with them, they should know me.

Handle Animal: 6+(d20=9)=15... the DC is 10, right?

[The Wandering Bard]

OOC: How far is the City we set out from away from here, (as a bird flys)

[Vimachipal]

Vi casts another MESSAGE spell to everyone close enough to hear my whisper (170 ft). That should be Ghez, Semaria and Sorrel. I'll repeat it to Kadion and Adara when they get close enough.

"They used DIMENSION DOOR to escape, so they sill have to be nearby. They're probably in the woods, let's go look for them before they escape."

[essyx]

At the Far Shore:
Elf, Centaur & Halfling (villains): huddle together, then disappear.
Adara: was getting ready to cast Call Lightning on them, but they disappeared. Adara, you can cast the spell anyway, or you still have a half a round to move or cast another spell.


Do I recognize the spell that made them disappear? If I did, and I think I can circumvent it, I will land just beyone the stones I cast and pull another hat trick. And set my new firend to Track them. Or, if I think they're still likely in the area, I'd have my flock scatter and report backan hour before sunset.

[Ghezryln]

I'm going with Vi to hunt them. They're probably in the forest, the trees are 200 feet from the road.

[Ed Zachary]

How far is the City we set out from away from here, (as a bird flys)

Perhaps 60 miles, check the map (post #211, page 15).

Do I recognize the spell that made them disappear? If I did, and I think I can circumvent it, I will land just beyone the stones I cast and pull another hat trick. And set my new firend to Track them. Or, if I think they're still likely in the area, I'd have my flock scatter and report backan hour before sunset.

Make a spellcraft check, DC=19 (not 24, sorry Vi).

[The Wandering Bard]

I will follow Vi and the others to search for the three that attack us.

[Ed Zachary]

Vi suggested that the party check the woods for elf, centaur and halfling, as they probably dimension doored there to hide. Helping Vi look on the ground are Ghezryln, Kadion, Semaria and Sorrel. Adara and her flock of six ravens are searching from the sky. I need search and spot checks from everyone. Spot only for Adara and each raven.

Jannys, Typhon and what's left of Tronja are on the other side of the river. Jannys looks like she found Tronja's remains, and Typhon is calling for the four horses to return.

[Anaesthesia]

((Calls to to whoever's in earshot)) Come quickly!! ((motions to come over))

[Ed Zachary]

((Calls to to whoever's in earshot)) Come quickly!! ((motions to come over))

You can see five others from the party going off into the woods on the other side of the river and Adara flying over them. The river is between you and them, and it is unlikely that they've heard you. If you want them to respond you'll have to do something 'spectacular' to get their attention.

Typhon is nearby and he likely heard you, but he's calling for the horses. They're finally starting to listen and are walking toward him.

[Semaria]

Semaria still has her Alter Self and Water Walk spells up. She's going to concentrate her search in the woods near the river bank. She'll also look around every now and then to check on the other searchers, up to check on the birds, and the other side of the river to check on Jannys and Typhon.

Search: 1+(d20=18)=19
Spot: 7+(d20=8)=9

[Typhon]

((Calls to to whoever's in earshot)) Come quickly!! ((motions to come over))

When I hear Jannys yell out I look over to her.

What is it, is Tronja alive?

My horses are almost here and I want to regain control of them.

Is it an emergency? I'm not much of a medic.

[Vimachipal]

Vi casts another MESSAGE spell to everyone close enough to hear my whisper (170 ft). That should be Ghez, Semaria and Sorrel. I'll repeat it to Kadion and Adara when they get close enough.

"They used DIMENSION DOOR to escape, so they sill have to be nearby. They're probably in the woods, let's go look for them before they escape."

Vi continues with her message "One other fact you will need to know, the spell has a range of roughly 700 feet, possibly up to 800 feet. If I were the elf I'd be hiding in a ROPE TRICK. Unfortunately you must be able to DETECT MAGIC to see it."

"Semaria & Sorrel, did your deity or dragon give you the means to detect magic? I will walk the possible perimeters of the range of their spell with DETECT MAGIC. If two or three of us can do that, we can make a wider arc and we will definitely find them."

Search: 13+(d29=12)=25

Spot:5+(d20=19)=24

If they're here, I'll find them!

[Ghezryln]

Search: 2+(d29=7)=9

Spot:13+(d20=15)=28

I'm better at looking off in the distance than right in front of me.

[Semaria]

Semaria volunteers that she can cast two Detect Magic spells, one on her and the other on Ghezryln or Sorrel. If Sorrel can cast the spell on himself we can create a wider dragnet to sweep the entire area. If we find the elf then we don't need that thing any more. If it's dead, we did all we could to keep it alive. It's its own fault that it's dead. If it didn't jump in front of the other wagon, then it wouldn't be tied to our wagon, then burnt to a crisp. Evil kills evil, repurifying Abeir Toril. So be the will of Selune.

[Ed Zachary]

At the Far (west) Shore:
Ghezryln, Kadion, Semaria, Sorrel & Vi: line up at the river bank 60 feet apart, and either cast or have cast on them Detect Magic (range 60 ft). They do a wide sweep of an arc between 500 and 750 feet from the landing, looking for any sign of the Elf, Centaur or Halfling. About 100 feet from the river Semaria detects a horizontal magic portal (3ft x 5ft) ten feet off the ground. Underneath she noticed that the ground had been disturbed and there are signs of blood. She calls the others over.
Adara: sees her five associates gathering as if they found something, but she doesn’t know what. She also sees what’s happening on the other shore, and off in the distance. Ah... choices to be made!

At the Near (east) Shore:
Typhon, Jannys and Tronja: finally collect the four horses. They are still harnessed together, and it doesn’t look like they were hit by any of the fireball. Yes, Tronja is still alive. She was thrown from the wagon when her ropes were burned by the first fireball. Tronja is frantic, she runs to Typhon and tells him this story:

The red Tormite inquisitor doesn’t believe me, but the desert riders are on their way and they’re almost here! And they have friends with them, many friends. If we don’t get to the other side of the river like now, they’re going to capture us and do unspeakable things to us. You’re in charge here, let’s go already! What are we waiting for?

Any doubt Typhon and Jannys had fades as they both spot a dust cloud off in the distance (about 3 miles) heading toward them. They may guess that it’s a group of mounted riders.

[Typhon]

Damn, even if they are friendly we'd be better off on the other side of the river. Jannys, can you ride? Tronja, can you ride? If anyone can't or doesn't want to try they can hop up on my horse and ride with me.

Ride: 12+(d20=11)=23

Before we leave I want to fire one arrow toward my associates to get their attention.

10+(d20=16)=26, deduct the range penalty. If by accident I hit someone, 12 points.

After we're all mounted, we'll ride toward the river, across from where the others are. I doubt they'll hear us, so I'll fire another arrow or two in their general direction.

[Vimachipal]

I'd love to shoot a couple fireballs inside there, but spells won't pass through the magical barrier. Does anyone have DISPEL MAGIC? We need to take that extra-dimensional portal out. [/geekiness] Then as they fall like rats dropping from a trap, we need to pummel them.

[The Wandering Bard]

Wait before we enter we should gather the rest of the party. I have a spell that will create a temporary bridge, I can hold there wieght, I Will drop the bridge spell when they cross, If we need it again I can cast it again, We need the others to take the group. I also have Detect magic spells. and a few nice suprises.

Casts message to the party members nearby.

I cast this spell because i don't know if they can hear us. My plan is to Get the others together, as just said. Than we open the portal if possible, or wait for it to reopen, I have a spell that will create an illusion of more people, Like the soldiers we meet on the rode. If we can get in I will cast it and send the illusion in, Let them waste their spells or weapons. Or at least keep them on their feet. Than we go in summon all the aid we can Via, summoning spells. I also have one of those. Than we fight, But we need the others. What do you think?

[Ed Zachary]

Wait before we enter we should gather the rest of the party. I have a spell that will create a temporary bridge, I can hold there wieght, I Will drop the bridge spell when they cross, If we need it again I can cast it again, We need the others to take the group. I also have Detect magic spells. and a few nice suprises. Casts message to the party members nearby.

THUNK !!!

After you cast your spell an arrow hits a tree trunk only two feet away from you. It came from the east, across the river. It is not magic.

[Semaria]

Semaria sets her feet to avoid the need for deep concentration. I'll try casting Dispel Magic again, centered on the magic portal. First I'll make sure none of us are in the spell effect.

7+(d20=4)=11

Since that didn't work too well I'll try again next round (if nobody else is successful first).

7+(d20=5)=12

I hate that spell.

[Ghezryln]

[LMAO... I mean try again]

Can they see and hear us or cast spells at us from inside?

Can arrows or stones pass through either way?

[The Wandering Bard]

I look back towards the river, thinking....I might have misjudged the distance of my spell, I doubt I have the power to reach all the way across the full river.

Does anyone have another Dispel Magic spell in there disposal, I might be able to help you. I can inspire you to greater heights if anyone cares to try again, If not than it looks like we might have more company.

I indicate the arrow that is sticking in the ground.

OOC: just to make sure that I sing my song of Inspire Compentance, If any of the magic casters that are in this area, try to cast dispel magic again. Since we are not playing face to face, I will role a Perform roll, and if they attempt again, I will us my skill to add a +2 to their roll.

Perform Roll. 13+12=25 rock on!

[essyx]

Adara: sees her five associates gathering as if they found something, but she doesn’t know what. She also sees what’s happening on the other shore, and off in the distance. Ah... choices to be made!

Adara lands, on the track appoaching the beach, but beyond the Stones spell area. (thought process is this is where the centaur rode in from. ) Still in Raven form, and pulls another furball out of her bag of tricks. (Roll=88...Tiger)

After giving the beautiful beastie it's orders (Speak with animals)(track, hunt, fetch, guard,) she will then fly over to the other side to administer to Tronja (Cure Serious Wounds.)

[Semaria]

I'm really pissed about my two failed spells, now I'm disappointed to learn that the thing is still alive. But I need to see that its still alive for myself, so I run to the river bank then across the river (my water walk is going). Adara is already there, and we meet up with Typhon, Jannys and that thing. As Adara casts a healing spell on it, and I voice my disapproval.

Typhon and Jannys, do you have a plan for crossing the river, or may I be of assistance? If you need I can cast Water Walk on the four horses.

DM: Do we spot anything in the distance yet?

Spot: 2+(d20=14)=16

[Typhon]

Whoa, you're jumping the gun a bit sister. I need the rest of you to cross back over to this side. If it's those desert riders again, then I don't want to give into their inspections. If we're together then they'll be the ones who will submit to our inspection. Just give me a moment, I want to see what's coming.

Spot: 2+(d20=2)=4... damn, I have dust in my eyes!

[The Wandering Bard]

I watch Semaria run towards the bank of the river, Turning towards Vi and Ghezryln, If you need me the whisper spell is still active. Just ask and I will be back, I'm curious so I'm going to see what Typhon needed or why he decided to shot an arrow at us.

But just curious, Does anyone else think that this is very wrong, We never hit any of those we seek, so why the blood? I think its a trap or a diversion to gain distance on us, maybe to set up an ambush point. just food for thought. I'm sorry if i seem edgy, After incidents in my past, I tend to be cautious.

[Ribe]

Sorrel Concentrates on tracking the centaur by using his tracking feat.
He also makes a hand gesture to the sky ground then his eyes.

This causes a different aura to shoot out forth from him and those around him for 30 feet. (+2 spot, listen checks for everyone in 30 feet of me)

Survival roll 6 +13 +2 = 21 for tracking.

Sorrel also shuts off the boots as soon as they disappear.

[Ed Zachary]

After giving the beautiful beastie it's orders (Speak with animals)(track, hunt, fetch, guard,) she will then fly over to the other side to administer to Tronja (Cure Serious Wounds.)

Don't forget, you never saw the elf, centaur and halfling arrive, and they left by spell. The tiger walks around between the Spike Stones and the trees. What do you want it to track? Do you have any tracks to show the beast?

Dispel Magic: 7+(d20=4)=11, 7+(d20=5)=12

Sorry... better luck next time, it's still there.

Do we spot anything in the distance yet?

Spot: 2+(d20=14)=16

Yes, about a half mile away you see about a dozen mounted riders heading down the road toward you. You figure that they'll be at your position in about two minutes. You can't make out their uniforms or dress yet.

Spot: 2+(d20=2)=4... damn, I have dust in my eyes!

Don't worry, the priestess told you what she saw.

Survival roll 6 +13 +2 = 21 for tracking.

You see centaur hoofprints and two sets of humanoid footprints beneath the magic portal. There are no tracks leading up to the spot, and no tracks leading away. The blood is around the hoofprints and one of the humanoid footprints, the one with bigger feet.

[Typhon]

Yes, about a half mile away you see about a dozen mounted riders heading down the road toward you. You figure that they'll be at your position in about two minutes. You can't make out their uniforms or dress yet.

Damn, just like last time we're in no position to get into a fight. OK Semaria, make the horses able to walk on water. And if you can give me that ability too. After the spell is cast Typhon leads the team of four horses across the river and to the rest of the party. If they don't know it by now I'll alert them to the approaching riders, and suggest we take cover. Then I'll ask the group what they found.

[Semaria]

Typhon, I can cast the spell on seven creatures; the four horses, you, Jannys, and I'll refresh my ability.

Adara, you can fly, but do you want to be able to walk on water too?

[to group] That's everyone (blatant omission of Tronja), let's go. Do you think they spotted us yet?

[Ribe]

Sorrel notices they are gone and searches the area in all directions by looking for them. Searching in true anger he ignites something inside of himself.
Truly wishing to destroy these evil creatures.

Spot roll 19 + 2 + 3 = 24

OOC: wow what a roll :)

[Ed Zachary]

Since Anaesthesia won't be back till Monday late, I'll make some posts for Jannus when I need to. Her posts will be in red.

Jannys: I'm not going anywhere near that water, on it, in it, or under it. Thanks for the offer Semaria, but I'll pass on the spell. It would be wasted on me. I'll find a safer way across, those riders are almost here.

Jannys casts Summon Monster-IV and a Giant Eagle of Celestial origins appears next to her (I'd like to get Adara's reaction). The eagle gently picks her up in its talon and flies her across the river and drops her off near the party. Moments later the eagle disappears.

What have you found? Oh, a magic portal and you want to dispel its magic. Sure, let me give it a try. First let me cast Detect Magic so I can see where it is, then I'll cast Dispel Magic on the general area. Step back.

Dispel Magic: 7+(d20=14)=21

[Ed Zachary]

Sorrel notices they are gone and searches the area in all directions by looking for them. Searching in true anger he ignites something inside of himself. Truly wishing to destroy these evil creatures.

Spot roll 19 + 2 + 3 = 24

Noted, I'll let you know if you find any tracks. You notice the next two events...

Jannys: First let me cast Detect Magic so I can see where it is, then I'll cast Dispel Magic on the general area. Step back.

Dispel Magic: 7+(d20=14)=21

Those with Detect Magic going (all but Adara, Typhon and Tronja) notice that the magic portal disappears. That's it, nothing else happens. Nothing or nobody falls out of the space where the portal was.

[to group] That's everyone (blatant omission of Tronja), let's go. Do you think they spotted us yet?

Right afterward 12 riders arrive at the landing on the other side of the river. Three are Peserkhal militia (the two you met plus an officer), four are desert riders (the same four, including blue eyes), and the last five are not in uniform and appear to be hired mercenaries (all human). They show no interest in the wagon and horses tied 100 feet downstream on your side of the river.

After studying the situation for a moment they ride upriver (you are 700 feet upriver) to across from your position (you are 100 feet into the woods). They are also 100 feet into the woods, and the two militia you met ride up to the river bank and appear to be calling for you. You can't hear them, but it definitely looks like they are calling to you. The ten further back are spread out over 100 feet. Vi, you could only get four or five in a fireball.

[Vimachipal]

Those with Detect Magic going (all but Adara, Typhon and Tronja) notice that the magic portal disappears. That's it, nothing else happens. Nothing or nobody falls out of the space where the portal was.

A couple of observations...

1) We know that the elf is Ziggy and the centaur is Cyrus. It's safe to assume that the halfling is Gelfling Twopins, the fellow that showed up at the warehouse then left early. He was a spy for Ziggy and Cyrus. But we don't know whether he participated in the murder of the priests of Selune or not.

2) This portal was a ruse designed to give them more time to escape, or as a bridge to get them further away. If I were Ziggy I'd keep using Dimension Door to jump from location to location. We need to search another 700 foot perimeter from here.

3) The blood is from Cyrus and Twopins. They walked through the Spike Stones, Ziggy didn't. If they are as crippled as the evidence shows them to be, then they're likely hiding out until they heal.

There are two riders at the river bank. Please stall them while I meditate for a few minutes.

[Ghezryln]

Adara, if you want to show the tiger some tracks, here they are!

Kadion, how about you go to the river to talk to them, do you still have that sack they gave you?

I'll stay right behind you, you don't want me talking.

[essyx]

Adara, if you want to show the tiger some tracks, here they are!

Kadion, how about you go to the river to talk to them, do you still have that sack they gave you?

I'll stay right behind you, you don't want me talking.

Guiding my Tiger over to where the monk is pointing out (if it's thru the Stones, my Tiger will not go, whether or not I guide it there...)

And set it to it's purpose.

[Ribe]

Sorrel intent on looking around for the centaur anywhere spots all the riders.

"Looks like we have a lot of people looking for us and I am not sure if they are friendly."

"We should be prepared to be attacked or retained by those that we saw before."

"Do you see them over there?"

[Typhon]

I'm going to go with Kadion and Ghezryln to talk to the militia.

Great sword drawn, I'm not going to put up with any garbage from them.

[The Wandering Bard]

I head towards the river, heeding the comments made by both Ghezryln and Typhon.

I would like to make it known to both of you since we shall be confronting this band together, that if the blue eyed thing starts any magic any thinks is Hostle I intend to make him pay.

OOC: do we still have water walking in effect on the three of us?

Did anyone notice another crossing point? it would appear that with out magical assistance they shouldn't be able to reach us, with out swiming. Anyone have any suggestions should this turn bad?

I still have my longbow out, my trident is visible in my quiver. I ready an arrow onto the string of the bow.

[Ed Zachary]

Do we still have water walking in effect on the three of us?

Ghezryln and Typhon do, but I don't believe you've had that spell cast on you.

Did anyone notice another crossing point? it would appear that with out magical assistance they shouldn't be able to reach us, with out swiming. Anyone have any suggestions should this turn bad?

There is no apparent crossing point, the river is deep and wide. That's why there was a ferry on the main road.

[The Wandering Bard]

I walk up to the shore of the river.

Greetings again, Honored friends what might I do for you? You seem to be in a bit of a rush.

Diplomacy roll (14+12)=26

[Ed Zachary]

Neither side can hear the other beyond the river, normal communication is impossible. One of the two militia takes a scroll of paper and wraps it around an arrow, then fires that arrow in a lob so it lands near the three of you. When you retrieve it, it says:

The seven of you are wanted for the crimes of 1) harboring a fugitive, and 2) attacking members of the emperor's militia. You are to surrender at once, turn over Kamiel (Tronja), and return to Almraiven with us. If you don't comply immediately your will increase to "known accomplices of a fugitive".

You notice that the militia commander rides over to the four desert riders and they converse for a minute. Then the commander and two desert riders (you can't tell which) ride away from the pack further from you. It appears that they are looking for something. The other seven (5 mercenaries & 2 desert riders) are still 100 feet from shore, and they're 10 to 15 feet apart. All 12 of them are still mounted.

Back to the main group; those looking for the tracks of Cyrus, Ziggy and the halfling can't find any, the trail just ends as quickly as it started.

[Ribe]

OOC:

I don't know about everyone else but I am having a hard time making a picture of where everyone is.

Could the master DM give me a run down.

Thanks,

Sorrel

[Ghezryln]

Ghezryln takes the scroll and reads it out loud to Kadion and Typhon. "Those thieves want us to surrender to them, they're out of their minds."

Please stall them while I meditate for a few minutes.

Can either of you write? Stall for a few minutes and write slowly... "We'd like to surrender but can't cross the river, can you help us."

OOC/Ribe: From reading I gather that the main group is still in the woods investigating the spot where the elf created a diversionary magic portal. Kadion, Typhon and I are here at the river bank, and you're looking around for tracks. Since they (elf & others) moved magically with some sort of teleport-lite, there are no tracks for you to find. Across the river are 12 riders out to arrest us. Two are at the bank opposite us, seven are a bit behind them, and three are further back. We're all a few hundred feet upriver from the landing where the ferry was. I hope I got that right and it clears things up for you.

[The Wandering Bard]

I nod to the monk and Tyhpon. You guys go and tell the others that its time to go. We need to find the trail or get the thief to tell us what she knows, we can't stay here any longer.

I need to know one thing though, Do you trust me? I have a plan but I need you to comply. I will stay here and hold them or delay them for as long as possible. I have a few spells that will allow me to get out of this situation. You should not come back over here, get the others into the woods. Look beaten please. hide from site. If they get across have Vi send a message to me. This should work as long as you are well hidden.

[Typhon]

Do you trust me?

To a limited degree. What I want to know is your intentions. Are we going to finally give these guys a bloody nose, or are we going to keep running away from them. And surrender is not an option. I understand why we're delaying, but this needs to end with them no longer chasing us.

So, what are your intentions?

[Semaria]

OOC: We haven't seen the arrest warrant yet.

Did Vi mean that we need to do another dragnet search using Detect Magic? By the time we find them we'll all be out of spells. We do need to find them today before the elf can recharge his spells too. I hope we can avoid a conflict with those riders, we've cast too many spells already today. I'm going to walk over to the river, I know a bit about making it impassable.

[The Wandering Bard]

I look to Typhon and in a low voice explain what I have in mind, should the situation escalate. (I sent you a PM. if you did not get it please let me know)

When Semaria comes over to where we are standing, I nod my head in agreeance to here comment, and than gesture to the riders on the other side of the river. I wish would would not have to fight, but if they manage to get across the river than i see no other choice in the matter. though I hope it doesn't come to that.

I pick up the paper with the arrow and write on it.

I am sorry, we meant no harm to you. We are under orders of the Emporer of calimshan, and the church of Selune to deliver this prisonner to the thayan counsil. We have previously discussed this matter. I am under orders by the Emporer himself to deliver this prisonner to only the directer person. To do others wise would be considred an act against the Emporer and the Thayan counsil.

Gesturing to the other shore to move away from the area, I hand the arrow with the attached paper to Typhon.

Would you be kind enough to send this back over.

[Ghezryln]

I go back into the woods and meet with those still gathered there (I hope Sorrel too) and read them what the note said:

The seven of you are wanted for the crimes of 1) harboring a fugitive, and 2) attacking members of the emperor's militia. You are to surrender at once, turn over Kamiel (Tronja), and return to Almraiven with us. If you don't comply immediately your will increase to "known accomplices of a fugitive".

Any ideas how to get rid of these riders? I'm not ready to abandon our mission or turn over our prisoner. Kadion has a plan to fool them, Typhon wants to attack them, Semaria wants to turn the river into a barrier, and we don't know what Vi is preparing to do.

In the past the desert riders got us at our weakest when we were crossing the river. Ziggy did the same to us. I suggest we lure them into crossing and hit them at their most vulnerable. They won't go away, we will need to deal with them sooner or later. This may be our best time.

[Vimachipal]

Vi comes out of her meditative trance, then listens to what Ghezryln said.

All are good plans. Let's give Kadion's idea a chance. But if they do try to cross the river Typhon and Ghezryln have the right idea, we fight them this time. And Semaria's idea to use the river for defense will help. I've just increased my offensive output should we need it.

Adara, Sorrel, Jannys... do you have any suggestions? Perhaps Sorrel and Jannys could use their combat and defensive skills on the front line. Adara, can you use the forest or plant life to slow them down?

[Ed Zachary]

I don't know about everyone else but I am having a hard time making a picture of where everyone is. Could the master DM give me a run down.

Sorry Ribe, it's the DM's job to make this as clear as possible. To start look at the map I posted (page 15, post #211). It was 35 miles from Almraiven to the first river, and 25 miles from river to river.

Both rivers are 200 feet wide.

Both ferries were 30 ft long by 20 ft wide.

Both landings at each crossing were 20 ft square stone slabs with pylons in the rear that had pulleys on them.

The Spike Stones area is a 50 ft square, starting at the river bank, and centered on the landing.

At this crossing the tree line is 200 feet upriver (north). The trees are from 20 ft to 80 ft tall with a minimal amount of brush.

Kadion tied the wagon and four horses 100 feet downriver from the landing.

Vi estimated the range of the Dimension Door spell to be around 700 feet.

A group of you went upstream and did a dragnet search with Detect Magic to find the Rope Trick they were probably hiding in.

You started at the river bank, and found it 100 feet into the woods, where the group is now (Adara, her tiger, Ghezryln, Jannys, Vi & Tronja). You are eithere there or still searching the surrounding area for tracks.

Jannys Dispelled the magic portal, but nothing was inside. You saw tracks where the magic portal was, but no tracks entered that area or left that area. There was blood on the tracks of the Centaur Cyrus and the Halfling Gelfling Twopins, the Elf Ziggy's footprints did not have blood. Vi suggested doing another dragnet 700 feet from that spot.

Presently Kadion, Semaria and Typhon are at the river bank where you started the dragnet.

Across the river are two militia, the same two you first met. They sent a scroll over demanding your surrender.

About 100 feet behind them are seven others, five mercenaries and two of the desert riders. They are spread out and just waiting.

A few hundred feet behind them is the commander of the militia and two other desert riders. They appear to be looking for something.

I hope this works for you... Ed

[Vimachipal]

My last Message spell should still be up, and I send this out to all (not Tronja).

Kadion, Sorrel and Typhon... can the three of you take out the two militia at the river? I'm about to fry the the seven in the middle with a super fireball or two.

Anyone have any objections? Jannys, those are the desert riders who attacked you. Adara, those are the corrupt soldiers who wanted a bribe. Ghezryln, Semaria, are you ready?

[Typhon]

I hand the arrow with the attached paper to Typhon.

Would you be kind enough to send this back over.

I roll the paper around an arrow and prepare to shoot it across the river.

Where do you want this arrow, near him or between the eyes?

[The Wandering Bard]

Between the eyes if you could. If you can hit him, than aim for the blue eyed rider.

[Typhon]

Att: 10+(d20=15)=25, Dam: 6+(d8=3)=9
Att: 5+(d20=1)= automatic miss

What crappy rolls. You, Sorrel and whomever else should be able to get off arrows or spells this round, including Vi.

Let's make this quick.

[Semaria]

Nice shooting big guy..... now watch how a woman does it.

Semaria (still as a merrow) moves her base 50 ft onto the river to get close enough to cast her spell, which is Hold Person against other soldier. He gets a will save, if he fails he's paralyzed.

[Ed Zachary]

Both Adara and Ghezryln made a Spot Check. They see that the furthest three riders (militia commander & two desert riders) found something, and it looks like they're in their own combat not related of the attack by your own group. They're about 400 feet beyond their side of the river bank.

[Vimachipal]

I cast a Fireball enhanced with the Meta/Widen feat. That means it covers an 80 foot diameter and should get all seven riders.

Damage: 7d6=27

Do I notice what's going on further in the distance?

[Ghezryln]

I should still have my water walking too. I'm going to sprint across the river, around the fireball area, and toward the other combat.

[The Wandering Bard]

I nod to Typhon, Haha nice shot. ;) watch a professional.

Attack roll. (15+8-6)=17
Damage roll (1d8=3)+(1d6=4)=3 piercing +4 fire damage.

Nice roll Vi.

Ed: I like the Picture.

[Ed Zachary]

OOC: I'd like to get Adara's and Sorrel's responses before summarizing what happened and moving onto the next round.

Jannys (still at the site of the dispelled magic portal) does not want to go anywhere near water, so she'll go over it again. Jannys casts Air Walk and runs upward so she'll be 50 feet high when she crosses over the river.

[Ribe]

OOC: I'd like to get Adara's and Sorrel's responses before summarizing what happened and moving onto the next round.

Jannys (still at the site of the dispelled magic portal) does not want to go anywhere near water, so she'll go over it again. Jannys casts Air Walk and runs upward so she'll be 50 feet high when she crosses over the river.


Sorrel upon seeing the arrow fly over our way pulls out his mace witch glows with fire. He then sprints to the two that he was suggested to attack.

attack 9 + 10= 19 Damage D8 (2) D6 (5) + 3 + 2 = 12.

[Ed Zachary]

This is what I have after the surprise round:
Adara: Flying overhead as a raven, is within spell range of surviving two desert riders and mercenary in woods (the middle group). You can cast a spell at them, and/or be within spell range of the three in the back and the combat they are engaged in.
Ghezryln: Ran across the river toward middle group, is attacking the remaining mercenary.
Jannys: You are at the river, and can cross over it this round at 50 feet high. You can cast a spell at the two militia at the river bank (one is paralyzed, one was hitby two arrows), or you can keep moving further into the woods.
Kadion: You just hit a militia with an arrow, you may fire again if you wish.
Semaria: You just paralyzed a militia. You may cast another spell or do whatever.
Sorrel: Ran across the river toward middle group, is attacking one of the two remaining desert riders. I see your attack roll in post #384, it will happen this round. It was a hit, but he’s still alive.
Typhon: You just hit a militia with an arrow, you may fire again if you wish.
Vimachipal: Back at the location of the magic portal, her fireball hit all seven. Four of the seven riders were killed, as were six of their seven horses. Left standing are two desert riders, one mercenary, and one riderless horse.
Further back in the woods: The three riders are in combat with something.

Initiative:
Sorrel: 1+(d20=18)=19
Jannys: 2+(d20=15)=17
Adara: 3+(d20=13)=16
Semaria: 2+(d20=13)=15
Ghezryln: 7+(d20=7)=14
Kadion: 3+(d20=10)=13
Militia at river: 1+(d20=10)=11
Tronja: 5+(d20=10)=10
Vimachipal: 3+(d20=4)=07
Typhon: 2+(d20=3)=07
Mercenary in woods: 3+(d20=4)=07
Desert Rider in woods (2): 2+(d20=3)=05

[Vimachipal]

Vimachipal: Back at the location of the magic portal, her fireball hit all seven. Four of the seven riders were killed, as were six of their seven horses. Left standing are two desert riders, one mercenary, and one riderless horse.

Not much left but mop up. I'll hit the other desert rider that Sorrel's not attacking with Milf's Acid Arrow.

Ranged Touch Attack: 6+(d20=6)=12
This Round: 2d4=6
Next Round: 2d4=6

[Semaria]

I'll cast Hold Person at the other militia when my turn comes around.

[Typhon]

Showoff.

Now that one is paralyzed and the other soon will be, I'll run over to the other bank and disarm them. If I can find some rope I'll tie them too.

I see no reason to kill these militia flunkies, they were just doing their jobs.

[Ghezryln]

Good, time for the fists of fury on my mercenary chump!

Attack: 12+(d20=7)=19, Damage: 4+(d8=1)=5
Attack: 12+(d20=15)=27, Damage: 4+(d8=7)=11

[essyx]

This is what I have after the surprise round:
Adara: Flying overhead as a raven, is within spell range of surviving two desert riders and mercenary in woods (the middle group). You can cast a spell at them, and/or be within spell range of the three in the back and the combat they are engaged in.
Further back in the woods: The three riders are in combat with something.

Initiative:
Sorrel: 1+(d20=18)=19
Jannys: 2+(d20=15)=17
Adara: 3+(d20=13)=16

Mercenary in woods: 3+(d20=4)=07
Desert Rider in woods (2): 2+(d20=3)=05

After watching Sorrel and Jannys approach the group on the bank to help their friends there, has decided to take a swoop towards the forest where the fighting is heard.

(Entangle in the vicinity of the Mercenary and the Desert Riders in the woods. Planning on grabbing all 3, but will take the 2 dester riders if they are separated.)

[Anaesthesia]

((ooh..I want to cast a spell at the guys..hmm..inhibit..summon undead 1..inhibit..summon undead 1..


I think inhibit would do. :D ))

[The Wandering Bard]

I place my longbow in my quiver, and pull out my Staff of flight. I climb on to the staff and fly across the river to help in combat. I am heading towards the group fighting in the distance.

Ride check. 9+11=20

[Ribe]

Sorrel strikes with his whole might. Trying to take out the guy in front of him with one blow.

Shock hits Sorrel that he is not down for the count and he goes to swing again at the man trying to knock him out and not kill him.

Thinking to himself that he will have the only one left to question unless he too kills the man in front of him.

Intimidate "Surrender my good man. I have no wish to kill you. Even though you threaten us and we have done nothing to earn your threat.

Surrender Now or Be destroyed!!" Rolled (2) + 9 = 11.

[Ed Zachary]

At the River Bank:
Semaria: You just paralyzed the second militia, both are now paralyzed. Your Alter Self spell just ended, you appear human again. Don’t forget, you are standing on the river.
Typhon: You ran over to disarm the two militia near the river bank, but were entangled by plant growth before you could reach the shore.
Adara: You entangled the two paralyzed militia, and Typhon.
Militia (2): They are both paralyzed and entangled.


Middle Group:
Ghezryln: You killed the mercenary that you attacked. You can help Sorrel next round if you choose.
Sorrel: You hit the desert rider, but he’s still alive and not intimidated. He swung his sword at you twice and hit you for 10 and 9 points of damage.
Desert Riders (2): One was hit by Sorrel, one was hit by Vi with an Acid Arrow. The one fighting sorrel hit him for 19 points of damage. The other one moves toward Sorrel and will also be fighting him next round.
Mercenary & Horse: Ghezryln killed the mercenary, and the horse is just standing there.
Jannys: [I need some help here] What does the Inhibit spell do, and who are you casting it on?


Far Group:
Kadion: You’re flying toward this group. You see five people leave the scene and head north on horse, parallel to the river, away from the road. They are riding fast. You also see a dead body where the conflict was. Make a Spot check.


Back at Dispelled Magic Portal:
Vimachipal: You hit one of the desert riders in the middle group with an Acid Arrow, but he didn’t go down. Make a spot check to see if you notice Tronja leaving.
Tronja: She was left untied and unsupervised. She managed to untie one of the horses and rode off.

[Vimachipal]

Vimachipal: You hit one of the desert riders in the middle group with an Acid Arrow, but he didn’t go down. Make a spot check to see if you notice Tronja leaving.

Spot: 5+(d20=4)=9... This will be bad, right?

I'll finish off my desert rider with another ACID ARROW.

Ranged Touch Attack: 6+(d20=18)=24
This Round: 2d4=3
Next Round: 2d4=7

[Ghezryln]

Now I'll unleash the fists of fury on whichever poor chump is closest!

Attack: 12+(d20=4)=16, Damage: 4+(d8=7)=11
Attack: 12+(d20=13)=25, Damage: 4+(d8=3)=7

[Ribe]

Concentrating on hitting the man for some serious damage Sorrel activates toughness. A bronze aura springs forth from him and surrounds all of his friends within 30 feet. Instantly feeling the effect of the new aura Sorrel attacks the man who attacked him and swings wide.

Power attack 6+5= 11

Toughness aura all allies within 30 feet damage reduction by 2 per hit.

[Semaria]

Semaria: You just paralyzed the second militia, both are now paralyzed. Your Alter Self spell just ended, you appear human again. Don’t forget, you are standing on the river.

Adara: You entangled the two paralyzed militia, and Typhon.

I move across the river, but unlike Typhon I avoid the area with Entanglement cast in it.

[Typhon]

Reflex Save; 4+(d20=17)=21, that should be enough.

If not...

Strength Check: 20+(d20=2)=22, DC=20

I'm still heading over to the militia soldiers to disarm them. Damn the weeds, full speed ahead!

[The Wandering Bard]

Spot check (12+3)=15

Do I notice Tronja riding off?

[Ed Zachary]

Spot check (12+3)=15

Do I notice Tronja riding off?

No, you're a few hundred feet away and heading in the opposite direction.

[Anaesthesia]

((Whenever I get the chance, maybe for next round, I'd like to go to Sorrel and heal him before he gets whacked by the other guy if it's possible))

[essyx]

At the River Bank:
Typhon: You ran over to disarm the two militia near the river bank, but were entangled by plant growth before you could reach the shore.
Adara: You entangled the two paralyzed militia, and Typhon.


OK, my confusion... I was aiming for the 2 Desert Riders in the woods, and the 1 mercenary in the woods, not on the beach... and they were fighting something in the woods. Did they finish off what they were fighting? And then run up to the beach? Only to be targeted by Typhon??

I am so confused....:mad: :confused:

[Ed Zachary]

Semaria, Typhon & Adara: You are with the two paralyzed militia at the river bank.

Ghezryln, Jannys & Sorrel: You’ve killed the five mercenaries and two desert riders in the woods, with some help from Vi. There is a partially torched horse still alive. Sorrel is also wounded.

Kadion: You fly toward where the distant combat happened, about 300 feet away from the other group. I sent you an email stating what you saw.

Vimachipal: You finally notice one of the horses and Tronja missing. Make another spot roll to see if you can locate Tronja. DC=15]

[Vimachipal]

Vi: You finally notice one of the horses and Tronja missing. Make another spot roll to see if you can locate Tronja. [DC=15]

No problem... Spot: 5+(d20=17)=22

How far away did she get, is she out of FIREBALL range?

Darn, the rest of the party is too far away to communicate.

If she's out of range I'll cast a META/WIDEN/FIREBALL in her direction at max range to get the party's attention.

[The Wandering Bard]

I guide the staff over to the thing I see. Careful to note any movement.

Search roll (13+6=19)
Spot roll (2+3)=5 bound to happen sooner or later :(

When I am within range, I cast Detect magic on what I see. (If i find anything PM me)

[Ghezryln]

I ask Sorrel and Jannys to help me collect all the dead bodies and put them into a pile, including the dead horses. I'm not going to check the bodies for anything, I'll leave that to others. We should finish burning them. Did we know either of the two desert riders? I'll leave the horse alone because I'm not good with animals.

[Ed Zachary]

Did we know either of the two desert riders?

Neither was the leader or blue eyes.

[The Wandering Bard]

I Take what I find.
And Fly over to the othrs to help them go through the others bodies. And to tell the others what I found.

[The Wandering Bard]

I walk up to Ghezryln, Sorrel, and Jannys. I tell them I have found Cyrus's body. I took what I found, we can go through the stuff later.


I Search the bodys for anything value. (11+6)=17
I also cast Detect magic on the group of bodies.

[Anaesthesia]

I'll heal Sorrel first, then I'll go help with the bodies and whatever. You know, at least pray over them or something.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8+1 point per caster level (8+6)+4=18 :D

Anything religious-wise on the bodies? Search:17 Knowledge(religion):19

[Ribe]

I'll heal Sorrel first, then I'll go help with the bodies and whatever. You know, at least pray over them or something.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8+1 point per caster level (8+6)+4=18 :D

Anything religious-wise on the bodies? Search:17 Knowledge(religion):19

"Thank you for your kind prayer. Where are all the others and has any of them got away?"

Based on the high spot check before. I figure that I knew how many of them there were. I will look around to make sure we got them and anything else I might spot.

Rolled 5 +3 = 8 :(

I will start to search if people tell me anyone is missing.
If not I will see if there is anything I can find in my area with the tracks.

Using Track skill never mind natural 1 + 10 = 11 :(.

"Gee that felt great. I have never felt that good from a heal before. Thanks again."

Maybe he got hit over the head.

[Ed Zachary]

How far away did she get, is she out of FIREBALL range?

If she's out of range I'll cast a META/WIDEN/FIREBALL in her direction at max range to get the party's attention.

Tronja is still in range, you can roll damage.

The rest of the party (or the person next to them) should notice the Fireball go off.

[essyx]

After noticing The sorceress starting to murmur her spell, Tronja screams into the air, and the Raven following Tronja flies high into the air, narrowly avoiding the spell being cast.

[Ed Zachary]

Based on the high spot check before. I figure that I knew how many of them there were. I will look around to make sure we got them and anything else I might spot.

You don't recognize these two desert riders, but you only met two of the four. Two desert riders got away along with the militia commander. You guess that the two who got away were the leader and blue eyes.

To sum up the Skirmish:

The two militia who you met earlier had surrendered, after their Paralysis and Entangle ended. They appear to be very scared. Their two horses are alive and well. If you search them they have 20 GP and 100 SP each.

The five mercenaries are dead. Only one of their five horses is still alive, but burned from a fireball. If you search them they have 100 GP each.

The two desert riders are dead. Both their two horses are dead. If you search them they each have 50 GP, four gems, a magic sword, and magic bracers.

Off in the distance Cyrus the Centaur is dead. Kadion has searched his body.

[The Wandering Bard]

If Semaria an Typhon are in hearing range, I will tell them what I found. If not I will wait until we are closer and than explain that I found Cyrus's body.

If My search roll was high enough I and I find whats on the corpses I will stick the items, (swords, bracers, gems and gold in My bag of holding. ) I tell the others that we will divide the items once we are on the road. And Make it clear that I have no intention of keeping it all to myself.

[Vimachipal]

Boszorkány, eszik tűz! (Eat fire, witch!)

Fireball at Tronja: 7d6=22

[Typhon]

As soon as the two unarmed militia flunkies gain their freedom of movement, I ask them who they are and what their business is. I am doing intimidation the old fashioned way, with the tip of a hostile and loud half orc's sword threatening their necks. I have no idea if we can do this, but I tell them that we'll know if they are lying with our magic.

I want to know who they're working for, what their mission is, who their commander is, who the desert riders are, why they're with the desert riders, and where and why they hired mercenaries.

[Semaria]

Little does the barbarian orc know, but I can do that.

Semaria casts Zone of Truth around the prisoners.

In addition I'll ask what they know about Cyrus, Ziggy and Twopins, the dead priests, and the stolen map.

[Ed Zachary]

Anything religious-wise on the bodies? Search:17 Knowledge(religion):19

You find two non-magic symbols worn on chains around the necks of the two desert riders. You recognize them as the personal rune of Qysar Ahmal Shoon, a past emperor of Calimshan. You know nothing else about it.

[Ed Zachary]

Fireball at Tronja: 7d6=22

You hit her and take out her horse. With a Tiger hot on her trail she climbs a tree and fends off the tiger with a stick. There is at least one raven circling above the tree.

[Ed Zachary]

As soon as the two unarmed militia flunkies gain their freedom of movement, I ask them who they are and what their business is. I am doing intimidation the old fashioned way, with the tip of a hostile and loud half orc's sword threatening their necks. I have no idea if we can do this, but I tell them that we'll know if they are lying with our magic.

I want to know who they're working for, what their mission is, who their commander is, who the desert riders are, why they're with the desert riders, and where and why they hired mercenaries.

Semaria casts Zone of Truth around the prisoners.

In addition I'll ask what they know about Cyrus, Ziggy and Twopins, the dead priests, and the stolen map.

We are members of the Peserkhal militia, and we regularly patrol the Almraiven Road. When we first encountered you we were transporting a cargo of wine for one of the governor's festivals. That's when we noticed that you had Kamiel (aka Tronja) with you. We don't earn alot of money, and there's a large reward for her capture. We didn't want it all for ourselves, just a bit so we could live it up like officers for a while. That's why I passed the hat, for a small donation.

We were on our way back to Almraiven when we met the Regional Commander Harsprat from Calimport and five of his hired mercenaries. He asked us if we knew about Kamiel, the infamous and wanted thief. So of course we told him that she was with your group. He commanded us to leave our wagon and follow him, that someone else would pick up the wagon and bring it to the governor.

In route we met those four desert riders. I've seen them before from a distance, but never in person. They're highly secretive and mostly stay in the mountains. Some call them Amalites. Rumor has it that they guard the wealth of the old Shoon Empire, that they kidnap travelers and sacrifice them to keep one of their ancient emperors alive. Anyway Harsprat met with them in private and they agreed to join us, after they performed this eerie ritual with blue eyes on us.

I don't know anything about a centaur named Cyrus, an elf named Ziggy, or a halfling named Gelfling Twopins. We've never even seen a centaur before, but we do know what elves and halflings look like. We also don't know anything about any murdered priests of Selune or stolen map, but we've been away for nearly a week.

[Ghezryln]

It just wouldn't be right to leave these bodies lying around here. Now that they're in a pile let's burn them. If there's no objection I'll go collect some fire wood. to keep it going.

I have some questions for the group:
- What are we going to do with the centaur's body?
- What are we going to do with the prisoners?
- Should we go after the five riders that escaped now, or camp here?

[Vimachipal]

Previous: Fireball at Tronja: 7d6=22

You hit her and take out her horse. With a Tiger hot on her trail she climbs a tree and fends off the tiger with a stick. There is at least one raven circling above the tree.

Adara and I go to the tree where Tronja is defending herself from the tiger.

"Dear Tronja, why did you do that? You should've known that you wouldn't be able to escape. And tell us, why were you not prevented from trying to escape?"

"Adara, perhaps I should improve the tiger's chances by casting a FLY spell on it."

[Ribe]

Sorrel starts to clean up the area and remove all of our tracks and any marks of fighting. He also continues looking for the elf and halfling tracks together and where they went.

Survival roll with tracking feet 9 + 13 = 21

After wiping the sweat from his brow Sorrel walks up to the group and says "Well we can't stay here because there will be more of them coming after us and we need to track down the halfling and the elf."

[Ed Zachary]

Sorrel starts to clean up the area and remove all of our tracks and any marks of fighting. He also continues looking for the elf and halfling tracks together and where they went.

Survival roll with tracking feet 9 + 13 = 21

A good rain will take care of the signs of a fight, it's the scorched plant life and burned bark from Vi's fireball that will be difficult to disguise.

There are plenty of tracks to easily follow, five horses left in a big hurry. There are no elf or halfling tracks, they were mounted.

[Ed Zachary]

Dear Tronja, why did you do that? You should've known that you wouldn't be able to escape. And tell us, why were you not prevented from trying to escape?

Tronja (to Vi): You stupid monkey, no wonder your people lost all of Faerun to people with half a brain and a bit of spine. I wasn't trying to escape, I was going after the elf and halfling. As dim as you are sometimes, you didn't notice them getting away. So in your ignorance you killed one of our horses and allowed them to escape. Good job, which side are you working for? Your group had the perfect opportunity to catch them, and you let them slip right through your fingers. I hate to say it, but I'd put my money on the others finding the burial chamber before you catch them. But now you need me again, because your trail has gone cold. So go ahead, let that tiger eat me.

Tronja climbs down from the tree and dares the tiger to attack her.

[The Wandering Bard]

I look towards,the captured guards. Gentalmen, I am sorry that it had to come to fighting. I understand how you feel. I used to live the life of the guard as well. I understand the need for more finance. I tell you what. If you can tell me anything that we might not know, I will make it worth your while. I wish not to kill you, so know I am on your side. The reward I offer is not just your freedom, but a little something extra as well.

Diplomacy roll. (13+12)=25

Also are any of you injured. I ask my companions and the soldiers.

OOC: LMAO at the flight spell on the tiger. HAHA get her Vi ;)

[Typhon]

Being a mercenary myself, I feel for the plight of these low ranking militiamen. I'm going to give them their equipment back and allow them to get back on their horses.

"You are free to go, our dispute is not with you. And you have been honest with us. As my associate said, we may be able to heal you if you are injured (looking at the arrow wounds). The thief is with us because she has been placed in our charge as a prisoner. She will meet justice, but you'll have to accept the fact that you won't collect the reward for her. Choose the story you will tell in town wisely. Implicating us in the attempted ambush by your foolish commander would be not be good for your long term health."

I'm not going to stop them from leaving, and I won't interfere if another player wants to stop them.

[Semaria]

If there's no objection I'll go collect some fire wood to keep it going.

Go to it, you're doing a great job!

What are we going to do with the centaur's body?

Let's bring it with us, perhaps we can have it brought back to life later on so it can be aggressively questioned by my temple's leadership. And it should not escape proper punishment for its crimes. When we make camp I'll cast Speak With Dead on it. That'll give everyone time to think up our three questions.

What are we going to do with the prisoners?

I pay no attention to them after Typhon lets them go, I don't care either way.

Should we go after the five riders that escaped now, or camp here?

Let's not split up or get caught apart again. Our wagon, our horses and some of our party are on the other side of the river. We know about where they're going, we'll meet them there. We'll never catch them on foot. Let's take care of this mess here, cross back onto the other side, and make camp about an hour from here. Who can lead that horse back over? I'll cast two Cure Light Wounds on it to heal the fire damage, total 20 points.
5+(d8=3)=8
5+(d8=7)=12

[Ed Zachary]

I look towards,the captured guards. Gentalmen, I am sorry that it had to come to fighting. I understand how you feel. I used to live the life of the guard as well. I understand the need for more finance. I tell you what. If you can tell me anything that we might not know, I will make it worth your while. I wish not to kill you, so know I am on your side. The reward I offer is not just your freedom, but a little something extra as well.

After