The Horror of Holsea Head

[KazilDarkeye]

The Setting

Samaria is an island kingdom in the NorthEast of my world. The capital city (where the King/Queen rules from) is Vallencia, on the NorthEast coast.
The current monarch is one of the most famous/infamous (dependant on point of view) becuase of a series of wars during his reign, and his general power and appearence.
Note to PCs: You can make up names of places that you came from, if you want. If not, PM me and I can provide you with info.

The date is 4th Normat (the 4th month out of 12), and the year is 1376.

King Sallazar IV of Samaria. Well known as a powerful wizard who served as a commanding officer in his father's army during The War of Two Kingdoms (a civil war that happened over 50 years ago). Generally liked by the people, he took over from his father 3 years ago and is STILL sorting out some of the fallout associated with the war and his ascension. He is an imposing man, generally dressed in formal embroidered robes, with short black hair and moustache.


In the King's Court:
Sallazar was twirling his moustache, as he often did when concentrating. He was speaking to his vizier, a man who appeared to be thin enough to distort local spacetime. The Kingdom was in danger, as Sallazar had said many times over the course of conversations recently. Being an avid student of History, he knew what happened the last time the omens appeared at Holsea Head. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101060)

"I must commend you, my vizier, for hand-selecting this band of champions. I have great confidence in thier abilities."
"You flatter me, your majesty. I will arrange for them to meet with you in no time."

You are standing outside a grand set of double doors leading into the court, when you see a man built like a stick-figure limp into the room.
"You are requested to meet with the King. You are to present youreslf to the court in no more than five minutes, this is an emergency, after all. Please enter and give your details to the court, name, e.t.c., when you are ready."
At that point he leaves.



OOC

Good luck, guys. As I said before, you roll on a thread that I will form when needed on the Dice-Rolling sections, and speak OOC on this thread.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Standing before the quite thin man was a very tall and heavyset gnome. At least, he was very tall and heavyset by gnomish standards. To the rest of the party, he was just another one of the small folk. Despite being the tallest person he knew for the first 30 years of his life, he as still shorter than the dwarf that he stood next to.

"Let's go ahead and go before the king so that we can give him the details of what we can do so that he can tell us what to do so that we can do what we need to do and then go do the thing that we need to do because he told us to go do it with the talents that we informed him of after we went in. I hope that he is impressed by the many machines that I have built that can help us accomplish the task we are sent on because we told him what we are capable of doing and he is going to tell us to do the very important task. I'm quite certain everybody here thinks the same way I do and I'm sure that all of our talents will prove to be quite useful on the task we are sent on. If we wouldn't be useful for that task then we wouldn't be sent on it at all and besides I think that we'll all do a good job anyhow because we're all experienced in the field and have many relevant talents and though many of us may have seen our comrades fall to bad things we ourselves have not fallen to said bad things as is made obvious by the fact that we are here to provide our talents to the king on the task that he is about to send us on because he thinks we are so talented. Or something like that. By the way I'm pleased to meet all of you my name is Ballidam Travistram Vovorovich but most people call me Big McLargehuge because of how big and large and huge I am but not compared to you just the people I grew up with."

Though smart, Big never knew when to shut up. Or even when he should speak at a pace less than that of a Quickling on the Abiadura berry. The fact of the matter was that, despite the fact that his creations provided visible evidence of his competence, most people figured it was best to just ignore most of the things he had to say.

OOC

I'm sorry the first thing that has been added to your campaign by one of the users is the name of a drug, but it's just there to drive home a point without violating the feel of this as a fantasy setting. Also, this is not an endorsement that anyone eat any such berry.

[Siren]

Aoi

A young catfolk woman was standing towards the front of the party. She was wearing a beige outfit with no ornamentation. Her body was well muscled and toned. She has not talked much and she appeared uncomfortable. She walked towards the king and bowed low.

"I am Aoi Katu of the village of Willow. I am of the church, so I will gladly help in any way I can for no price at all. I have been told I am good at fighting unarmed, so these hands will fight for your cause. I am at your service."

Aoi walked back to join the group.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

After the feline monk returned, Big walked into the king's chamber. Before the presence of the king, the gnome bowed in respect. "Good morrow your majesty King Sallazar IV I am Ballidam Travistram Vovorovich the Effigy Master I am a caster but can't provide the same fire support as most casters but I can and have built machines that can assist in any task that you set me on plus I can try and build other gizmos on the fly if they are needed and afterward if you need a court tinkerer I might could provide you those duties too."

Having an unusual bout of common sense, Big decided that it might be a bad idea to ramble on in front of the king, so he figured one sentence ought to be enough.

OOC

I'd use more commas in my posts, but I'm afraid Big doesn't know what a comma is.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

I'm going to have a lot of fun dealing with you, aren't I Rathgar? :smallamused:

[Jimp]

Devon "Hunter" of the Light

A tall human stands near the centre of the group. He is clad in a thick suit of armour which is dirty and covered in the marks of battle. Flowing behind him is a thick red cloak. Helmetless, his black hair hangs freely. Slung at his side is a plain looking bastard sword, though the holy symbol of Heironeous is engraved into the blade just above the hilt.

*Laughing heartily at the Gnome's antics* "Aye, Gnome, that's a clever nickname you have earned yourself. My name is Devon of the Light, though most call me Hunter. An earned nickname, for I am an agent of Heironeous. An eternal enemy of evil, I hunt those who delve deep into the evil arts. Though amongst friends I am not as grim.

*Walks in towards the king and kneels before him*
"I am Devon, the Hunter of the Light. Agent of Heironeous and enemy of all evil. My greatest strengths are my skill in combat and my ability to track others. It is an honour to work for you.

OOC
Hope my post formatting is alright.

[Brom]

Evan was a well dressed human man wearing a fine merchants garb, which he had made himself. He had blue eyes and curly brown hair, and a mlitant demeanor. He presented himself to the king with august confidence and focus.

"Hello, m'liege. I hear you seek the employment of those of skill; should this be true, the services of the Wayfarer Guilds' best transporter and soldier are at your service. I am a specialist in destructive and teleport magic, and can take this band of employees you have anywhere in the world that you need. I know many places -- it is doubtful that I have not been to the place that you wish us to go."

He did not bow, but awaited answer.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Welcome to may court Ballidam, Aoi, Evan and Devon. But what of your two companions?"


OOC



OOC
Hope my post formatting is alright.

That should be great.

Also I sent a PM to Sod and GhalMarak. No rush, I'm just a little anxious.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel Duinash

Standing a few paces away from the others, a figure swathed in concealing bandages uncrossed his arms and performed a short bow. "I am known as Zasel Duinash." His voice rang with an elvish accent, though it cracked as if from disuse. He didn't seem to want to divulge any more information, as he crossed his arms and idlely looked about the court room.

OOC

Sorry for the delay, but I am restricted to certain days to post.

[Jimp]

OOC
It says in Sod's signature that he is very busy this week. If that helps.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

I suppose I don't need him to start the game. If he hasn't posted by tomorrow I'll just assume that he introduced himself and said the bare minimum, then get on with the story.
No rush, I just like the game is all.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Silent ones, eh? Just as well, it is an emergency after all. I'm sure you have all heard about the details of your mission; go to Holsea Head, find out what is corrupting the land, and put a stop to it, once and for all. My vizier will inform you of the more technical details in one moment. Feel free to ask any questions now, but I warn you - I'm a busy man, and I have a meeting to attend shortly."

[Jimp]

Devon "Hunter" of the Light

"Very well. Luckily my current mission is also leading towards Holsea Head.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

If you don't want to read all that, it really isn't that important. From now on, I'll give a summary spoiler at the end of each thread summarizing what all he said.

Still kneeling in reverence to the king, Big turned to his fellow adventurers and began to speak very excitedly. "I am very glad that we can finally use all of our numerous skills to go and do that which must be done with our skills and I'm sure that we can surely handle anything that he can throw at us because of how skilled we are. My effigies are very good at performing may tasks from delivering supplies to aerial reconnaissance to saving kitties in trees to slaughtering goblins to raising money for the orphanage to bashing undead hordes and can even provided pony rides for all the kids we come across not that we'll really need the ability to give kids pony rides but you never know. All my effigies can be backed up by my magic anyway and I'm sure several of you might have great abilities that can back them up and that they can back you up while your doing them and you can use some of them as mounts if you get tired but you need to be careful that you don't fall off because it can be awkward riding a giant beetle if you haven't done it before like how most people haven't done it before. I hope you are all as excited about this as I am because being happy positive and optimistic about a task makes it much easier to perform the task very well and with a great degree of success but I'm sure that even if we were quite pessimistic that we'd be able to successfully fulfill the task ahead of us due to the great amount of skill we possess. However I should probably be quiet now because I quickly realize that it could be considered quite rude in this culture to keep rambling on and on and on while in the presence of the king especially when you are not speaking to him but rather speaking to other people that are trying to listen to what the king is trying to say. That would be quite bad if the king decided that he doesn't want us to go and perform our duties because I just kept yammering on about this that and the other thing without any regard to social convention and even worse still if we we were arrested or even executed for this rambling on. However I have great faith in the fairness and justness of King Sallazar IV and that he won't do anything to us that isn't entirely warranted and that he'd be quite understanding about the current situation because those lacking great wisdom rarely raise to this position as he has and even more rarely maintain the position as long as he has so therefore we must infer that he is almost without a doubt a wise king. But I digress."

Summary: He is excited to be going on this quest, realizes he shouldn't talk so much, then rambles on about needing to not ramble on so much.

[Siren]

Aoi

"Well I think the king has probably heard quite enough. Thank you for your time your majesty."

Aoi started pushing Big McLargehuge out of the room.

"I hope you didn't upset him with all that. He is a very busy man. You should probably let other people do the talking in front of important people."

[Jimp]

*laughs* "I will give it to you, Gnome, you are well able to talk. You can say enough for all of us."

OOC
That was quite the read :smalltongue:

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi turned towards Devon.

"Don't encourage him, please. He is going to get us all into trouble. Nothing against him, but the king did say he was busy and to keep it short. Then this guy goes and does that."

Aoi continued pushing big until they were near the vizier.

"Well I guess it doesn't matter as much since we are no longer with the king."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"Thank you very much for dragging me out of there I was afraid that I might end up running my mouth off in front of the king and getting us in trouble but now that we've left the room we are no longer in danger of the king getting mad at us for us talking too much and by us I mean just me except for the group that would be in trouble which really would be us. It would most likely be a terrible fate though I'm also quite glad on the other hand that the king is quite wise and just and fair and smart and just and wise and that we don't have to worry about him doing dumb things because of him being unwise because he is in fact quite wise. But anyway I wonder what the Vizier is going to say I'm sure that there are quite a lot of details to what we are about to do like the exact path we have to take and maybe we'll be after some vampire or something and we can only kill him by hitting him in the face with something ridiculous like spinach or a broken clock or or sword or something and then chant some chant or something crazy like that and I bet he'd be hard to find anyhow or at least hard to fight because if he weren't the king wouldn't have called upon a crack team of experts like ourselves to take on this most important task that has sent us to take on, I know that the task probably won't be quite as complicated or bizarre as what I already mentioned but who knows I've heard tales of this one time when there was a wererat who was only defeated by a great gnomish hero named Folilophilie Rodimus "The Big Cheese" Belechiblechiottoblechiflamflamortoflamdella-unterschnielongoriflayplepplepflos decided to concead alchemist's fire in a block of Gouda and then deliver the cheese to the wererat's lair using the local courier service but I doubt that ingenuity alone ought to be enough to take care of this great threat to our way of life whatever the threat might be because if ingenuity were enough we could simply rely on the king's personal think tank to think up a solution and we'd be out of here like pie from the oven. However I'm sure we can all handle it because of the fact that we are all members of a newly assembled crack team of the greatest of the great and the bravest of the not dead."

Summary:
1) Big thanked Aoi for getting him out of there before he got everyone in trouble.
2) He started to speculate wildly as to what the Vizier might say.
3) He shared a great piece of gnomish lore.
4) He decided that the team is competent and that the king made a good decision.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Who did what with what? Huh?"

OOC

I believe what I said earlier was an understatement. :smallamused::smallbiggrin:

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel Duinash

Groaning, Zasel pushed past the others to stand before the Vizier. "Will we be given supplies? I know not of the others, but I am ill equipped for a journey." He made no mention of his gold, as he was saving it for his next step upon the path.

OCC

Huh, my gold is currently in Hammerspace! :smallsmile: I guess I should buy something to put it in, if that's okay Kazil.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Why, yes, there is a chamber holding basic supplies for militia a few floors down. Normally I'm not supposed to tell anyone about this, but, given current circumstances..."

His voice trails off and he fetches a nearby worker.

"Just tell him what to fetch, while I answer any more questions your companions might pose."

He then hobbles away from Zasel towards the others.

"Anything I can get you, sir?" he says in a gruff voice.


OOC

You gotta love Hammerspace. Makes a good place to store sandwiches where they won't go off.
Hammertime, on the other hand...:smallannoyed:

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel Duinash

Zasel looked over the worker, then nodded. "Yes, I need a few days of rations, a pack to hold them in, and a full waterskin" After he gave the orders, he waved his hand as a dismis an turned back to watch the others.

OCC

Oh, I had thought you had read his description. Since we reworked the Adept to Adamant adept, I changed his color change from green to black. And also, his features are concealed in bandages, and he wears gloves. So outwardly he just looks like a finely dressed mummy. :smallwink:

[KazilDarkeye]

The man looks a little annoyed, but hurries off and returns a few minutes later with the supplies. He then walks over to a corner of a nearby courtyard and lights up a cigarette.


OOC

My mistake Ghal, but I have always thought Adamantine was green for some reason. To me it sounds like a "green" word, if you know what I mean.
I'm willing to be wrong, however.

[Jimp]

Devon "Hunter" of the Light

Turning to the vizier "What do you know about the happenings in Holsea Head? Do you have any greater details?"

[Brom]

Evan listened carefully to hear any details that were brought up, and throws in his own questions.

"What is the geographical nature of the region? Is there any particular weather or obstacles I should know of? Is this castle warded against teleportation? How dangerous is the wilderness of that area? Give me some information; maybe I can teleport us straight there, we can finish, and come back, and it'll all be over before you knew we were gone."

[KazilDarkeye]

"Unfortunately, Hunter, all I know about is what happened last time. The townsmen of Holsea Head, including their mayor merely confirm that the omens have returned, only more strongly and with new ones as well. The entire chalk headland has turned black, I mean, that's not something you'd miss".

He then turns toward Evan.

"Geography's never been my strong point. Basically the area is a chalk headland - chalk is a pretty tough rock, so the clay and other softer rocks around it erode first. The first lord, Lias, built a tower near the edge of the headland, partly for the stunning view, posssibly as a testament to the solidarity of the land...I don't know.
I would think that whatever weather is usually present in the region has been superseded by the omens. You know the drill - it's always dark, even at midday when there aren't any clouds in the sky. Thunder and lightning without any clouds either. I don't know what to make of it.
If you do go over land you have to pass through Rowanoak Forest, ah, such a large, beautiful forest! I do like travelling through it, but maybe that's just me. There's a road, but there have been reports of bandits. The road is quicker than going straight through dense forest, so most people take it. As such we have no conclusive information on creatures that dwell in the forest. The are rumours that the corruption emanating from Holsea Head has already reached the forest and started warping the creatures, if there are any, but I think that is an exaggeration.
As for whether you can teleport? Possible, but Lord Holsea (the current one, of course) always was a paranoid one. Got close to a bunch of scam-artists one time claiming to be soothsayers. They managed to convince him that evil assassins would be stalking him. Since then he has gotten tighter and tighter in terms of security. I just don't know if it's reached the "bar all teleportation" stage - I mean, I don't know any assassins who can teleport, but it's certainly posssible".

He then adds, with a tight-lipped smile "...eheh, not that I would know ANY assassins of course".

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi laughed to herself.

"Of course the royal vizier would not know any unsavory characters like an assassin. Since the lord of Holsea Head is wary, you did tell him we are coming right? Is there anything we can bring to prove we are from the king and not some scoundrels trying to con him?"

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"I have several questions because anyone with half a brain will know that only the informed have a great probability of success when they embark on a mission of this great magnitude. Will we have anybody coming along with us like a small contingent of soldiers or some mercenaries or some people to drive the pack animals or somebody to cook for us or somebody who can speak a lot of languages and can act as an interpreter or anybody else that would aid us on our journey and are under the direction to do so by order of the royal court? How much of the cost of repairs on our equipment will we be reimbursed upon the completion of our task because some of us are using quite expensive and state of the art equipment that is quite costly and expensive to maintain and have a chance of breaking along the way the same way that a catapult might break except that the catapult was paid for by the person that was operating it and so he'd not be capable of paying for a replacement without the aid of the ruler who sent him on a mission that ended up getting that equipment damaged in the first place and what other expenses will you end up covering when we inevitably rack them up as a result of necessity and how much will you cover them? Is there anything in the militia supplies that can be useful to a wizard like a staff or a scroll or a wand or spell components or some gears for the machines or something of that nature or even some tools because tools could come in handy you know because we might end up needing to fix something and then we'd need the tools to fix it properly and not just have to resort to using the handyman's secret weapon?"

Summary (excluding unnecessary filler):
1) Will we have any people helping us (soldiers, teamsters, cooks, etc.)?
2) What expenses will be covered by the king, and how much they be covered?
3) Is there anything in the militia stockroom that a wizard could use, or any tools a mechanic could use?

[KazilDarkeye]

"Yes, maam, I have forewarned Lord Holsea of your presence. I can't expect you would have encountered much resistance.

Sir, I am just going to answer some general questions that a lot of people in this sort of situation ask me, because I have no idea what you just said.
If you would have any assistance? A few months ago one of the towns on the north of the island had...an incident. Apparently all 1,000-odd inmates at a maximum security prison had escaped, and were rounding up other prisoners and criminals to form an army. A full scale Prisoner's Revolution. As such we decided to channel our soldiers toward quelling these prisoners, a task which they are still undertaking. Even if we could recall the soldiers, by the time they got here, I fear it would do little good.
There aren't any real expenses to be covered. Apart from food, board and lodgings in Holsea Head itself I can't think of anything that would need money, so that is what has been covered for you.
This stockroom mostly contains weapons, armour and basic traveller's supplies, so I doubt any wizard...ish equipment or tools are there. If you do want some more tools before leaving I suggest you go to a blacksmith's or somewhere in town before you leave.
Finally, I am not an assassin, have never claimed to be an assassin, and do not know any professional assassins.

[Jimp]

Hunter
"I have no further questions."

OOC
He totally knows assassins :smallbiggrin:

[Brom]

Evan listened closely. Chalk ground; lightning clouds; darkened sky; he could teleport to that area without too much difficulty if he saw it at any kind of distance, and he'd know if he was looking at the right spot. Could be as easy as casting a scrying spell approximately into the distance.

OOC: What kind of vizier would he be if he didn't know assassin's to hunt down enemies of his liege lord and to privately off a few people who would threaten his job security? He's a politician, fancy title or no.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"Tough it is disappointing that the storehouse lacks any arcane things that I could take advantage of it is quite reasonable that that would be so and I also understand the lack of support personal because the threats that you face over there are quite pressing and require all the manpower you can get and also I can understand you and me not seeing eye to eye on the whole repair costs for my machinery but I understand and I'll take it as my patriotic duty to suck up the cost myself because I know how grave a threat we face or at least I think I know but none can be sure excepting those that have seen it firsthand and maybe not even them. I thank you very much for your time and I am quite satisfied with the answers that you have given us and I'll be ready to go on my way as soon as everybody else is."

Just to let you know, Brom, you'll have to carry my effigies over, too, so be sure to prepare a lot of teleportation spells (by my calculations, at least 5 uses). I have two Medium effigies and 3 Large effigies. Each large effigy counts as two medium sized creatures. Here is my suggestion for the groupings if we do teleport (assuming my calculations are correct and you can teleport six individuals with you at a time).
1) Evan brings over Big McLargehuge, the Big Pony, Aoi, Zasal, Devon, and Dvalr.
2) Evan and Big McLargehuge return (Big needs to go back so that he can control the effigies so that they'll be able to travel)
3) Evan, Big McLargehuge, the Big Beetle, the Big Ape, and the Big Dino teleport to join the destination
4) Evan and Big McLargehuge return
5) Evan, Big McLargehuge, and the Big Griffon join everybody else

Oh, and the Summary: Big is thankful for the Vizier's help and has no further questions. Also, he is ready to depart.

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi makes a mental note not to cross the vizier because he knows assassins.

"I have no further questions either. Thank you for your time. I hope that we can quickly fix this problem for you and come back with good news."

OOC: If this king is a good, kind king then why does he need people killed? I sure hope we aren't actually working for the bad guys. Just kidding I am sure we aren't.

[KazilDarkeye]

Just to let you know, Brom, you'll have to carry my effigies over, too, so be sure to prepare a lot of teleportation spells (by my calculations, at least 5 uses). I have two Medium effigies and 3 Large effigies. Each large effigy counts as two medium sized creatures. Here is my suggestion for the groupings if we do teleport (assuming my calculations are correct and you can teleport six individuals with you at a time)...


OOC
That is, of course, assuming that Evan doesn't flub any of his rolls. It's unlikely, due to his Wayfarer Guide abilities, but it's still possible.
Just to tell you guys, Holsea Head is ~18-20 miles from Huncastle (where you are now), so if Evan does get the "Off Target" Result, he stands to land ~2 miles in a random direction from his intended target.

[Siren]

Aoi

"Well are we all ready to go? We can't make those poor people wait forever. They must be so scared."

[Jimp]

Hunter

*Nods to Aoi* "I am ready to go. The sooner we get started the better."

[Siren]

Aoi

"Well Evan since it looks like we are ready. Tell us what you are wanting us all to do. Also it is so nice that you are willing to take us all"

Aoi smiles at Evan.

[Brom]

Evan gave a grin, cracked his knuckles, and smiles at the small Gnome.

"Actually, you're incorrect. I can bring nine willing creatures along with every teleport. Even among Wayfarer's, I'm *very* good at what I do. When I teleport, I calculate the jump not once but three times and pick whatever seems most likely to bring us on target."

Even gave a tight, professional grin to Aoi; he felt his military attitude coming back to play, and he automatically fell into the syntax he normally reserved for officers...or female civilians. Both were to be respected.

"It's all in the service contract, ma'am. My job."

Evan closed his eyes, ran some numbers through his head.

"There is a 75% chance of me being able to teleport somewhere that I have seen once. When I teleport, I only partially commit to each jump, and apply this three times before I actually make the jump."

OOC: This is Evan trying to explain the mechanics in game :P It's awkward. Basically, I have a Wayfarer ability that allows me to roll a second time for a teleport and then choose the result. Further, I have a feat that allows a similar thing; one extra roll to decide teleport. So, total, three teleport rolls... =)

He turned to McLarge. "I'm a Wayfarer. That's pretty much all I do with that level of spell slots is prepare teleport. Plus...I had a feeling that someone here would have some army of sidekicks or that we might need to move some of the King's aides or something of that sort."

He gave the gist of it.

"Ok. So, realistically; I need to see this place. Once. At a distance. Hell; seeing it with scrying or clairvoyance would work. Teleporting to a place I haven't seen at all just isn't the way magic works. Considering the size of the area and the distinctiveness of the region, once we're within, say, a few hundred miles of the storms and the chalk flats, I should be able to just yank us in. But we're probably going to have to slog it on foot, if only a little. An alternative is a few of us could go on a recon trip; I could cast overland flight, we fly all day, I see the area, port back, and we can begin moving ourselves over there. Still, foot slogging shouldn't be too bad. I can conjure some horses relatively easily."

He pauses, and waits to see what everyone else says.

[Jimp]

Hunter

"I have no issue with walking. Being honest, I prefer it to horseback. If you think a scouting mission would be best I would happily join you."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"I thought that you were a great traveler that has been to many different places if you haven't been to Holsea Head then where have you been the Cesspools of Zikinzulo or the shanty towns of Baztertuin? Although if you haven't been there there are still ways that we can get there without walking all the way there to see it because if we were to walk all the way there what was the point of hiring a teleporting mage in the first place? Though I lack the ability to do so myself I do believe that you could if I'm not mistaken scry on somebody in the town and as a result get a glimpse of the location but you'd need to know who to scry on so we'll need some extra help from the Vizier." Big turned to the Vizier. "Sorry to bother you gain kind sir but we do need your help again like could you possibly tell us of any important politicians or other personages who would currently be in or around that town and if there are any would you possibly have anything that might help us while we scry on them like a picture or some of their clothing?"

Sorry, Brom, I didn't see your Arcan Thesis Feat there. After I recalculate your teleportations for the day, I see that you can teleport seven people, eight if you include yourself. That's four from caster level (13/4=4 r1, drop the remainder), and three from your class levels of Wayfarer Guide. My new plotting of how the teleportation should go is as follows:
1) Evan carries over Big McLargehuge, the Big Beetle (counts as 2), Aoi, Devon, Dvalr, and Zasal.
2) After establishing a foothold (assuming that is necessary), Evan takes Big McLargehuge back so that he can get his equipment to cooperate.
3) Evan carries back Big McLargehuge, the Big Pony, the Big Dino, the Big Griffon (counts as 2), and the Big Ape (counts as 2).

Also, for the Summary:
First, to Evan
1) What kind of a great traveler hasn't been to Holsea Head? (a biased opinion based on someone from this general area)
2) You probably could just use the spell Scrying. (which you already mentioned)
Then, to the Vizier
1) Are there any important people that would be in the immediate area of where we're going.
2) If there are any such people, do you have anything that could be used for scrying (picture, personal possession, etc.)

[Brom]

Evan grinned.

"Genius. If I could see a picture or image or hold a possession or even just see an illusory likeness of anyone who lives over there, I can scry on them...then pop right into the room next to them. Be very effective."

((OOC: ^_^ Yay for optimizing teleportation abilities for the betterment of a large group of adventurers. I should give tours.))

[KazilDarkeye]

The vizier, upon hearing about the idea to Telelport to Holsea Head, says

"Well, I don't believe there is anyone who is able to scry in the castle...but that's only because most of them would be down the main road of the city at the magic college...what's it called?...I can't remember. But I do personally know the Headmaster of the college, and I can write you an offical document that will grant you access to the Diviner's Wing and so forth. I think it will only take a few minutes to write. I should visit Grisnox at some time..."

OOC

Brom, Rathgar is partially right, however. You can carry 7 creatures by my count, not 9. (4 from character level + 3 from Wayfarer).

[Brom]

I have a few things that increases carrying capacity:

Arcane Thesis (Teleport), I treat teleport as if I was a 14th level caster.

Wayfarer Guide abilities, I bring along extra people (not sure how many)

And then I have a feat, 'Heavy Teleport" that lets me bring along one additional medium or smaller creature.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Evan is a 14th level caster for Teleport
(14/3) = 4.6...
So 4

Wayfarer Guide gives you 1 additional creature/Level in WG.
So 3

Heavy Teleport gives you one additional.
So 1

4+3+1 = 8.
Still not 9, though.

[Brom]

((OOC: Looks like my Port count was off by one.))

[Siren]

Aoi

"If you will please write us that letter that would be great vizier. I am sure that the college either has something Evan could use to scry with or if not that they would scry there for us. Besides we have been taking up too much of your time. I am sure you have many other things to do and other people to speak with."

[KazilDarkeye]

"One moment maam..."

You then see him get out a royal seal, stamp a piece of hot wax, and seal the letter.

"Ah, there we go. One letter requesting that the patrons bearing it (i.e. you) be allowed an audience with The Archon Grisnox (the Headmaster) in order to access the Diviner's Wing and the scrying chambers. I believe everything should be in order. Just head south down Main Road, and you can't miss it."

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi took the paper from the vizier and put it carefully into her pack.

"Thank you for the letter. We shouldn't have to bother you anymore."

Aoi turned towards the party.

"We should get going to the magic school now."

[Jimp]

Hunter

*Nods* "Yes, let's get going."

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel kept his mouth shut and followed the others out. They were dead set on teleporting there, even though it seemed foolish to do so. Walking would be preferable, but nothing he could say would be likely to change their minds.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC
So I'm assuming the general concensus is to go to the college and scry so you can teleport.

IC
You leave the castle and start heading south along the Main Road, several people staring at the mechanimals (mechanical animals), along with the rest of the party. Sure enough you can see the college on the other side of a row of shops. You cut across some alleyways to get to it, when suddenly you round a corner to see a group of armed thugs brutally kicking and beating a man on the floor wearing tattered robes. The thugs havn't noticed you yet, concentrating all their effort into beating the elderly man.
What do you guys what to do?

OOC
I'm not too sure how to put pictures up to show e.g. combat maps. Hold on, let me try something:

{table="head"]1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12
.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|Thug|Body|Thug|.
.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|Thug|Thug|Thug|.
.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|.|
Zasel|Dvalr|BP & Big|Aoi|BG|BG|BA|BA|BB|BB|.|.|
Devon|BD|.|.|BG|BG|BA|BA|BB|BB|.|.|
[/table]
A dot indicates empty space.
Ignore the numbered squares at the top. They're just for reference.
Each block is a 5 f.t. square.
The way you entered is to the left of Zasel and Devon, the exit is to the right of BB.
If you have any complaints about position, tell me before anyone does any significant action (which reminds me, I need to set up the Dice-Rolling Thread soonish).

BA = Big Ape
BG = Big Griffon
BP = Big Pony
BB = Big Beetle
BD = Big Dino

Edit: Very well, I'll just swap around Big Dino and Big Ape.

[Rathgar]

Thank you for fixing that, and sorry that I wasn't more clear about it.

[Jimp]

Hunter

"You there! Stand back from the man." shouts Devon as he walks towards the thugs, drawing his sword. Holy light washes over the sword as he holds it before him.

OOC
I have no issue with my character position.

[KazilDarkeye]

The largest of the thugs turns to face Devon, his face riddled with cuts and a large tattoo of a dagger on his forehead. He then speaks:

"Oh, yeah? Go back to Crake!"

He then proceeds to flip Devon off, and turns back toward the crumpled attack victim, muttering something to it.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel sighed as his 'companion' shouted at the people beating on the old man. They could have simply walked on and alerted the town guard to the incident, and thus wasting no time. Now they will undoutably get caught up in a scuffle with these... charlatains. Still, he might as well make a plea to the idiot. "Must we confront them? I suppose we can't just go about our buisness?"

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge
HP 48/48, Initiative [roll0]
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat Footed 11
(Note #1: Big wasn't going to cast Mage Armor until we were actually about to leave for Holsea Head.)
(Note #2: Due to the high number of "supporting characters," the additional stats will be listed in a spoiler under Big's stats for all future combat rounds.)
Big Ape
HP 58/58, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative [roll1]
AC 21, Touch 10, Flat Footed 20

Big Beetle
HP 79/79, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative [roll2]
AC 25, Touch 8, Flat Footed 25

Big Dino
HP 47/47, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative [roll3]
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat Footed 21

Big Griffon
HP 59/59, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative [roll4]
AC 23, Touch 10, Flat Footed 22

Big Pony
HP 39/39, Damage Reduction 1/Adamantine, Initiative [roll5]
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat Footed 19

Claxton
HP 24/24, Initiative [roll6]
AC 24, Touch 14, Flat Footed 20

Showing a shear level of conciseness that none of the others had seen before, Big shouted to the men. "You can't just get away with that! Big Griffon Big Beetle subdue them! Big Ape subdue them with fists!"

Big is giving the command for them to attack for nonlethal damage (incurring a -4 to hit penalty). Assuming we just switch the position of the Big Dino and the Big Ape (so that they fit in the formation), I believe this to be possible.

Big Beetle 5 foot step to (C10-C11-D10-D11), then attack Thug B11:
Attack Roll: [roll7]
Critical Confirmation (if needed): [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Big Ape 5 foot step to (C8-C9-D8-D9), then 2 Slams on Thug B10:
Attack Roll Right Fist: [roll10]
Critical Confirmation (if needed): [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]
Attack Roll Left Fist: [roll13]
Critical Confirmation (if needed): [roll14]
Damage: [roll15]

Big Griffon Charge through the air to (A7-A8-B7-B8) and Pounce on Thug B9:
Attack Roll Bite: [roll16]
Critical Confirmation (if needed): [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]
Attack Roll Right Claw: [roll19]
Critical Confirmation (if needed): [roll20]
Damage: [roll21]
Attack Roll Left Claw: [roll22]
Critical Confirmation (if needed): [roll23]
Damage: [roll24]
Attack Roll Rake: [roll25]
Critical confirmation (if needed): [roll26]
Damage: [roll27]

[Jimp]

Hunter

Listen check to see if I hear what he muttered[roll0]
Devon looks over his shoulder to Zasel, "Never."
He grips his sword in both hands and turns it on the large guy.

Unless I hear something along the lines of "We have you now captain evil!", Full attack, presuming the guy is human.
Initiative: [roll1]

Attack 1: [roll2]
Critical confirmation if needed: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Sneak Attack (dunno if it applies): [roll5]
Holy damage (if evil): [roll6]

Attack 2: [roll7]
Critical confirmation if needed: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]
Sneak Attack (dunno if it applies): [roll10]
Holy damage (if evil): [roll11]

Attack 3: [roll12]
Critical confirmation if needed: [roll13]
Damage: [roll14]
Sneak Attack (dunno if it applies): [roll15]
Holy damage (if evil): [roll16]


EDIT: my 3rd attack bonus should be +9, i forgot to add the +2 from the magic sword.

OOC
What's a Crake?
Also Rathgar, your battle cry reminded my of Pokémon :smallbiggrin:. Big Ape! I choose you!

[Siren]

Aoi
HP 75/75, Initiative [roll0]
AC 27, Touch 19, Flat Footed 23

"How can they do this to that elderly man? I am on my way to pursue justice."

Aoi will move to square A 12 making sure to stay far enough away not to provoke attacks of opportunity.

Attack dealing nonlethal damage: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

OOC:
I also want to know what a crake is.

Ghal: I don't think any of us are trying to leave you out. If you have strong feelings about teleporting please say something. You could convince us to your way of thinking. We have not left yet after all. I don't want you to be upset about this. I just wanted to teleport because we have someone in our party based around it, so it would be wasting our resources to not use him really. Also we should be able to safely get to the lord of Holsea Head this way before encountering things from that area. I just wanted more information before walking into the situation. I believe teleporting we could do that. Insulting everyone's intelligence when you have not said anything to the party about your opinion isn't going to change anything though.

[Siren]

Didn't know that previewing screwed rolls up.

Initiative: [roll0]

Attack: [roll1]

Damage: [roll2]

[Jimp]

OOC
I think Ghal's comments were intended as an in character internal monologue. His character seems to keep his thoughts to himself mostly.

[Siren]

OOC: His character has always talked before. He has never kept his thoughts to himself before then. So to me it looks like he is upset. To me it looked like he felt left out.

[Brom]

I'll assume leaving me out wasn't intentional =D

Initiative: [roll0]

Ok. I'm going to manuever to 1, 2 (in the one column, two squares down.) Directly across/in front from me, three thugs should be in a line. I'm going to drop a Lightning bolt right on top of that line and spear three of them, and it'll miss the old dude =D

[roll1]

Evan summarized the situation tactically inside of a heartbeat. Thugs; armed. Refusal to disarm; they were now enemy combatants. The old man was a noncombatant. Engaging and assailing a noncombatant was disallowed by rules of engagement anywhere. One did not beat the old, the young, or women.

Their formation was a line, with two 'prongs' to finalize their complete surrounding of the old man. Killing three of them would reduce the number of enemy opposition by more than half, open a route of relocation to the old man, and likely thoroughly demoralize the enemy. They could be picked off afterwards with a maximized scorching ray followed by a maximized magic missile.

He threw the lightning bolt and in full drill-sergeant style, screamed, "Stand down or DIE! On the ground and drop your weapons, NOW!"

[KazilDarkeye]

(See OOC for why I'm doing this:)

The thugs seem to not notice any of you preparing for combat.

20
Big McLargeHuge

19
Big Beetle

15
Big Griffon

14
Big Ape
Devon
Evan

11
Aoi
Claxton
Big Dino

2
Big Pony


Jimp, all you heard was him insulting/swearing at the crumpled figure.
Crake is an area of cold northern mountains (so he was basicly saying the equivalent of "Go Back to Russia!").


OOC
I'm going to ask you guys, from now on, only roll initiative at the start of a battle (with maybe those stats (A.C. e.t.c)). Afterwards I can complie them into a list and we can act from there. I'm also assuming people can nnounce if they don't want to be involved in a battle.
For this round, some people had moves which couldn't be performed, so I'm giving you guys the chance to rechoose your moves if you want. If you don't want to change, then Don't Reroll Any Dice.
Also the Dice-Rolling thread is apparently unnessecary.

I'm reposting the battle map now.
http://s574.photobucket.com/albums/ss183/KazilDarkeye/?action=view&current=AlleywayBattleMap2.jpg

[Rathgar]

OOC - Brom, if you shoot at that angle, you'll hit the Big Griffon, because it's already moved into that line. Besides, those people might not still be standing by the time you get an action.

Also, KazilDarkeye, a dice rolling thread would be nice, as it would reduce clutter on this board.

[KazilDarkeye]

O.K, in that case look here: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5673374#post5673374

[Brom]

Probably true; then I guess I'll wait for my turn in the initiative, then take action.

[Jimp]

OOC
Do you want us to restate/reroll our actions?

[KazilDarkeye]

If you want to change your actions, state the new one and re-roll.
If you want to keep with your old action, state the new action and roll.

[Jimp]

I'm keeping my original action.

[SoD]

Dvalr

Dvalr calmly unsheathes his anchient weapon, a traditional dwarven ugrosh, which appears to be nothing more than an old, worn, yet sturdy weapon. He calmly, yet oddly swiftly (for a dwarf) walks up to one of the thugs, and bashes him over the head with the flat of the axe.

OOC: if 15 damage is enough to fell him, Dvalr speaks, in a coarse gruff, dwarven voice; [spoiler]"You were warned. Next time one of you will get your head chopped off. Now flee, all of you. GO!"

[Siren]

OOC: I will keep my original action.

[Rathgar]

OOC - I shall also keep all of my actions (it took to long to type them out).

[Brom]

Do I have to decide an action? Can't I wait till it's my turn and then post an action? As was said earlier, conditions may change :P

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Brom, I'd actually prefer it if you wait for your turn to post your action. That way you can decide after the others have moved into place.


IC

The Beetle steps forward and decks a thug, who slumps to the ground.
The Griffon then flies off, turns and pounces on a second thug, knocking him to the ground.
The Ape does a similar move, causing another thug to collapse.

Devon can't full attack with his sword, because he can't close to melee range.

Battle Map: http://s574.photobucket.com/albums/ss183/KazilDarkeye/?action=view&current=AlleywayBattleMap2-1.jpg

[Jimp]

OOC
Looks like the mechanical animal parade has things under control :smallbiggrin:.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel gave up arguing once the rest of the party gave voice to their outrage at the thugs. "Fine, you handle them. I'll go and find a city guard." It wasn't clear who you signified, and he didn't bother to clarify himself. He simply turned and exited the alley the same way they entered, then set about finding a guard.

OCC

Zasel will sit this fight out and just go find a guard. I mean, I don't think one more pair of hands will affect much in this fight, and somebody needs to round them up after we beat the tar out of them (if it does indeed go off without a hitch).



OOC:
Ghal: I don't think any of us are trying to leave you out. If you have strong feelings about teleporting please say something. You could convince us to your way of thinking. We have not left yet after all. I don't want you to be upset about this. I just wanted to teleport because we have someone in our party based around it, so it would be wasting our resources to not use him really. Also we should be able to safely get to the lord of Holsea Head this way before encountering things from that area. I just wanted more information before walking into the situation. I believe teleporting we could do that. Insulting everyone's intelligence when you have not said anything to the party about your opinion isn't going to change anything though.

I know I'm not being left out. And I am not seriously trying to convince anybody of anything because I am not upset with the teleporting. I agree 100% that we should do so, for the same reason you gave me. Plus, I was just being in character. Zasel is a very closed minded person, and it dosen't help that he has a touch of the ole' Elf Arrogance. So he can't help it if he is a little anti-social.


I think Ghal's comments were intended as an in character internal monologue. His character seems to keep his thoughts to himself mostly.

Yep, all of that was him thinking to himself, about how it is pointless to argue with the younger races who always seem to be in a rush. :smallbiggrin:

[KazilDarkeye]

O.K., Zasel has left the alleyway and it will take you <rolls on Dice Thread> one round to find a guard; he's just across the road.

[Rathgar]

Brom, I think it might just be your turn.

[Brom]

I didn't have computer access for a few days. Many, many apologies.

Evan looked at the thugs, seeing them beaten down by the mechanimals. He felt a little disappointed. Such a clean tactical manuever that would never get to be played out because of a few metallic gorilla's.

He withheld his magic, but any who ran, he turned a maximized magic missile on.

Maximized magic missile does 25 points of damage. If more than one runs, I send two volleys at them, targeting one at a time.

[KazilDarkeye]

I'm assuming that doesn't include Zasel, right?

In any case it's Aoi's turn.

[Siren]

OOC: Since my character can easily walk around to the back. I keep my action to go attack one of the guys in the back of the formation. My rolls for it are on the other page.

[KazilDarkeye]

And yet another thug drops to the ground. At this point, the final thug, having seen that you guys meant business, holds his hands up and says "I surrender!".

Zasel

You run over to meet the guard. He looks up, notices you, and says What's up there, pal? You look like you've just seen a parade of mechanical creatures and a cat floor 4 thugs."



OOC

I will bee using spoilers to note details which some of you experience, but not others. In some cases (like the one above) it's just for convenience, but usually it is meant to be secret.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Upon hearing the man surrender, Big shouted new commands to his effigies. "Big Griffin Big Beetle cease attacking! Big Ape grab the thug but don't hurt him!"

It is very difficult to keep information secret just by putting it in spoilers. It is human nature to click on the button that reveals the spoiler. PMs work a whole lot better, in my humble opinion.

[KazilDarkeye]

Yeah, I will probably do that for more crucial information.
This, however, isn't crucial.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel staired at the guard briefly, then jerked his thumb back at the alleyway. "Well, since you know what's going on, you can probably go round them up now before any of them get killed."

[KazilDarkeye]

"Aye, I should think so."

As the thugs are led away by the watchmen and his backup, the figure on the floor begins to stir.

The figure then speaks with a slurred manner, saying "Ohhhh....what happened? What time is it? Am I late for class? Who are you? And why does my head feel so heavy?"

It is very clear that he is drunk, and he might have a concussion as well.

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi looked down on the man sprawled on the road. She did not look happy.

"You were beaten up by some thugs and we do not know why. I do not know what time it is. I have not the slightest idea what class you are talking about. I am Aoi, a monk. From the smell of your breath I would say you are very drunk, sir. Now answer my question, what was going on with those men? Why were they after you? Do you remember anything at all?"

Aoi turns toward Big.

"I sure hope we did not beat those guys up over some tavern brawl."

[SoD]

Dvalr

"Weather it was a tavern brawl, or a murder attempt, they should not've been attacking him." Dvalr says. Speaking, it seems, for the first time.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Let me think, I was leaving my dorm while it was still dark, cause I had a test in the morning and I don't cram well. I passed out shortly after arriving and then I woke up here after I don't know how long. What is this, like, mid-afternoon? Ah, I've probably missed the test now."

He's still slurring his speech, and is swaying slightly after standing up.

[Jimp]

Hunter

"Where are you studying my good man?" *Offers a helping hand if he can't keep upright*

[KazilDarkeye]

"The Archon College of Samarian Heritage Arcane Studies of the Art...that is to say, the big magic college here in town. I'm an Initiate of the College."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Big dismounted the Big Pony, walked over the the plastered arcanist, and offered him some help in getting up. Then the gnome started talking in a way that was much more familiar to the party than how he had spoken in the fight. "What on earth were those people attacking you for I have no idea what it could possibly be is that something I don't know about this local in that it is a local that isn't the friendliest to arcanists which is quite unusual for a place that has a great college of magic such as this local. If you need any help getting back to the place I'll be glad to help and so will the rest of us I'm sure because we are all nice people well at least for the most part because I'm sure sometimes some of us can be not the nicest person but I'm never really mean except to people randomly beating up other people in the street like those people who were beating you up earlier that I have no idea why they were beating you up because you seem like the respectable wizard type but then again that could be just the bias that I have as a wizard that is making me think that a wizard would not need to be beat up but I'm not saying that you needed to be beat up I'm just bringing up the possibility of potential bias in my thought patterns. If you need help you can ride on the Big Griffin and I'll help you along to make sure you don't fall of or maybe one of the humongous people that I've aligned myself with right now could help you because they'd probably be a better help because of how much bigger they are than even myself. By the way since you're a wizard you most likely have a specialty because what kind of wizard doesn't have a specialty I mean I know some do but they're mostly noncommittal ballyknockers that don't realize that specialization is what makes society great although sometimes nonspecialists can come in handy like if they're in a remote area that doesn't really have any arcanists other than the one arcanist who happens to have not specialized in anything so anyway back to my question what is your specialty?"

Good luck getting a half-beaten drunk to understand all of that. Also, the Summary (all directed at the drunk):
1) Why were you being attacked?
2) We'll help you back to the college.
3) You can ride the Big Griffin if you like.
4) If you ride the Big Griffin, it'd be best if one of the human-sized party members helped.
5) Are you a specialist wizard, and if you are, what is your specialty?

[KazilDarkeye]

"I'm not too sure why I was attacked. If I had to vager a guess, sir, I'd say I had too many pints. I think I should be alright to walk, sir, but thank you for the offer.

I am not a specialist wizard, yet. That is actually the exam I mentioned. You see, at the College we can apply for any of the 7 branches of magic, but in order to get in to that branch, we have to pass a written and a practical test. Even then they can still kick us out if we lack discipline (not a very good idea to be undisciplined if we are toying with the building blocks of reality, sir) or if we do something particularly disastrous. I was applying to enter the Guildhall of Illusions, Figments and Phantasms of the Mind, Body and Soul. 'Course everyone I know just calls it the Hall of Illusion. Bit of an outdated title that, but it impresses visitors."

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel, having returned to the group along side the guard, sighed. He was tired of hearing the unending stream of babble from everyone. "Fine, fine. Now that you are relatively well, not withstanding the state of your liver, we can move on. We just so happen to be going to the very same college you were rambling on about. So we must part, goodbye." He didn't seem to mind leaving the drunk behind, and was obviously intrested in making haste.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Figured as much. Most people who ask me about the college go there shortly afterwards for whatever reason. I'm heading to the alchemist, seeing as how I've probably ruined my chances of entering the Hall of Illusion this time round."

He then turns and procedes to walk slowly out of the alleyway.

[Siren]

Aoi

"Well I guess we should get moving towards the college again."

Aoi starts walking in the direction of the college.

[KazilDarkeye]

Oh, yeah, before I forget, I have tallied the XP you guys received from that conflict.

Everyone else O.K with going to the college?

[Rathgar]

I've been ready to go. Just waiting on everyone else right now.

[Jimp]

OOC
Likewise.

[SoD]

Dvalr

OOC: Let's go to the college.

[KazilDarkeye]

You fllow the road for a short distance before gazing upon it, the front gates of the school and a grand entrance plaque reading:

Archon College of Samarian Heritage Arcane Studies of the Art
"Arcanum ins omnes".

Just beyond is the courtyard of what is easily the second largest and grandest building in the city (foremost for size being the palace, for impressiveness the Royal Art Galery). You head for the front office (identifiable by the glowing sign on it) and you are distinctly...unimpressed by the interior reception.
The front office is actually rather small, and to top it off, fairly ugly. It's walls may once have been white, but they are so dusty that grey is perhaps an understatement. The room is also almost completely devoid of furntiure, save for an oaken desk, upon which a green vase full of withered flowers lies, and a polished mirror on the east wall. There are a 4 doors on the west wall.

A large humanoid creature is sitting at the desk filing its scarlet nails. It is too large and too hairy to be a human. It doesn't look up when you enter.

[Jimp]

Hunter

Devon shuffles forward a bit into the room, looking around at his surroundings, but not approaching the desk. He raises his eyes to one of the other party members and nods towards the humanoid.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel walked over to the desk looked over the.... thing at the desk. "Excuse me, but which way is the Diviner's Wing?" He kept his tone even and clear, without the usual disdain.

[KazilDarkeye]

The creature stops filing its nails and looks up at Zasel, and you realise the creature is an ogre!
It then speaks, whereupon you also realise (if you couldn't guess already) that it is a female ogre.
"One moment, hon. I gotta check with my supervisor. I can't let any random people into the Diviner's Wing."

See then gets up and walks over to the mirror, muttering to it.

"O.K., hon, he'll be down in a moment."

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi pulled out the letter from the advisor.

"I hope that they don't give us any trouble about getting in. We have a reference after all."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Big strained his neck looking up at the enormous lady before him. "Wow I've never seen a lady as large as yourself not that I'm saying your fat or anything I'm just saying that I'm so used to being around normal sized people like gnomes that I've never met a lady that's as tall as you are. I've also never seen someone of your stature as refined as you are and I congratulate you for not falling in to stereotypical behavior of the quote unquote uncivilized races of the world because the premise that there is such a thing as a quote unquote uncivilized race is bull honkey because such a belief is rooted in a belief that one's actions are governed by their background and not their own personal choice. I also praise you for the speed at which you've adopted Common because it is quite a difficult language and it took me about forty years to master it to the degree that I've currently mastered it and I see that you've already mastered it and you don't look like you could possibly be over fifty which means you must have been living here or in some other human dominated community for most of your life."

Keep in mind that Big's estimate on age is based upon what he thinks is the norm (that which would be normal for a gnome). I doubt anyone else (including the receptionist) will understand this, though. Also, the Summary: Big told the ogress that he's never seen a lady so large (though he clarifies that he doesn't mean fat). He congratulates her for not following racial stereotypes and complements her for becoming proficient in Common, a feat that took him forty years.

[KazilDarkeye]

"What, hon? Hang on..."

She then proceeds to pull a "Giant/Common Translation Tome", and spends a few minutes looking up certain words.

"...oh, thanks hon...I think".


At that point a well-built elf messenger walks into the room, eyes the group, and motions for you to come through the door.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel went through the door as instructed.

[Jimp]

Hunter

Devon goes through the door, following Zasel.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Big also goes through the door, following Hunter.

[KazilDarkeye]

The elf has you ascend a nearby spiral staircase into a well lit, small office. It is small, but the kind of small that is dubbed "cosy" rather than "cramped", with a very wide oval window being the most prominent feature of the room. An old man in a white robe is sitting at a marble desk, stroking a small bird perched on the edge of the desk and reading a letter.
As you enter, the figure stands.

"Ah, good, you must be that band that this message refers to. Seems Advisor Whitman is hiring anyone these days, but he claims you have a letter and need to be admitted to the Diviner's Wing. Well, let's see it, I don't have all day."

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi handed over the letter to the jerk.

[KazilDarkeye]

The man spends several minutes scrutinising the letter.

"O.K., this should be fine to access wherever you want to go in the Diviner's Wing. Just go back to the reception, leave via the door that says 'Courtyard', and go towards the big tower on the right. You will then be escorted wherever you wish. Now kindly leave."


OOC

2 Points.
1. ^Totally the kind of vibe I was aiming for
2. Sorry if this procedure stuff is boring, but it's almost over.

[Siren]

Aoi

"Sorry we interrupted your afternoon nap. We will go on with our very important business the King gave us. Its really too bad we have so much good in the world to do and aren't petty bureaucrats like yourself. We won't take anymore of your time."

Aoi walks out of the room following the directions given by the haughty old man.

[KazilDarkeye]

Your group crosses the courtyard and lays eyes upon the Diviner's Wing; a large marble tower with an observatory at the top. You walk towards it, and see a plaque above the oaken double doors:

Guildwing of Divinations of Space, Time and Dimensions
"Wier sehet omnes"

You upon the doors and are immediatly greeted by a wizard wearing white robes.
"Before you ask, no we did not read your minds to anticipate you were coming, we just got a message from the reception desk requesting the use of a scrying chamber. I should mention that the scrying chambers are rather small, so who is the one who requested it? The rest of you can wait in the side hall, or you could see the observatory, or what have you. So speak up - who asks for the service of the diviners?"

It is clear from his enthusiasm, rate of speech and general nature that this area of the college doesn't get that many visitors.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"Ooh an observatory I'd love to use your observatory sometime when its nighttime and we don't have such pressing business to attend to and peace has been restored to the kingdom and whatnot and I'm not tired from taking care of the most important of tasks that I must take care of and all the other things that I need to do first like fixing my effigies and such. I love looking at the stars although I'm sure there'll be a large number of people who'll be in line to use the observatory who have a legitimate reason to be using it like astronomers and astrologers and other such type people who use telescopes for reasons that are much greater than stargazing and not just recreational stargazing like that which I'd be partaking in." Big paused for a second, then pointed at the Wayfarer Guide. "To answer your question it is this fellow right here that is in need of the use of the equipment of the people of the wizard college of this fine city."

Summary:
1) Big will want to use the observatory at a more appropriate point in time, though he understands that it will probably be used by people who actually will have a need for it to do their work.
2) Evan is the one who is going to do the scrying.

Edit:
I hope that Brom hasn't bailed on us. He hasn't posted in a long time. It would be a shame if we went through all of this effort so that our teleporting mage can get us to where we are going, only to find that when we get there his player has run off.
But, I'm probably just being a little too impatient.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Very well, then. If you would like to follow me Mr...nevermind I don't really need to know the name."

He leads Evan into a Scrying Chamber, and almost immediately after closing the doors asks

"So where is the sensor headed?"

[Brom]

This is the first time that I have had a chance to get to my computer in a long time. I may have to work out something...I have a busier life nowadays than I was thinking I would when I got into all these campaigns. Apologies to all for this.

((OOC: Tell me if I have the idea right in this conversation.))

Evan followed the Diviner; he studied the surroundings. Everything was small; good. That meant that a lightning bolt spell would be more effective here than normally would be, as any enemies would need to pack closely and in lines.

He made a note of the exists, the corridors, all details that could be construed as pertinent in any way, shape, or form, especially tactically relevant details.

He *always* paid attention to tactically relevant details.

Bringing himself out of the mindset of considering his options should this wizard be an enemy rather than a friend, he responded politely but candidly. "We are examining the incidents going on in the kingdom -- the black clouds, the storms, the general changes and ''omens'' being witnessed over there. Send a scrying sensor anywhere that would constitue as being in that general region, and we will depart and leave you as you were."

[KazilDarkeye]

"Ah, yes, the business near Holsea. O.K, here we go..."

The wizard casts the spell and a sensor appears next to Evan, but only for a brief second as it soars out of the window towards the East.
Between Evan and the diviner a hole has opened, and through it you see the countryside spedding by in a blur. After a few seconds the image focusses and you can see the Tower of Holsea Head, like a dark claw rising up from the blackened cliff. Stormclouds are overhead.

"I could go nearer to the town, if you want, but the two are only, like, 5 minutes walking distance apart."

[Brom]

Evan nodded. "If this is the case then it needs be no closer."

Evan studied the area thoroughly, with the same eye he did when he was committing a location to memory for teleportation. He was marking the arrival zone in his mind; when he believed he had satisfactorily assembled pertinent facts of the region, he nodded.

"Thank you."

He did a smooth about face and walked towards his party. "I believe I have enough information on the area to bring us there."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"I'm quite glad that you now have the information that you need because that information was needed in order for us to successfully get to where we are going and it'll allow us to get there faster and successfully. Now lets go on and get out so that we can start ferrying the many effigies of mine over to where we're going because it'll take several trips to get them all through and we need to get to the location as soon as possible so that we can go ahead and begin taking care of that which we are on our way to take care of."

Summary:
1) Big's glad that we now have the information we need to proceed.
2) We should go ahead and exit the building so that we can start ferrying the party over.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

"Finaly! If we are ready, then lets get this over with."

[Brom]

OOC: Should I just rev up the Teleport? I was waiting on the DM/other players, but I guess I probably could just go ahead, unless people have specific objections.

[KazilDarkeye]

Give them until say 24 hours from this post, but I doubt there will be any objections.

Teleport away.

[Siren]

Aoi

"I am definitely ready to be on my way. I hope people are nicer to us in Holsea Head. That last guy tried my patience too much."

[Jimp]

Hunter

"I'm ready to go. The sooner we can get started the better."

[KazilDarkeye]

Sorry I'm late, but I've been trying to figure out who Teleports when.
Evan can transport 8 people at a time, so:

1. Evan, Big, Aoi, Dvalr, Zasel, Devon, Big Beetle.
1b. Evan and Big.

2. Evan, Big, Big Griffon, Big Ape, Big Dino, Big Pony.

I think that should be right, and I'll roll on the Dice Thread soon for Evan...once I figure out how many Dice to roll.


Edit: I hate to break this now, but Evan's only prepared 1 Teleport spell according to his character sheet. I would be willing to swap out 2 5th Level Spells with Teleport this one time to speed everything along, but I either need Brom to tell me which spells or I'm gonna select which ones randomly.
Sorry.


Edit Edit: All the Teleport rolls are good enough to reach the intended destination(s). I will be posting more story very soon.

[Brom]

Cloudkill and Dismissal are switched.

[KazilDarkeye]

Very well then, on with the story.

You all have the odd sensation of being transported across about 20 miles of open forest and fields. As your vision returns you see that you have landed in the town centre of Holsea Head.
The sky is overcast, and you can hear rumbles of thunder. The wind is blowing quite strongly, chilling the area.

After the initial shock of some of the townsmen, one approaches you. He is a short, blad man wearing red robes.
"Well, you don't see THAT every day. Then, again I suppose great champions have their own ways of doing things. Oh, pardon me for not introducing myself, I am Mayor Fletcher of Holsea Head. I heard that you were coming soon, but I didn't realise King Sallazar meant like that. Oh well, would you like some tea?"

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Wow I haven't teleported in a long time I hope I don't get teleportation sickness like I did last time I teleported and wind up throwing up all over the dignitaries of the location to which I teleported like I did the last time I teleported, thought Big as he was ferried back and forth by Evan. Upon arriving in Holsea Head the second time, Big checked to make sure everything on his person was in order, then issued a command to his effigies. "All machines fall in!"

All of Big's effigies all clanked around until they all stood beside each other in front of their maker, facing him. Once they had all taken their positions in the formation, Big turned to the mayor.

"Greetings Mayor Fletcher I'm quite glad that the first thing we see here is a mayor instead of something really bad that might have been going down by the way I should probably introduce myself I'm Ballidam Travistram Vovorovich but most people call me Big McLargehuge because of how big and large and huge I am but not compared to you just the people I grew up with. These many animals are actually machines of my invention and not animals at all but don't fret because they pose no real threat to the city of Holsea Head nor do they pose a threat to the city's inhabitants unless said inhabitants decide to attack us like if they are muggers or some other sort of dummy but the point is that you shouldn't worry about them because they won't go terrorizing the town and it's people. I'd be happy to join you for tea but I have a couple of requests firstly I'd like to inspect my mechanical menagerie to make sure that they are in perfect repair before we embark on our mission and secondly I'd like to have my tea outside because I don't really want to leave these machines unattended in a strange town because you never know when saboteurs are going to hit. Now excuse me I need to start the inspection as soon as possible so that we can go ahead and get to doing that which must be done as soon as everybody is ready to do so."

Big then took off his backpack, set it down in front of the Big Ape, pulled out his tool box, and closed the bag back up. "Big Ape pick up backpack by straps." The gnome then walked over to the Big Pony and began to inspect it.

In case you actually care, the order the effigies are standing is (from Big's right to his left) the Big Pony, the Big Ape, the Big Beetle, the Big Griffon, and the Big Dino. Also, he told the Big Ape to pick up his backpack in order to make sure that it doesn't get stolen. I know that no harm befell them from the teleport (barring the DM ruling otherwise), but Big doesn't know that.

Also, the Summary (I am only summarizing what is said to the mayor):
1) Big greets the mayor and introduces himself.
2) The animals are actually machines built by Big and aren't a danger to the town or its people.
3) Big is willing to join the mayor for tea, in a little bit.
4) Big wants to inspect his machinery first, to make sure that they suffered no ill effects from the teleport.
5) Big doesn't want to leave his machinery unattended, because he doesn't want to leave them unattended now that he is in potentially hostile territory.

[Brom]

Evan chuckles under his breath.

"Fall in? We'll make a soldier out of you yet, Big. Don't worry about your machines. Material doesn't change through a teleport spell. I should know, I'm quite good at this whole teleporting business. That's why you got me, remember?"

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Yeah, don't worry Rathgar. Those rolls were so good that the only thing that could possibly go wrong is if you somehow managed to teleport into the town fountain. Which didn't happen.

[Rathgar]

[OOC - I know that there wasn't a chance of them being harmed by the teleport, I'm doing this mostly for the sake of role playing. Also, it doesn't hurt to do a "preflight examination" before we go into combat, like how you do a preflight examination before you take off in a plane.
Also, I don't want to leave the machines alone any more, at least not while we're in the area of the disturbances. Don't want any punks and/or random monsters wrecking them while I'm not looking.]

[Brom]

LoL, I know that you know, Rath, it's just that Evan doesn't leave comrades un-reassured.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel

Zasel performed a half bow to the mayor. "Thank you Mayor Fletcher. Yes, I would love to have some tea."

[KazilDarkeye]

"Wonderful, wonderful. If there's one thing I always say, it's that, even during a crisis, a nice hot tea does wonders. I hear one Lord Holsea thought that as well, though he lived about 200 years ago. Still, come on in."

He motions to a large stone hut.

"I am sorry my friends, but there is probably only room for a few people in the hut, as some other important figures are having a meeting. I hear it's about another omen. Townsmen have been disappearing, and we can't find any explanation or pattern to the events. Or maybe it's about that area of field that had to closed off last week when it started oozing slime. Still, come on in, maybe you could be of some assisstance in the procedings."

[Siren]

Aoi

"Thank you for your kind offer sir. No matter if there is little room, we shouldn't stay long. We have business to attend to. Also it is very generous to invite us at all no matter how little room you have. I am looking forward to hearing anything you can tell us about what is going on."

[KazilDarkeye]

Mayor Fletcher leads you towards a low stone building. Even though you are outside and all the windows have been boarded up, you can still hear heated disscussion. You manage to catch the tail end of a debate as 4 of you* enter.

"Why can't we just try reasoning with them?"
"These are savage beasts, so I highly doubt THAT will work."
"Well why can't we try? I mean, really, it is customary to offer a peaceful solution before we-"
"So what, are you volenteering to have your flesh stripped from your bones while we watch, then? Because I, for one, wouldn't mind that happening."
"Yes, yes, we've heard this argument before about how we never listen to Accountant Stoutman, or how much of an arrogant vile-tempered brute Mnister Rivvens is-"
"You take that back this bloody instant or I'll-"

You then enter with Mayor Fletcher and suddenly the room falls silent as the robed figures rise up.

"So I take it that the debate hasn't progressed since I left to greet the champions?"
"Here already? My my, this raises our chances of success by at least 40%"


OOC
* As Mayor Fletcher said there is only space for a few players to actually sit down, but the conversation is loud enough that anyone standing outside can hear, and even if they don't the others can just relay details for you afterwards.

[Siren]

Aoi

Aoi walks into the hut.

"I hope we can help you end this argument."

[KazilDarkeye]

"Accountant Stoutman, we have been over this - we cannot reason with mindless spirits from beyond. It is time for action, not words-"
"Aha! See, what did I tell you, Stoutman? You're just a spineless coward of man who thinks numbers are the solution to everything!"
"Minister Rivvens, with all due respect, shut up or I'll shut you up."

Mayor Fletcher turns to you and rolls his eyes.

"Always the same. I'm hoping to retire soon so I won't have to listen to this anymore."

He then faces the debating authority figures.

"Silence Gentlemen! I'm sure that things will be fine, reasoning or not. What are the current plans on the table?

The reserved man speaks up after glaring daggers at the others.

"The same two plans as this morning Mayor Fletcher; Fight or Flight. That is to say, strike at these beasts directly, or evacuate. Or perhaps both at once - get civilians to safety while the rest of us take decisive action."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Big began to become annoyed at the constant bickering going on in the hut and shouted in through the door so that he could be heard by everyone. "This is just like politicians never being able to make up their mind and always bickering and in no way ever getting anything done I bet this mess wouldn't be half as bad if you had just gone ahead and started to enact some kind of plan! In any sane part of the world you would have already started getting all of the civilians to safety so that the experts in these matters can handle them without risking the lives of the civilian population! Go ahead and get those civilians to where they'll be safe so that we can aid the local military contingent with the job that needs to be done!"

Summary:
1) Arguing at this point will only make things worse.
2) The civilians should have already been evacuated.
3) The civilians should be evacuated immediately.

[Brom]

Evan chimed in agreement with Big. "He's right. If you're talking about fighting, you have an enemy force. This means that civilians need to be evacuated, as per the fact that this is a warzone. Unless you have sufficient reason to believe that there will be harm to the civilians in attempts to move them, this should get done."

Evan grinned. "As for military contingent and taking action, I believe that's what me and my comrades are for."

Quickly, he looks to each of the men, trying to assess them and see who they are. "But that's just general rules. What in particular is going on in these parts, might I ask?"

[KazilDarkeye]

"Well, we haven't evacuated yet for a REASON, of course. Two main reasons, followed shortly after by a few other reasons:
1. Where do we go?
2. How do we get there without endangerment of life?

3. How do we convince some of the more stubborn, old townsmen that don't want to leave even if their estate is cursed to leave?
4. What's to stop these beasts slaughtering all of us as soon as we start moving?"

[Brom]

Evan nodded. "Makes sense. That's good, it means you guys are thinking. If you are in need of a way to protect the citizens, well, if you can't protect them, you can't fight the enemy. That's a given. There are some truisms of warfare and movement therein that never go away; such as stealth. Move during the night or during the day, whichever time your enemy is less likely to find you. Do so rapidly and drive hard. As for the ones who won't give their estate, leave them. Your goal is to minimize life lost, and you won't do this by not evacuating at all because a few cherish their possessions too much. Go wherever safety is, even if that means you migrate to the king's palace. And to stop the beasts...you usually don't. When one is concerned with evacuation, it's normally because a straight fight isn't realistic. You run, you hide, and you protect yourselves. We can assist, I think."

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

Big became quite visibly angry and started to shout so loud that everyone in the building could hear him despite his being outside at the time. "So let me get this strait you were debating doing something that wasn't even possible in the first place you really are politicians aren't you? What are you expecting to do with them and why haven't you made any contingency plans to help your citizenry and why on earth are these people even following you any more if you aren't willing to do anything at all you probably don't even have a contingency plan for what would happen if they all stopped following your leadership or even listening to you in any way and started to do as they pleased instead of how you think that law and order should be in this town! I guess the only solution we have then is to hole everybody up in the safest most defensible part of town and give them all a club or a sword or a staff or a mace or a spear or something that they can use to defend themselves in the case that they have to defend themselves because all of you namby-pamby politicians were too busy being politicians instead of actually promoting the general welfare of your community!"

Summary:
1) Big asks why they've been arguing to do something that isn't even possible.
2) He yells at them for them not having made plans.
3) He says that they should hole the civilians up int the most defensible location in town.
4) He wants the town to give all the citizens any weapon they can find so that they can defend themselves.
5) He yells at them again for not having made plans.

[KazilDarkeye]

The politicians look very angry at Big, but before they can reply Aoi, Devon, Evan and Big (alerted by Claxton) hear a strange noise that almost sounds like a scream cut short very soon afterwards.

Big, you and your menagerie see a shadow move behind a house in the direction of the noise.

At this point Fletcher speaks up
"Very well, gnome, you're probably right; we've been grappling for too long with traditional policies. Stoutman, Turner - lead any civilians to the edge of Rowanoak Forest where we can disscuss where to go to in relative safety. Rivvens, Morrusson - you come with me and maybe we can find supplies for use as weapons if need be, and some food.
Champions, I know I can't really order you around, but could you give us a little diversion so the five of us can get as many people to the forest as possible?"

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge
HP 48/48, Initiative 7
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat Footed 11

Big Ape
HP 58/58, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative 18
AC 21, Touch 10, Flat Footed 20

Big Beetle
HP 79/79, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative 3
AC 25, Touch 8, Flat Footed 25

Big Dino
HP 47/47, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative 11
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat Footed 21

Big Griffon
HP 59/59, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative 13
AC 23, Touch 10, Flat Footed 22

Big Pony
HP 39/39, Damage Reduction 1/Adamantine, Initiative 11
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat Footed 19

Claxton
HP 24/24, Initiative 13
AC 24, Touch 14, Flat Footed 20

Big once again began to speak much more concisely as the threat of another fight appeared. "Big Pony act as mount!" shouted the gnome as effortlessly leaped onto the back of his equine effigy. "I think I saw where the sound came from, I'll take you to it! Big Griffon Big Beetle Big Ape follow me! Big Dino stay on my right side!"

I passed my check to mount the Big Pony as a free action, and now I'm having the Big Dino stay on my right side and all of the other machines follow behind me.

[Siren]

Aoi
HP 75/75, Initiative 16
AC 27, Touch 19, Flat Footed 23

"Time for the real action, huh. Pulling out all the stops."

Aoi grins evilly.

[Ghal Marak]

Zasel
HP 81/81, Initiative 4
AC 20, Touch 13, Flat Footed 20

Zasel shrugged. "Well, by all means lead on Big."

[Jimp]

OOC
Sorry guys but I'll have to duck out. Sudden burst of real life getting in the way :smallsigh:

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

In that case I'll have to find some way to at least temporarily remove Devon from the party (helped the civilians escape perhaps?), and find a way to introduce Halna LeGavilk (playing Sartik Dula).

I'll have a map up soon, by the way.


Edit:
O.K, sorry for the delay, here is the battle map:


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss183/KazilDarkeye/HolseaBattleMap.jpg


Additional Key:
F = Mayor Fletcher
S = Accountant Stoutman
R = Minister Rivvens
M = Morrusson
T = Turner

I think I'm getting better at these maps.

I will also roll Evan, Devon and Dvalr's initiative (Devon will be aiding Rivvens, Morrusson and Fletcher to evacuate civilians).
Evan:
d20

Devon:
d20+6

Dvalr:
d20+2

[KazilDarkeye]

Ooops, one moment:

Evan:
[roll0]

Devon:
[roll1]

Dvalr:
[roll2]

[KazilDarkeye]

Initiative Order

22: Dvalr

19: Devon

18: Big Ape

17: Evan

16: Aoi

13: Claxton
Big Griffin

11: Big Dino
Big Pony

7: Big

4: Zasel

3: Big Beetle

[KazilDarkeye]

So, I don't know what's going on with either Halna or SoD, so I'm going to have him delay until a lower initiative. Since Jimp dropped out as well, I'm having him delay also. Which makes it the Big Ape's turn, if you would be so kind, Rathgar.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge
HP 48/48, Initiative 7
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat Footed 11

Big Ape
HP 58/58, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative 18
AC 21, Touch 10, Flat Footed 20

Big Beetle
HP 79/79, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative 3
AC 25, Touch 8, Flat Footed 25

Big Dino
HP 47/47, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative 11
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat Footed 21

Big Griffon
HP 59/59, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative 13
AC 23, Touch 10, Flat Footed 22

Big Pony
HP 39/39, Damage Reduction 1/Adamantine, Initiative 11
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat Footed 19

Claxton
HP 24/24, Initiative 13
AC 24, Touch 14, Flat Footed 20

Just as he landed in the saddle, Big shouted out one last command. "Big Griffon take to the sky!" Under its master's direction, the Big Pony ran off towards the alleyway that the scream came from, and all of Big's effigies followed as they were previously instructed. "Stop, whoever you are!" shouted the gnome as he rode around the corner, looking to see if he could catch the culprit in a semi-real spider's web.

OOC - Moving towards the alleyway that the scream came from. If I can see someone that I suspect is the culprit by the time I finish my first move action, I'll cast Shadow Conjuration (Reflex Negates, Will Disbelief DC 21) on them, duplicating the effects of the spell Web. (The chance of it working if they disbelieve is 20%)

RL - Sorry for the delay, but I was faced with moving out of my house, then faced with a power outage resulting from the winter storm we just had down here.

[KazilDarkeye]

IC

Big and his menagerie walk around the corner of the house to find nobody there...

Search check please Rathgar


OOC

To be honest, I'm glad there are still people playing at this stage. No problems Rathgar.

[Brom]

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting actively.

Evan Leaguestep
HP 41/41
Initiative 17
AC: 20 (touch 18, flat footed 20)

Evan immediately sets into battlemage way of thinking. Seeing no better than a shadow and hearing little more than noise, he concludes insufficient information to begin assailing enemies with direct aggressive action. Casting Fly, he moves into the sky, headed towards the noise. If he cannot see something clearly in 1 move action, he will spend another move action (rest of his turn) to continue coming closer to the noise. He's moving at a 45 degree angle, sharply increasing altitude. If he is seeing a hostile within a single move action, he fires straight down on it with a spell. Which depends on what he sees, consider it a hold action taken immediately upon me as a player knowing what I'm blowing to smithereens.

[KazilDarkeye]

Big searches the area, suspicious. You do not see or hear the assailant/assailants, but you do find definite evidence of a struggle. A rock nearby has some bloodstains on it, and there are odd looking footprints/scrapemarks nearby. They almost look as though someone with twigs on the underside of their shoes was pulling a heavy load.

Evan flies up high. Brom, make a Spot check.

[Brom]

Wizard playing spotter. Lovely. Can I do a Search check as well?

[roll0] That's Spot. If a quick Search is allowed...

[roll1] That's Search.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

As Big searched the area, he decided to do as the other mage did and take to the sky to get a bird's eye view of the situation. But before he did that, he thought it to be wise to relay the information he had uncovered. "I don't see any suspects here but I do definitely see the evidence of a stuggle and there's a rock here with blood on it and the rock's sitting right over there and there are odd looking footprints and some odd looking scrapemarks and maybe even some odd looking scrapemark footprints here and they all look like there was someone with some sticks stuck to their shoes pulling a lot of junk through here. You should all keep looking around to see if you can find anything as for myself I'm going to take to the skies and see what I can see once I am in the skies because you can see more in the skies than you can see from my current vantage point on the ground." Big jumped off the pony as quickly as he could, then ran over to the Big Griffin. "Big Griffin act as mount!" Big pulled on the side of the Big Griffin's torso, and a step ladder popped out. The gnome quickly climbed the ladder, and when he was firmly in the saddle, the ladder popped back into the Big Griffin's side. "Big Griffin, take to the sky!"

Summary:
1) Big repeated everything Kazil just said.
2) Big is joining Evan in the sky.

Edit: Now Coyote Code has gone down completely. Things look quite dark right now.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Rathgar, it seems fine to me from the links in your sig. Still anyway.

Brom, you'll need to reroll. I'm also saying you don't get a Search check unlesss you land first.


IC

After looking around outside for a bit, Mayor Fletcher, Minister Rivvens, Morrusson and Devon emerge from the mayor's house and jog away while Accountant Stoutman and Turner emerge a few minutes later and run in the opposite direction.

[Brom]

Evan calls their names in a sharp, drill sergeant tone; one that commands attention and respect instantly, however briefly. "Where are you lot going? Why the rush?"

O.o I can't carefully use my eyes to search out the surrounding area from the sky? Might I ask why?

Spot: 1d20+2

I'm sending my raven out to look for things, too.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you wanted to search the "scene of the crime". But you're going to need to reroll again (on the Dice Thread preferably); everytime you roll dice under spoilers it doesn't work.

Mayor Fletcher and the others can't hear you, but recall that they said they were going to find weapons/evacuate civilians while in their meeting.

[Brom]

Oh. Ok. Please retract my drill-sergeant call for information, I think my character would have been less absent minded than that.

[roll0] (that's Search)
[roll1] (That's spot.)

Who rolls Raven spot/listen/Search? And I'm looking for movement and general stuff in particular. Not taking a real close look, just doing a grid search and methodically scanning around: more than just trying to take things at a glance (hence why I think it's a search) but not getting down close so I can study footprints and whatnot.

[Siren]

Aoi
HP 75/75, Initiative 16
AC 27, Touch 19, Flat Footed 23

Aoi walks quickly towards the sound following Evan and Big.

[KazilDarkeye]

Evan sees activity around the side of a nearby hillock. You can't quite make out what's going on, but it looks like a few humanoids are dragging something along the ground.

[Brom]

Evan casts message on Aoi and Big (assuming both are within 220 feet.)

"I see movement around a nearby hillock, seems to be humanoids dragging something. Give me backup."

Evan then flies to the scene, investigating more closely (and ready to lambaste potential hostiles.)

[KazilDarkeye]

Are you going to be landing near the hillock or what? You're about 100f.t. off the ground near Big and Aoi (Dvalr and Zasel are still in Fletcher's House).

[Brom]

Not landing, just flying directly over it. No sense in giving up my aerial defenses and maneuvering advantage until I have a confirmation that these are not hostiles. I'll let Aoi approach from the ground and have Big accompany me from the air, and he can command any mechanimals he chooses to assist. Should be good stuff.

[KazilDarkeye]

O.K then, Evan sees odd looking white humanoid creatures touching the side of a rock next to the hillock. You can roll a spot check to identify the creatures and/or what they are doing.

[Brom]

[roll0]Spot

Evan calls out report style to Aoi and Big. "Two white skinned humanoids, handling a boulder. Outflank and surround, prevent their escape, Big, if you got a Slow spell, work it's magic. Aoi, attempt to apprehend one of them. I will render spell support as needed."

[Halna LeGavilk]

OOC: I'm here, with Sartik (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=100419), but I'm looking for an opportunity to jump in I just got internet back yesterday. Give me the word KD!

[Brom]

Erm, mr. Cleric/celestial, where are your memorized spells? Might wanna write those in. You know, being a spellcaster.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Welcome to the game Halna. I will work with you to find an oppertunity to get you in.
I will need to post a new map. Sorry about the delays, but it should be almost done.


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss183/KazilDarkeye/HolseaBattleMap-1.jpg


The numbers represent how far above ground you are.
H stands for the weird humanoids.
The Black dot is the rock they are fiddling with.
The green circle is the hillock.
The grey dot on the other hand...


IC

A shadow forms beneath Aoi's feet, before coalescing into a humanoid shape. It reachs out and tries to grab Aoi, but Aoi narrowly dodges.

That was at Initiative 20, so now it's the Big Ape's turn.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Erm, mr. Cleric/celestial, where are your memorized spells? Might wanna write those in. You know, being a spellcaster.


Cleric's don't memorize spells. There's spells/day, and then you just choose whichever you want. Thanks for the thought though.

[KazilDarkeye]

Actually, Clerics do have to prepare spells. Pretty much all divine spellcasters (and certainly all core ones) do.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/classes/cleric.htm

[Brom]

Ayup. I don't just talk outta my ass, I usually have a clue =D

[Halna LeGavilk]

Wow, every time I've played a cleric I've done that, and noone has remarked on that. Interesting. Learn something new every day.

EDIT: Don't matter anyway, Myth-weavers is down till Wednesday.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge
HP 48/48, Initiative 7
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat Footed 11

Big Ape
HP 58/58, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative 20
AC 19, Touch 8, Flat Footed 18

Big Beetle
HP 79/79, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative 3
AC 23, Touch 6, Flat Footed 23

Big Dino
HP 47/47, Damage Reduction 3/Adamantine, Initiative 11
AC 20, Touch 9, Flat Footed 19

Big Griffon
HP 59/59, Damage Reduction 5/Adamantine, Initiative 13
AC 23, Touch 10, Flat Footed 22

Big Pony
HP 39/39, Damage Reduction 1/Adamantine, Initiative 11
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat Footed 19

Claxton
HP 24/24, Initiative 13
AC 24, Touch 14, Flat Footed 20

Big had the Big Griffin swoop down to where his menagerie could hear him, and then pointed to the unidentified humanoids. "Big Ape Big Dino attack but do not kill those people!" He then pointed to the shadowy figure attacking the monk. "Big Beetle go after the shadowy figure! Big Pony aid the feline's defense!" Big then used his arcane abilities in an attempt to slow down those who we've encountered.

On his action, Big will cast Slow (DC 19) on the two unidentified humanoids and on whatever's attacking Aoi. The Big Ape and the Big Dino will go after the unidentified humanoids and attempt to do them nonlethal damage. The Big Beetle will go attack the thing that's attacking Aoi. The Big Pony is helping Aoi not get grabbed.

Note the Big Beetle, the Big Ape, and the Big Dino have reduced AC as soon as they take their action due to the fact that they will be charging.

[KazilDarkeye]

Sorry for the delay.

Anyway, the Big Ape charges up to one of the creatures and slams into its side, trying to knock it out...but the creature recoils from the blow, then continues fiddling with the rock as though nothing had happened.

Evan, do what you will. Do.

[Brom]

Going to make a Knowledge Arcana, Nature, and History check to see if I can't identify these creatures.

[roll0] Arcana
[roll1] Nature
[roll2] History

I'm calling out in Common, Abyssal, Celestial, Elven, Dwarven, Halfling, Gnomish, and Orcish.

"Surrender now and tell us who you are!"

Before I do that, I'm telling Big to cast Tongues if he's got it. If I have any action left, readying to cast Disintegrate on that shadow creature.

[KazilDarkeye]

Evan searches his mind...white humanoids in black cloaks...he then realises that similar creatures were used by Lord Holsea 400 years ago - he can't remember exactly what they are, but they are of the undead!

You ready your action to Disentigrate the shadow creature. Aoi can now make her move.

[Brom]

Evan distributes this information to his group. "These creatures are undead! I should have known sooner! Destroy them, destroy them all!"

Evan had no fondness of the undead - he'd seen mages and friends killed by incorpreal creatures, and many of the missions he found himself called on to give support on were against undead.

Evan went ahead and fired a Disintegrate at one of the creatures examining the boulder. If these were undead, then he didn't care why it was interested in the boulder, just that it never got to do what it wanted.

[roll0] Attack roll to hit. If hits...
[roll1] Fortitude save DC for partial impact is DC 24, if partial effect, damage is instead. [roll2]

[KazilDarkeye]

Evan aims his Disentigrate spell at the creature and fires, but the ray shoots past the creature's head.

[Rathgar]

Big McLargehuge

"They're undead? Well in that case a little change in plans is in order. Big Dino and Big Beetle attack what you are attacking for the sake of destroying! Big Ape try and rend your opponent lethally!"

[Brom]

Out of curiosity, where did it hit when it missed? As in, is that boulder they were busy with still there? 'Cause if I fired at the white humanoid in front of the boulder and it missed him, it could have hit the boulder. Or depending on angle, hit the hill. Either way, something has probably evaporated.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Sartik Dula
HP 68, Initiative 8
AC 31 (Touch 13, Flat-footed 30) 33 (15, 32)vs. Evil

After having traveled along the road for several days, Sartik heard commotion coming from the bushes. After casting Protection from Evil on himself, he rushes in to combat.


One standard action to cast Protection From Evil, move action to get into the fighting, not quite sure where I would be.

[KazilDarkeye]

Brom, I didn't actually consider that, but since I already said it passed by the creatures head, I'd say you vaporised a large beetle a few feet away.

Halna, according to the order on the last page, you go just before Rathgar as Big, and just after...stuff.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Just after Brom, I believe. I don't know, I don't see a finalized Initiative order. Sorry!

[Rathgar]

Brom, how could you? You hit the Big Beetle!

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC

Just to note Rathar, that's not THE Big Beetle: it's A Big Beetle, like say, a fat ladybird.
Halna, the initiative order is on the 6th page of this thread, the second post.
Still waiting on Aoi. I'll PM Siren.

[Siren]

Aoi
HP 75/75, Initiative 16
AC 27, Touch 19, Flat Footed 23

"Thanks for the info Evan. That will help me immensely."

Walking over to one of the undead. Using my versatile strike to change my damage to piercing.

Attack: 23

Damage: 11

OOC: Sorry I didn't post earlier. I was getting confused about the initiative and if I really was next. Also is there any reason to do nonlethal damage?

[KazilDarkeye]

O.K, Aoi dashes over to one of the white humanoid undead. As she does so, the translucent creature tries to grab at her again, but misses. She delivers a cutting strike to the creature, but it seems to slip and not damage the creature as much as it should. The creature still doesn't acknowledge your presence.

Sorry for the late update. I just PM'ed Rathgar, who informed me that the Big Griffin and Claxton won't be doing anything.
The Big Ape and Big Dino attack the white humanoids. The Big Dino's claws completely tear apart the humanoid in front of Aoi, who slumps to the ground. The Big Ape has similar luck with the second humanoid.

As the humanoids drop to the ground, they drop the woman they were carrying. She is bleeding profusely due to a head wound. At that point an odd man emerges from the forest (Sartik/Halna).

[Halna LeGavilk]

Sartik charged in with a yell, wielding his morningstar. He charged at the shadow-creature, and when he neared it, attempted to blast it with positive energy.


Sartik Dula
HP 68, Initiative 8
AC 31 (Touch 13, Flat-footed 30)

Move action to move next to the shadow, standard action to cast Cure Critical Wounds on it, which, if I recall correctly, needs a touch attack.

[KazilDarkeye]

Well, I need your touch attack roll, then.

Edit: Sorry for the pause people, but if Halna doesn't resond by tomorrow, I'll roll instead.

[KazilDarkeye]

Sartik charges at the creature and attempts to infuse it with positive energy, but the creature is too quick for him, dodging out of the way.
The creature then suddenly disappears beneath the ground.

[Brom]

Who's turn to go? o.o

[KazilDarkeye]

The combat's sorta over.

It is kinda cutting it short, but I think it's about time we got back to the story.
Also I will organise the next combat better.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Sartik stands over the body of the fallen undead, and makes a quick sign over the body. He then turns to the others and bows extravagently. "Sartik Dula, Hunter of St. Cuthbert, at your service." His wings fan out a bit as he bows, showing his half-celestial heritege.

[Rathgar]

Just posting so you know I'm not dead. I'll put a better post up sometime when I have time. I don't like to make a post with Big McLargehuge unless I have at least a good thirty minutes to devote to it.

[Brom]

Evan flies down, staying 10 feet over the ground.

"Timely arrival, Hunter. You seemed to have chased them off - so, if you don't mind me asking, why are you here?"

Evan kept his tone civil, not wanting to seem confrontational. It was true he was staying ready for the Hunter as a possible threat, but if he was one, he was a bad one. It was unlikely that the Hunter would come against the entire group of them.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Sartik smiled at Evan. "As well you should ask, sir. I am on a holy mission for St. Cuthbert, destroying undead in this region. My superiors heard of undead in this region, and sent me to investigate."

And what are you all doing here? Leave that for another time though... Sartik thought to himself as he watched the group around him.

[KazilDarkeye]

OOC
John? :smallconfused:

[Halna LeGavilk]

OOC:...I don't know. That's interesting.

[KazilDarkeye]

At this point the "sack" that the two undead creature were dragging starts to move! It is not a sack, but a young man wearing farmer's clothing. He appears to have sustained head injuries during the creatures' assault.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Sartik bends over the man and quickly checks him over. He lays his hands on the man and casts Cure Serious Wounds.

[KazilDarkeye]

"Uh...what happened? Is that you, dear?"

The man still seems confused and a little disoriented, but his wounds have closed up, so he's at least safe.

Roll a Spot check.

[Brom]

Spot
[roll0]

Arinth looks around as a matter of habit.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Spot
[1d20]1d20+2[/roll]

IC: Cale glanced up and around before looking back down at the man.
"Sir, are you alright? Can you tell me your name?"

[KazilDarkeye]

IC
"Huh?" The man looks around. He seems to realise that he's not in his house at the moment. "No...I'm alright...Where am I?"


OOC
Crap, I forgot to ask for a Listen check as well.

[Halna LeGavilk]

[roll0] Listen
[roll1] Spot

IC: Cale shakes his head. "In the forest, captured by undead. Do you know your name?"

[KazilDarkeye]

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that? It sounded like you just said I was captured by undead and dragged into the forest..."

As the man says this, you hear a rustling noise near one of the houses. You look up and see another figure in a dark cloak, much smaller than the skeletal creatures, moving around near a house.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Who sees it?

[KazilDarkeye]

Sartik heard it, but Evan did not.