Kalitharsis, from the River Onwards IC

[Jair Barik]

The flow of the Shadewater... So tragic. So valuable an asset lost to such voilence and barbarism. Rapid waters that are untameable to man, creatures that lurk along its banks, it is indeed a tragedy that a giver of life such as this should so easily take it away. The Order seeks to tame it down river but at its heart and those first miles of its length there is nothing we can do to stop it, slow it, tap into its wealth and value. And there in lies the tragedy. A man may have great aspirations that a body of water such as this would make real! In the old world such strength could be used to make bread, to turn wheels in a mill to all sorts of tasks! But no. We must wait till so much of that ferocity, that animalistic power has subsided before we can tap into the river. I suppose we come to expect that in most things now though. The disappointment, the depression, the sadness of dreams unfulfilled, lives lost, opportunities wasted... But I ramble. My memoirs shall never complete themselves at this rate. I wonder? How many of them feel the same way I do about the world? Do any? It is not as though they can feel such sadness as mine, such a loss. They have no idea what it is like to lose what I have lost, to have seen what I have seen only to have it snatched away from them. Ah well. Life goes on... the world goes on.......the fighting goes on.....

The five of you are standing within the passage of the Shadewater. So far the journey has been uneventful, few creatures have attacked, your supplies are still in good shape and the high cliffs shield you from the worst of the sun. These last few days though have had no time for introductions, the chase has been too desperate what with the constant threat of your preys tracks being blown away by a sudden wind, but now you are in the Shade Water Passage. The sand has hardened to clay and stone, there is vegetation, other signs that allow you to track them, there is now time for introductions. After all they cannot escape now, you have them cornered by the cliffs, there is nowhere left to run. You are at the moment on the western side of the river, crossing to the other side would be very difficult, you doubt those you hunt would be able to manage it. You are perhaps half a day behind them from the state of the tracks, no less at the very least.

Your hunt. Six men. Each with a bounty on their head. All escaped a prison convoy together. They had been being transported to Highwatch for punishment, they worked together and broke free, your job is to catch them, simple.
Luca (no last name)-Young human male, wanted for numerous accounts of theft. Bounty is 100 gold, wanted alive, prison sentance.
Molf Viqu- Adult Jackalkin male, wanted for multiple accounts of violence and one murder. Bounty is 300 gold alive, 150 gold dead, Prison sentance
Jarji Koon-Adult male Bhuka (goblinfolk), wanted for theft of livestock and pack animals and harassing travellers. Bounty is 200 gold alive, prison sentance.
Name unkown-Adult male Lizardolk, wanted for aberrant qualities. Bounty is 250 gold dead, death sentance.
Hanjo Perin-Adult male Half-elf, wanted for practicing necromancy. Bounty is 500 gold dead, death sentance.
Jaornot-Dragon. Ringleader, wings have been clipped. Bounty is 2000 gold dead, death sentance.

That is what the list of bounties says about them. For one reason or another you all followed them. You didn't all meet up at the same time though. You met each other at various stages of the hunt and agreed to stick together for reasons of safety and nevessity. The last target at the very least sounds quite a threat.

[Stink]

A small statured man sits at the front of a dust covered wagon holding the reigns to two horses in leather bound hands. His eyes are wide, his bushy brow high, and a large smile beams happiness; a lit pipe dangling out of one side.

"This is what we live for, ain't it?" he half-shouts to his companion over the clatter of the hooves as they echo through the canyon, not shifting his gaze from ahead.

His orange hair is unique among his people. Along with his ruddy, yet pale, skin, one might mistake him for an extremely short human, maybe even a child, instead of a halfling. His face is devoid of hair with the exception of those bushy eyebrows and long and equally as bushy sideburns. He doesn't dress like a warrior of anysorts, his body covered in tan and khaki cloth and canvas. If one were to pay closer attention, though, they would probably catch glimpses of hard bound and metal studded leather peaking out from under his collar and where his sleeves meet his gloves. Many a pocket and pouch hide an unknown assortment of various potentially suprising effects.



Atlas is his name and he has made sure everyone knew it over the past couple of days.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus glances down to the wagon from atop his 'worm. "Right, if we press hard, we can have them tonight. That being the case, I want to know, honestly - are you all prepared for a forced march followed by what might be a tough fight? That dragon is nothing to sneeze at. Our quarry has little chance of escaping this canyon - I do not want to rush this and find out someone's been pressed too hard and isn't in top fighting form. So, report! Are each of you ready for this?

"Also, if we're going to be fighting tonight, I want to know who I am fighting with. My name, as I believe you all know, is Peregrinus, I am a Knight in the Order of Rathgan, and I patrol this river and the surrounding lands for Rathgan. I have no objection to help here, but in a fight we each need to know what we'll be doing. As might be guessed," he says holding up his lance, "the 'worm can charge into things pretty hard, and that makes this thing go through an awful lot. I also have training in battle tactics; I'm not going to order you around, but if I give you advice I know what I'm on about."

Peregrinus is a big man, and his 'worm is very large, giving him a considerable height advantage on all present, and he knows it. He uses this to his advantage, to give his words and actions that little edge of authority. He was careful not to order - these were not his men and he did not want them to be - but he also knew what he was about and was determined to make sure this happened right. Splitting the bounty meant little to him, he mostly just wanted to rid the Shade Water of yet another menace. He had made sure to learn each of their names and now he wanted to know more about them, before they went into combat together.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

Alongside the other members of the party is a lightly armored man riding upon a black roan mustang. The man has black hair and eyes which match that of his mount. At his waist rest a sheathed scimitar which is for the most part covered by the folds of his dark deep red, gold trimmed cloak. A shadowy panther which seem to have been spun from the very fabric of darkness itself runs alongside his mount.

“aye, this will be over soon enough Faran, then you can return to your usual habit of biting and harassing the stable hand” Lance says as his horse lets out a snort after Peregrinus comment

“Report?” Lance repeats offhanded “Well neighbor, when you’ve taken up in providing me my wages you’ll hear it. I’ve a wife and two kids that expect me to earn a living to provide for them”, just then Faran shuddered absently “ah, you just mind your business already” he says leaning a bit into the mare

“This lot will bring in some much need gold that’s fer sure. Have a mangy mut that my youngest adores, little **** eats like a horse though”

“Besides, I leave the marching to Faran here, not that I have much choice seeing as I can rarely have him do anything his doesn’t care to” Lance replies to Peregrinus question about a forced march

“I reckon we see how all this plays out. Might turn out that we need to secure shelter amongst the ridges of the mountain if we wind up being out here for the night”

“Now I’m a simple man and don’t carry any fancy titles, but I can slit a throat or cut a man or woman down if need be. I’ve a touch of magic and know a few tricks to boot. All an all I can hold my own” Lance says glancing over at Peregrinus with a sly grin

“I’m called Lance Blackhilt and this here is Faran” he adds patting the horses neck. "My smaller friend there" he motions to his dark companion, "i call her Nightshade"

________________________

[roll0] Bluffing about having a family

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll1] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"You take offense where none was offered, friend. I have every intention of helping you get all the gold you deserve, I just want to make sure we do this right."

He sighs. "And you lay claim to magic? Not many who would do that; fewer still who'll keep their heads afterwards. That's a thing you don't go telling people; my advice is you tell that to as few as you can. I'm not a man to bring more suffering on those who've been afflicted as you have, but there are plenty out there who would.

"And in case any of you," he says, scanning the group, "take it into your head that something about this man's birth doesn't sit right with you, I suggest you just keep that to yourself until we're done with this mission. Magic happens sometimes; it's never good, but not every one of em is a wielder of destruction. We're working together, we're a team, and I don't take kindly to traitors."

[Killerloop]

Horus

Near you there is a man of standard build riding a lovely white light horse. His head is shaven and you see no armor or weapons except from a shortspear and a dagger that he uses for shaving... as far as you know at least.

Everything about him is weird and unusual. He is riding without saddle only with a soft brown cloth between his legs and the back of the animal. A green crystal with tiny spidery legs hops everywhere around him and you are PRETTY sure you heard him making noises now and then.

The weirdest thing is that the horse lacks reins or any similar means of controlling it, and Horus is actually reading a book!! Nonetheless the horse follows the path correctly and changes pace as required... if it would make any sense one could think there is an invisible knight controlling it.

"My given birthname is Horus." said the man "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention... this book is very intense. As for my skills I'm a reasonable ...hmm... mage, I think. The correct terminology is Psion"

[Stink]

Atlas gives his friend a small nudge with his elbow before flicking his head towards the man on the worm. Speaking out of the side of his mouth, less he lose his pipe, he says just loud enough to overcome the horses "Talks a lot of fancy military speak, this one."

Turning his head towards Peregrinus, grabbing his pipe with one hand, and raising his voice to be heard, Atlas says "I wouldn't worry about the two of us, mister. You need a face smashed, my pal Geraldo here will get the job done. As for me, well...." his voice trails off as he refocuses on the horses. The pipe burning softly in his mouth again.

He seems to pay little heed to talks of magic or psions. Perhaps he doesn't know what you're all talking about or perhaps he doesn't care. Either way, he doesn't seem offended or intrigued.

With a simple yet jovial "Well met" to each Lance and Horus, he continues guiding the wagon.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“your concern for my well being is touching, friend. But don’t go thinking I want to go picking out curtains together” Lance says to Peregrinus.

“As for my talents in magic, well, they’re far from destructive in nature. I merely pointed it out so that no one is freaked out unrepentantly by it. I rather there be no illusions between myself and those I work with since we’ll be covering each other backsides and may well hold each others survive in hand.”

“so, anyone have a plan on how we should confront our adversaries?” Lance asks casually

__________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll0] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

As Lance waits for the others to share their thoughts on the challenge of the impending confrontation, he considers his own thoughts, searching for anything important he may recall that could help them

________________________
Knowledge checks

[roll0] Knowledge (Arcana) (Trained)
[roll1] Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Untrained)
[roll2] Knowledge (Local) (Untrained)
[roll3] Knowledge (Nature) (Untrained)
[roll4] Knowledge (Religion) (Untrained)
[roll5] Knowledge (The planes) (Untrained)

Untrained: An untrained Knowledge check is simply an Intelligence check. Without actual training, you know only common knowledge (DC10 or lower)

When, I learn what dragon type Jaornot is, please apply my above Knowledge (Arcana) check at that time for any additional information related to its dragon type


________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll6] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

The valley walls are sharp stone and almost unclimable. There are said to be many monsters that dwell here and there are no known crossings from one side of the river to the other, it is much too fast and the currrent too strong to swim across, not even taking into account the drop. If they are going to try and escape the only real chance the fugitives have would be to make it to the end of the canyone and from there climb up onto the dry flats in the hope of making it across to the northern sands. Otherwise all they are doing is backing themselves into a corner.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Well, this canyon makes things pretty straightforward; it's not likely that any of em are getting out of here. Which really makes no sense - I can't think of any reason why they would run here if they're trying to escape. Climbing out the other end is tough and that just leaves you in the desert - not a great help. Crossing the river's almost impossible, too. So, since it makes no sense for them to come here if they wish to flee, I suspect they want to fight - so be ready for an ambush."

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“Unless one of their group possess knowledge of some hidden passage? They were able to make an escape, perhaps with outside help.” he adds

“Anyone hear any unusual rumors or activity about this place before setting out?” Lance asks as he looks carelessly about

________________________
[roll0] Gather Information

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll1] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

You failed to pick up any useful information in town. Few people actually new about the transportation of the prisoners let alone their escape until a messanger came rushing into town looking for bounty hunters to head out as soon as possible.

From your own knowledge though you are aware that the Bhukas are a race of desert goblins that are well adapted to the desert and have a deep belief in their cultural traditions.
The Jackalkin are a race of nomadic warrior people who live for combat and battle, they are split into several castes each a specialist in a specific art of war.
The Lizardfolk could be any one of numerous species native either to the forest or the northern sands.

[geraldo]

The wild dwarf sits beside his little friend with a rather blank expression on his face. His greataxe sits across his legs and in his hand is a tankard of ale which he has kept full for the majority of the day. He takes a mighty pull from the tankard, draining its contents and throws it into the back of the wagon.

As the foam drips from his unkempt beard he surveys the land around them."Geraldo likes magic. One time a nice wizard pulled a copper piece from Geraldo's ear and let him keep it. But copper pieces aren't good weapons so new friend should stay behind Geraldo when fighting time comes. Big axes are good weapons," he says.

[Stink]

Atlas looks curiously at his pipe before banging it on the side of the wagon, emptying its bowl of the charred remains. Reaching into ne of the many pockets adorning his clothing, he retrieves a small bud of some unknown plant and restocks his simple, yet elegant device and passes it to Geraldo.

"Ah yes, I remember that guy. Fool trickster tried to lift your coin purse shortly thereafter." he says with a content sigh. Continuing, he questions the dwarf "He didn't think things quite through, I imagine. Mind relighting this for me, buddy?"

"Ambush? Ha! You know what has two thumbs and can thwart any trap laid in all of Kalitharsis?" he asks Peregrinus.

Not giving him a chance to answer he points his thumbs at himself and says "THIS guy." before realizing he dropped the reigns to his horses and scrambling down the front of the wagon to retrieve them.

A few moments later, his head reappears from a top the front of the wagon with a large smile as he repostures himself on the bench.

"I, honestly, wasn't paying enough attention. We just saw how much gold was offered and rode out.....glad we ran into you folks or else I'd have forgotten who we were actually chasing" he blurts out to Lance with a bellowing, for a halfling, laugh.

[geraldo]

Geraldo lights the pipe for his friend and blows a gentle plume of thick smoke before returning it. Sighing he looks around at the desolate landscape again. "Chases are boring and the hot sun is stupid," he announces after a few moments. "Geraldo hopes stupid criminals ambush us soon. They deserve a sound clobbering for making Geraldo chase them so far."

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus arches an eyebrow at the Halfling, then smirks. He never really understood their antics, but Halflings amused him anyway. He figured the time to be Mr. Battlefield Commander was done; the group would or wouldn't perform, but little was going to change it now. "Just so long as you're ready for a fight, then nothing to worry about. Let's just make sure we get these bastards."

[Jair Barik]

(Out of curiosity what is your eyebrow doing? Sounds kinda dirty...)

[DragoonWraith]

(Heh, rooster-ing? Wow, I totally missed that they censored that. That's pretty funny.

Though now I remember this exact thing happening to someone in one of my first games here...

I'll switch it to arching his eyebrow.)

[Stink]

(lolol I was wondering the same, earlier)

Retrieving the pipe, Atlas thanks Geraldo. "You, sir, are a gentleman."

As he scans the path ahead, he places the pipe back into his mouth and between draws, reassures the dwarf "Aye. I have nothing good to say about that sun.....but sometimes, the longer the hunt the more rewarding the kill, my friend.". Smoke billows out the side of his mouth as he talks between clenched teeth.

Once again turning to their de facto leader, Atlas tries to also reassure him. "I don't think my dwarven pal, here, could be more ready for a fight. No worries, friend. As for me, well...." his voice trails off as he turns his attention back to the road.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“Well then, it seems this brings us right back to Peregrinus question. Do we press on until nightfall in the hopes that we’ll come upon them in the dark, ambush or not, or shall we continue until we’ve gained more ground on them, then make camp for the night and resume the hunt before the rising dawn?”

“I see no reason why we should exhaust ourselves, so I say we continue for several more hours, then find a reasonable place to hold up for the night, then resume the hunt as early as possible tomorrow”

“besides, either way we’ll have to make camp at some point. The difference is we’ll be in better shape in the event any hostile scavengers come upon us in the night, instead of being exhausted from a long days ride and after a battle to boot”

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll0] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Sounds right to me, I call that a plan. Alright then, let's get on with it; definitely got at least a few more hours of trek ahead of us."

[Stink]

Atlas Swiftfoot

Atlas continues guiding the horses while Peregrinus and Lance converse eventually giving a short glance towards Geraldo to gauge his response to the recommendation; the wafting smoke trailing behind him.

[Jair Barik]

(marching order? I assume you are all on horse back in which case the slowest speed will be the wagon. Also consider yourselves lucky that this isn't proper full on desert in the shadewater or your horses would be screwed :smallamused:)

[DragoonWraith]

I assume Peregrinus would at least be expecting to take point. If anyone else feels they should be though, feel free to RP something. Otherwise, I'm gonna just say he goes first out of habit.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

The roan snorted as Lance pulled at the reins a bit “It’s nothing my friend, we’ll be covering the rear on this journey. How about you lead on the return trip, you can even do that prancing step you enjoy so much as we enter through the city gate” Lance says coolly to his horse as they slowly fall behind the others, trailing some 15ft-20ft

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll0] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[geraldo]

With a thick finger jammed in his nose, Geraldo looks at Atlas saying, "Geraldo doesn't think they take us very seriously" he says. "They didn't even wait for Geraldo's approval before adopting a course of action. Some people have no manners." Removing his finger and examining it carefully he continues, "Geraldo's thirsty. Want some ale?"

Without waiting for an answer the dwarf climbs into the back of the wagon, draws two tankards of ale from the cask and passes them forward to Atlas.

[Stink]

Atlas Swiftfoot

Taking the reins with his left hand, Atlas receives one mug and sets it on the bench then grasps the other with his right. He takes a large, for a halfling, gulp of the dwarven stout before Geraldo climbs back over; his pipe still jutting from the side of his mouth.

Chuckling a bit, Atlas informs Geraldo "You know these military types, always trying to take charge and rush into things. They'll take us seriously enough when the time comes."

Waiting until Geraldo is back up front, with mug in hand, Atlas continues. " Until then, let us drink to improper manners!" he says before smashing his mug against the Dwarf's; the foamy stout sloshing mightilly but not spilling.

[Killerloop]

Horus

Horus awakens from his book-slumber thanks to green crystal that starts zomping over his shaven head

"Nimbly!! Stop that!!.... Oh? eh? ok ok, no need for ourselves to exhaust with forced march. About the ambush thing I don't feel threatened. We have an expert here, or at least he says so, and I'm good at discovering hidden people....somewhat...."

The psion puts the book in his backpack and now seems focused in what he is doing... listening to the others.


Horus ready to move on :smalltongue:

[Jair Barik]

(say when your ready to move out)

[DragoonWraith]

(I thought we just did?)

[Jair Barik]

Travelling down the valley progress is swift. Arrakis is clearly less comfortable here than on the sand but the combination of cool weather and solid ground make your travel efficient. A couple of minutes into the journey though and Peregrinus, at the lead notices that the earth has suddenly changed. All too late does he realise that the ground he has just rode Arrakis onto is far too soft. Collapsing into the earth the pair fall 60ft down a hole into the ground. Spikes rise up to meet them but the crude trap is not enough to defeat the pair, though they do suffer wounds as the sharp wooden spikes pierce through their flesh (Peregrinus 34 damage, Arrakis 24 damage)


[roll0]
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[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"That... was short-sighted," Peregrinus grimaces and lets out a short gasp through clenched teeth. "I don't think we're incapacitated anyway, but we're both pretty torn up and we lost a fair amount of blood. Jesus, that was stupid," he says, berating himself.

As Arrakis starts climbing out of the hole, he says, "OK, master trap-finder, you need to come up front so you can find the traps before the rest of us."

[Stink]

Atlas Swiftfoot

Atlas pulls on the reins sharply to calm the frightened horses as Peregrinus plunges into the pit. Handing them to Geraldo, he rushes forward to the edge and peers down through the swirling dust and sand.

"Whoa now, no one said anything about being good at finding traps, friend!" he replies down the hole. "I believe my words described thwarting them....obvious by you being down in the hole and not me!" he laughs, revealing his humorous outlook at the situation.

Tugging on his sideburn, his mind wanders into a thought as he stares down into the hole; his expression becoming more somber.

"This is a pretty deep pit...I seriously doubt our quarry had time to dig it while on the run." he says as he snaps out of his trance.

I don't like this. I hope we're not riding head first into some criminal stronghold.


"Do you need any help climbing out?"

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Arrakis begins to asend the wall of the pit, not showing any particular difficulty at all - it just moves up the wall the same as it might move along the ground, albeit slower. "Nah, the 'worm secretes this sticky stuff, lets it cling to walls pretty easy. Just kind of slow getting its bulk up a sheer wall like that."

[geraldo]

As Geraldo calms the horses his fighting instincts take over. He applies the wagon's brake and lashes the reigns keeping pressure on the animals to keep them still. Placing his axe in easy reach he grabs his shortbow and knocks an arrow. He looks around for any sign that the trap is part of a larger ambush.

Spot check: [roll0]

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

With the sudden disappearance of Peregrinus and his worm from their fall into the pit, and by the activity of his companions, Lance calls out to those riding ahead of him as he brings Faran to a halt

“What’s happening!”

Seeing Geraldo nock an arrow, Lance decides to follow suit and readies his own bow. As he waits to hear from the others on what has transpired he glances about while lending an ear to the wind.

________________________
[roll0] Spot check
[roll1] Listen check

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

[roll2] Conditional Round Roll
Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

Geraldo and Lance fail to spot anything that looks as though it could be evidence of an awaiting ambush. On top of this Lance doesn't actually hear the conversation of his fellow party members.

[Stink]

As Peregrinus explains his situation, Atlas scans the area and cliff walls.

Spot Check [roll0]

Upon Peregrinus finishing, Atlas' gaze drifts back down the hole, pipe in hand, and he replies "Very well, then."

With a pause he continues "I'm no doctor, but it would appear our night has come to a conclusion? Those wounds look as though they may need mending."

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas

You notice nothing of particular interest along the cliff walls but there is evidence of caves and possibly birds nests or aeries higher up. The sheer steepness of the cliff face though would make reaching them almost impossible.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
With another grimace, "Ah, yeah, might be best. Damn it," he swore under his breath. "Anyone got any particular skills in the healing arts?"

[Stink]

Atlas Swiftfoot

"Sorry, mate. Not this halfling." Atlas replies to Peregrinus with a shrug as he turns back towards the wagon.

Seeing Lance still guarding the rear with his bow drawn, Atlas waves to him with both hands over his head. "Looks clear!" he yells.

He then walks back to the wagon and climbs aboard. Plopping down next to Geraldo, whose bow is also still drawn, he sighs and takes a long draw from his pipe before saying "It appears our vanguard took a nasty spill. Looks like we may be stopping here for the night."

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
As Peregrinus ascends from the hole, he explains the situation to Lance, "Wasn't expecting that kind of a trap, was looking more for them to jump out from behind some rocks or something. As Atlas pointed out, it seems unlikely that they could have dug this while running from us... it seems this was prepared beforehand, in which case we have to prepare for the possibility that they have a fortified hide-out in this canyon, possibly with more allies. The group we're after is likely going to be a tough fight to begin with; the addition of more means we need to be in peak condition.

"Unfortuantely, as you can see, I am not."

[geraldo]

Bored of standing alert, Geraldo replaces his bow in the back of the wagon and offers a concerned look at his cask of ale. If we keep stopping Geraldo will soon run out, he thinks with a look of concern. Taking his place beside Atlas he waits for the others to decide their next course of action.

[Stink]

Watching Geraldo stow his bow and take a seat, Atlas seems to recognize the concerned look and attempts to comfort his friend,"Don't worry, we'll have these rodents rounded up and be back in town, swimming in ale, in no time!"

Placing his hands on the back of his head, Atlas puffs on his pipe contently, intently eyeing the cliff face while he waits.

DM:
Atlas is just giving a more focused look at the cave areas, instead of scanning the cliff wall as a whole. Looking for evidence of living things that may pose a risk, or the likes.

Spot : [roll0]

[Killerloop]

Horus

"Sorry, Healing people is not within my abilities" said a concerned Horus. However he looks around and closes his eyes, then brings his right palm on his forehead for a moment.


Spot check Horus: [roll0]
Spot check Psicrystal: [roll1]

Casting Read Thoughts to see if I can detect the mind of someone else other than us within 60'.
Trying to suppress the flashy display of energy. DC is 17: [roll2]

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas
You see a couple of vulture like birds roosting in one of the cave entrances. In another (nearer to the ground) you see some four legged mammals of dog size and shape, you cannot determine what they are exactly as the cave in question is too far away for that level of detail.

@Horus
Neither you nor your psicrystal see anything of note. you do not pick up any intelligent though other than that of the party.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt


Atlas Swiftfoot

"Seeing Lance still guarding the rear with his bow drawn, Atlas waves to him with both hands over his head. "[COLOR="darkorchid"]Looks clear!" he yells.
With Atlas’ signal Lance lowers his bow but keeps it in hand

”Well, what do you think?” Lance ask Faran. “Guess we should see what’s happened then eh” he adds after the roan replied with a twitch of its ear


Peregrinus
As Peregrinus ascends from the hole, he explains the situation to Lance..,

"The group we're after is likely going to be a tough fight to begin with; the addition of more means we need to be in peak condition.

"Unfortunately, as you can see, I am not."
“hmmm.., it’s as I feared then. Any chance you can hold up for a while longer? There’s still quite a bit of day left to us and our quarry still has a significant lead on us.”

“Atlas, you claim to be able to thwart any trap laid in all of Kalitharsis, care to put those talents to the test?”

Lances then dismounts and slings his bow over his shoulder

“Anyone have a pole and some rope?”

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Stink]

Atlas Swiftfoot

Almost lounging at this point, Atlas looks over his shoulder, back at Lance, and responds "What's on your mind, sir Lance?"

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"I certainly could press on - neither I nor Arrakis are hurt enough to hinder our travel. And without any healing arts, I somewhat doubt that we'll be likely to be in much better shape whenever the fight does happen, so... I guess it doesn't really matter."

[Killerloop]

Horus

Now awakened from his usual aphatic inattention Horus carefully looks around.

"There is no intelligent being near us. So this wasn't an ambush but a simple trap engineered to hamper, or kill, one of us. I think we can move on safely"


OOC: We are an adventuring group without a cleric!! Can we have an NPC one?
Otherwise I see a lot of sleeping ahead of us just to heal the wounds.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt


Atlas Swiftfoot

Almost lounging at this point, Atlas looks over his shoulder, back at Lance, and responds "What's on your mind, sir Lance?"
“Well, the idea behind what I’m thinking is that we need a trap sweeper so to speak. So we tie a rope to you in a harness fashion and keep it taunt so that if there are any more pits you’ll not fall in. With a pole and your talents we should be able to proceed fairly swiftly and safely.”



Peregrinus
"I certainly could press on…"
“Very well, we’ll travel only a few more hours then we can begin to look for a reasonable place to camp. We’ll bypass the first suitable spot as they’ll be expecting us to camp there. It’ll either be a staged for an ambush or likely already trapped. We’ll should take a course less traveled if you know my meaning. Surely if there are any more traps, there must also be a safe route, which I’m hoping Atlas can guide us through”



Horus

"There is no intelligent being near us. So this wasn't an ambush but a simple trap engineered to hamper, or kill, one of us. I think we can move on safely”
“I disagree, I think this trap was meant as a warning for anyone not of the region or part of the controlling faction, be they desert bandits or some group with a foothold in the area.”

“Either our targets were lucky enough to avoid this trap or simply have knowledge of what to expect. Though they may also be traveling by an unlikely path which we should do likewise.”

“If they are making their way without any outside assistance, with any luck we’ll come across one of their corpses in another sprung trap or find one of them slain by one of their own. That’s the criminal element at its best!”

“So you up to the task Atlas?”

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Killerloop]

Horus looked puzzled for a moment, its psicrystal started to jump towards Lance moving one of his tiny appendages in a 'no' fashion.

"I meant that there is no enemy looking at us now or pointing bow, spear or the like. Those sticks used by warriors."

[Stink]

As Lance explains his train of thought, Atlas slowly shifts from lounging with his feet kicked up in his wagon to sitting upright, his hand on his chin in contemplation and his brow furled. The carefree look on his face now substituted with a mixed look of thought and doubt.

"You plan sounds reasonable enough. I'll take the lead and look for traps." he says snapping out of his thought.

"I have but two reservations. One, look at me" he continues as he stands with his arms stretched out at his sides before pointing to the gaping hole in the earth. "That pit was built to fell something large as proven by sir Peregrinus getting half way across it before it collapsed. I highly doubt I will be big enough to trip anything of the sorts....with that said, I'll move on to number two. In the event that I walk right across a trap laid forth, I will not be pulled into it by a collapsing wagon, horse or giant worm. I'll pass on the rope."

And with that, he places his hands on his hips and beams a smile from under his large, for a halfling, pipe.

[geraldo]

"NOOOO!! bellows Geraldo. "Friend Atlas is no mere trap springer. He is wise commander of great smartness. If one must walk ahead let it be Geraldo. He is mighty and can absorb much pain," says the wild dwarf.


“Very well, we’ll travel only a few more hours then we can begin to look for a reasonable place to camp. We’ll bypass the first suitable spot as they’ll be expecting us to camp there. It’ll either be a staged for an ambush or likely already trapped. We’ll should take a course less traveled if you know my meaning. Surely if there are any more traps, there must also be a safe route, which I’m hoping Atlas can guide us through”

After a moment, he calms himself and offers, "If out-smarting our foes is the goal, this may be an ideal campsite. Who would camp at the site of an ambush. And if our foes had half a clue this would be an ambush. They would need such an advantage over Geraldo. For he is mighty and not easily overcome."

[Stink]

Atlas replies to the group in confirmation "As much as I'd hate to put Geraldo in harms way, it would probably be much faster with him prodding for traps than myself. My expertise does take time...time which we probably cannot afford, I am afraid."

[geraldo]

Not waiting for a reply Geraldo moves to the wagon and exchanges his axe for a 10-foot pole. "Don't worry. Geraldo will lead you safely forward," he says as he moves to the front ready to push forward.

[Stink]

"Alright, buddy, let's do it!" Atlas enthusiatically replies as he starts moving the cart forward, slowly.

[Jair Barik]

The cart begins rolling down the path and around the hole, driven by Atlas with Geraldo at the head. (rest of you marching order/intent?)

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus follows the cart.

(had been starting to worry about you Jair)

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

Lance merely shakes his head slightly as the group begins to move, but does not object to the course of action figuring one plan is hardly any better than another

Grabbing Faran’s reins, Lance remains on foot as he guides his mount behind the others


((Lance will take up the rear some 15ft-20ft behind the last party member))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Killerloop]

Horus moves after Peregrinus

[Jair Barik]

(Nah I'm still here, just wanted to make sure everyone was ready to continue and had set on their plan before I continued. Still waiting on Lorderl and Killerloop to post before we go on, may post next 'events' anyway.)

[Stink]

Atlas smiles as he chews on the end of his pipe and takes a swig from his tankard of dwarven stout.

"This is the life" he thinks as he cautiously steers the wagon behind the dwarf wielding the 10' pole.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“How you doing Faran?” Lance asks his horse while stroking the roans head “Sands not to much for ya I hope?”

Faran simply exhales loudly through his nostril in response to Lances queries.

With his horses best interest and safety in mind, Lances begins to scan the open sand around him. Traps aren’t the only hazards out here and seeing Peregrinus upon his Ashworm is an easy enough reminder of this and of what other creatures dwell in these sands.

I wonder how often are such creatures prone to attacking travelers..? he thinks to himself about the Ashworm as he continues scanning the harsh environment

Lance begins to wonder if this assignment he’s accepted is worthwhile, and with one of the group members already seriously injured he questions its success as he contemplates turning around. With the lack of any real healers available, he asks himself why he didn’t peruse a healing alternative or environmental protection before heading out.


[roll0] Spot Check for scanning the sand for movement

________________________

(Nah I'm still here, just wanted to make sure everyone was ready to continue and had set on their plan before I continued. Still waiting on Lorderl and Killerloop to post before we go on, may post next 'events' anyway.)
((This gives me some cause for concern and makes no sense to me what-so-ever since Killerloop and myself had already posted our actions one day earlier when this post was made nearly a week ago.

I am nearly ready to drop this game and will surely do so if there’s no in-game update by the end of the day.

Nothing personal, I’m in other games on another forum where the DM has far to many delays, and while I’m understanding to real life issues (we all have them) I’m finding that I’m not really enjoying myself in those games.

Perhaps you’ve overcommitted yourself in the number of games you DM/Play in?))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

You continue along the path onwards and find nothing till about evening. Your quarries tracks are not too hard to follow and no creatures seem to molest your travel but as the sun begins to fall from the sky you notice a divergence of the tracks you follow. Most continue onwards along the floor of the pass but one set of small footprints diverge and head over towards a thicket of plants at the side of the river. This doesn't however cause any notable change in the main set of tracks.

((Apologies, have been busy lately with limited internet access. Honestly hadn't seen your posts, not sure why though, might be as my internets been playing up lately))

[Stink]

"Ambush?" Atlas questions himself.

"My dear Geraldo, you mind putting that stick away and taking the reins?" he asks of his friend as he brings the cart to a stop and hops out and walks to Geraldo.

"Keep going, slowly" he whispers before looking to Peregrinus and Lance, gesturing to keep moving.

Hoping to catch whatever maybe in the bushes unawares, Atlas slinks towards the earth as he unsheaths his shortsword. Holding his belt-mounted scabbard quietly with his left hand, he slithers towards the bushes; keeping his eyes and ears open for danger.

((Hide if possible (Trying to stick to the shadows and any natural obstacles) - [roll0]
Move Silently - [roll1]
Listen - [roll2]
Spot - [roll3] ))

[Killerloop]

Horus

"Maybe someone went to heed nature's call? It is strange that only one person goes alone in the night and the group didn't stop to wait for him/her"

[Jair Barik]

Slinking through the bushes Atlas comes across a series of vines strung together that appear to bridge the length of the river. They cross the chasm and lead downwards towards a cavern entrance in the opposite cliff face. The set of tracks ends here.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus grimaces. "That's not good, that's not good at all. Not having them trapped on this side of the river is bad news, I don't know where that cave leads, and I'm not entirely sure how we're getting over there."

How large a cave? Any chance of me getting an Ashworm in there?

[Jair Barik]

((Cave is large enough for an ashworm but when I said ropes I was trying to describe a single thick rope that appears to breach the grab. It is impossible to walk along it))

[DragoonWraith]

Fixed that then, sorry about that.

[Stink]

Atlas re-emerges from the bushes, shoulders slumped in apparent disappointment.

Waving his arms above his head, he approaches the caravan and informs them of what he found.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt



looking to Peregrinus and Lance, gesturing to keep moving.
being further back than the other members of the party Lance is a bit surprised by Atlas’ action.

“what are you up to little one…” Lance thinks as Atlas darts off

“Looks like someone’s trying to get themselves killed, eh friend” he say to his mount casually.

Not heeding the Halfling’s waving signal to continue moving, Lance stops and draws his scimitar.

“I’ll give’m a minute before i go after’em” he adds



Atlas re-emerges from the bushes, shoulders slumped in apparent disappointment.

Waving his arms above his head, he approaches the caravan and informs them of what he found.
With the new signal Lance approaches the group

“Do the tracks look like they’ve traveled back and forth or just the single direction?” he asks while trying to make the determination for himself after being informed.

“Well, I’d guess that little bugger Jarji has made a side trip for whatever reason, and since the tracks we were following continue onward, its quite possible Jarji will reemerge if expected to catchup with the others. We could hide and wait’em out. Make our job a lot easier too”

“I have significant powers of persuasion and suggestion, so if we avoid killing him because his wanted back alive. I can bleed him for information”

“Either way that rope is used for continuous crossing in both directions, someone’s bound to turn up to cross it from one of the ends.”

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[DragoonWraith]

Oops, I didn't realize we weren't going with him. My post makes no sense where it was, then.

It makes sense now though, after he's reported it to us. So yeah, sorry about that, I guess things are kind of out of order now.

[Stink]

Atlas shrugs at Lance with arched brows and a look of whatever works on his face.

Leaning on the cart while relighting his pipe, he says "We were thinking of stopping for camp anyways. Nows as good a time as any...would want noone sneaking up on us from behind, either.....though if we wait too long, our golden bucket may run dry."

[geraldo]

Holding the reins, Geraldo listens with obvious irritatation. He hates choices especially when both choices are so boring.

"Geraldo thinks ambush is better plan. Chasing is going too slow with Geraldo looking for stupid traps. Bad guys will get away easy. But maybe we can catch bad guy in the hole and new friend can beat information on where others are going out of him," he grumbles. After another moment of reflection he states, "If friends do want to keep going, Geraldo thinks we should cut rope to slow down anyone who might come behind us."

[Stink]

"You, sir, are a genius" Atlas confirms, a puff of smoke emanating from his mouth, while he deftly withdraws a dagger from his belt; rolling the point around the tip of his finger.

Looking up at the rest of the group, he nods his head in the direction of the rope bridge with a look on his face as to ask "Go cut it?".

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

”Hmmm.., while cutting the rope is a good idea, how about we go with both plans? We can camp for the night, and if by morning nothing has tried to climb across we’ll cut the rope before moving on.”

“Thou I’ll admit, I’m genuinely curious as to what we might find in such an obscure hideout or lair, whichever it may be.”

“While mercenary work is fine an all, there’s nothing like a bit of adventuring to bring the best out of you”

“Any chance at all your able to make it across safety and scout it out briefly, so if at all possible for the rest of us to cross, we’ll not be victim to someone cutting the rope on us as we attempt to cross over” he asks Atlas

“of course there’s the issue of our mounts. Faran here is well trained, but still, the dangers of the vast waste are not to be underestimated”

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Stink]

Atlas looks up at Lance and smiles, removing the pipe from his mouth. Mouth agape, about to speak, he grins and places the pipe back in before yanking it out one more time and pointing with it towards the river.

"You want me to cross over and see what I find? " he says as he returns the pipe and inhales deeply.


Grabbing his belt and giving it a shake, side to side, before pulling his pants up a bit, he narrows his eyes and speaks up again, the smoke billowing out "What a marvelous idea!"

With a glimmer in his eye, the halfing strides off towards the bridge as fast as his furry feet can take him, knocking the pipe against his boots to empty its contents as he goes.

[Jair Barik]

The bridge sways lightly in the breeze but upon closer examination it appears to have numerous knots along its length and the material is smooth as opposed to coarse and painful. It would be a simple matter for anyone unencumbered by armour and with a decent agility to climb down its length with absolutely no danger to themself.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt


With a glimmer in his eye, the halfing strides off towards the bridge as fast as his furry feet can take him, knocking the pipe against his boots to empty its contents as he goes.
“Hey now, don’t go getting into more trouble than needed” Lance says as Atlas starts to move off without waiting for the others

“anything one of us can do to assist? Maybe tie you off with a rope of our own in the event you slip” he calls to Atlas as he begins to follow while guiding Faran behind him

“Damn, I hope I haven’t just sent that wild Halfling to his death” Lance says turning his head and addressing the others


((giving others a chance to post before posting further, though Lance will follow to the foot of the rope bridge.))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Killerloop]

Horus

"I do not have any rope... but my powers can save me in the event I fall. Unfortunately, I'm not powerful enough to extend this to others... yet"

Horus quietly dismounts from his horse and heads towards the bridge. His little psicrystal grabbing firmly into his clothes

[Stink]

Atlas just returns an excited thumbs up to Lance as he disappears into the bushes again.

Ensuring his weapons and pipe are secured, the halfling grabs the rope firmly with both hands and lifts his feet to grab hold with his legs and begins to shimmy down.



((I'm also going to hold for a bit to give Dragoon and Geraldo a chance to post...Atlas hasn't actually made any progress, he's just started....would this be a climb check?))

[Jair Barik]

((you should be able to make the climb without a check. You have a bonus in climb and no armour check penalty.))

[geraldo]

Thrilled that there may finally be some action, Geraldo moves to follow Atlas. "Geraldo should go too," he says trying to invent a reason to get in on the action. "Geraldo is an excellent climber. He can wait on the edge of the cave and cover Atlas if he must run away."

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

Once at the foot of the bridge and realizing that it’s a fairly simple climb for most of the party members, if not all, then seeing Geraldo’s eagerness in wanting to accompany his Halfling companion, Lance addresses the issue of whom will climb down and who will remain behind.

“So, who else cares to climb down? I’m willing to stay behind if need be and can manage on my own if you all decide to descend as well.”

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Arrakis is an excellent climber..."

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“Are you saying that your Ashworm is capable of scaling across that rope! Surely you jest, it’ll be falling quicker than a dead sparrow and you along with it.” Lance says a bit surprised at Peregrinus words

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Stink]

"Whoa! Whoa!" Atlas exclaims as he shimmys across the river.

"At least wait till I get across before you try!" he laughs, looking back at the group.

[DragoonWraith]

Ack, confused - are we climbing down somewhere? Because the worm could just climb down the wall, without the rope. Or is it across the cavern? I had thought it was across, but then people were saying "climb down" and I was confused.

Also, I can't tell Lance and Atlas's speaking colors apart :smalleek:

[Stink]

((It sounds to me like we're climbing down and across a single rope bridge. I imaigne we'll be climbing up and across to get back....unless it just droops in the middle and we're climbing down then up....Im not sure. :)

I'll try a different color. Do all the purples look like blue to you?))

[DragoonWraith]

When they're all right next to each other, no problem, since it's very easy to compare them. That said, I think I could be OK with any of em except the one that you actually wrote "purples" in.

[Jair Barik]

Atlas' words only just reach the rest of the party over the roar of the river. The rope sways gently from side to side but holds firm under the nimble halflings weight.

(The rope is across the river but because the cave is in the face off the opposite cliff it goes down and across.)

[DragoonWraith]

Then ignore my last post. Hmm... how wide is the canyon?

[Jair Barik]

(Here? Only about 700ft)

[DragoonWraith]

(Is that the gorge we're crossing, or from the wall behind us to the other side?)

[Jair Barik]

(From cliff edge to cliff edge, there is no wall behind you. This end of the rope is tied to a tree, the other end is tied to a rock in the cave entrance.)

[Stink]

Atlas continues shimmying across.

Upon reaching the other side, he will look for a suitable place to hide and watch the entrance while he waits for geraldo to finish crossing.


Hide : [roll0]

Spot (looking into the cave): [roll1]

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas

The cave entrance has a number of rocks and a few bushes ripe with a number of berries. Unusually though these are all hidden behind a thin layer of scrub bush, the fruit bushes themselves appearing organised and well spaced. The cave continues onwards into the cliff face, quickly dividing into two branches, one that leads left with an upward incline, the other right with a downward decline. The tracks are lost amongst a number of older tracks in the dust.

[geraldo]

Seeing his friend make it safely across, Geraldo moves out onto the rope.

Geraldo isn't going to remove his armor. climb check (if needed) [roll0]

[Jair Barik]

Geraldo makes it safely across the rope and into the bushes at the cave entrance, the rope holds firm beneath his weight but dips more than when Atlas made his passage.

[Stink]

Atlas watches as Geraldo climbs across.

"I think it's just me and you, for now" he says as the dwarf lands on his side of the river before explaining what he has found.

"I'll go in a couple hundred feet and check things out. No more, friend....so no need to worry. You know the drill. I scream or you see me running, and it's time to wreck things." he tells Geraldo with a smile before sneaking out.

Keeping his eyes and ears open for danger, Atlas slinks forward, moving towards the pathway that leads upward.


Move Silently [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Listen [roll2]

[Jair Barik]

Atlas moves off into the cave

@Atlas

Moving upwards you travel a short distance before emerging into a small chamber with what appears to be a bed, closet and rug. There are three doors one on each wall, and the passage you entered by.

[Stink]

Quietly moving back the way he came, Atlas informs Geraldo of what he found before telling him "I'm going to go check out the other passage."

The halfling then climbs up a sidewall of the cave and begins moving along the ceiling, hugging it as much as possible while descending down the other passageway.



Move Silently [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Listen [roll2]

[Jair Barik]

(how do you intend to move along the ceiling?)

[Stink]

((I assumed boots (slippers) of spider climbing, but if you interpret their use differently, then I'll walk along the floor. :) )

[geraldo]

Geraldo stands attentively his hands wringing the handle of his massive axe less from worry over his resourceful friend than eagerness to put the weapon to bloody use.

[Jair Barik]

(Just checking precisely how you were doing it)

@Atlas

You descend the tunnel by its roof and quicjly come to an underground pool. The pool measures about 100ft across with a small island in the centre, it is illuminated by a number of incandescent fungi. On the island sits a small goblinoid figure with its back to you.

[Stink]

Licking his lips with the thought of driving his shortsword hilt deep in the creature's back, Atlas thinks twice about his next course of action and slithers back the way he came.

Once out of sight of the pool, he drops down to the ground and makes haste towards the exit where he informs Geraldo of his findings.

"Stay here in case the bugger decides to come back out. I'm sure your axe will give him a warm welcome."he says as he latches onto the rope bridge and starts his ascention back up towards the group.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“Well, if no one else intends to see what brews in the cavern, I’d just as well satisfy my curiosity” Lance says to the others that have not crossed over

“please be mindful of Faran here, but be careful, he likes to bite” he adds as he straps his horse lightly to the wagon. While he is confident that Faran will behave, Lance makes sure that if needed, Faran could free himself if attacked or the need arose.

As Lance makes his way to the rope bridge he eyes Atlas form scurrying across the rope

“ah, lets see what our little friend has to say first shall we” he says over his shoulder to the others


((I’m still here, I take it my post in the OOC thread was seen. I’m currently backup and running but still re-installing much of my software))
________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Mm. Well, let us know what's over there; doesn't seem likely that the worm'll make it, but we shall see. Arrakis can find me again later if necessary."

[Stink]

Upon returning to the original side of the river, Atlas informs the rest of the group of his findings.

"I don't know what else may lie in wait in that cave, but I do know if that goblinoid is one of our quarries, then it will meet justice." he says firmly after explaining.

Looking over his shoulder with a large smile as he heads back to the rope, he continues "Was that conving enough? I plan on just stabbiing the guy, so if you want him alive, one of you may want to join me"

He then latches onto the rope and begins climbing back to geraldo

[Jair Barik]

The climb is a success both going to and coming back from the ledge.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

“Excellent work Atlas. But lets not be to hasty. If that’s Jarji then his not worth anything to us dead. Though if it comes to it, better him than us.”

“Peregrinus, how about you and Horus watch this end and make sure we can return. With any luck I’ll be able to bend Jarji will to mine and he’ll come along quietly.”

“Anyone have an extra rope in the event its needed?” he asked before moving to follow Atlas across the rope bridge.

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Aye aye, will do." Peregrinus dismounts and looks at the surrounding area, checks for possible ambush points and the like.

[Stink]

((Sorry about the color swapping on my last post...I was posting from my fancy new phone and the button to select colors was way too small for my fat sausage fingers. I'm suprised I hit purple at all!))

It may be hard to tell at first, looking at Atlas' inverted face as he hangs from the rope, but the look of disappointment towards Lance becomes readily obvious as he states a simple "Fine, fine." while heading back towards Geraldo.

Once across, he takes shelter near the dwarf while waiting for Lance to cross.



((Lorderl, do you remember what happened last time one of my small statured characters split the party to go frolicking around in a cave? hahaha))

[Jair Barik]

(why do I have a sense of impending doom? I'm the DM! How much trouble resulted from this frolicking?)

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

”Lead on Atlas and let us hope that this is not a trap that we're merrily walking into” Lance says once he’s across.

“I see no reason to stand and guard a ledge, and if we are foolishly walking into something unexpected I rather have your axe drawing blood where it is needed” he says to Geraldo

“Your choice friend, take point along with Atlas or cover our rear” he adds


((I posted the consequence of the frolicking in the OOC thread, though here is a link to the actual game – The World needs Heroes! (http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37146&hl=The+World+needs+Heroes!)))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Stink]

With a smile, hop, skip and jump, Atlas is on his way. Once inside he slows his pace considerably and veers off to the right. Turning his head sharply to ensure he is being followed, he points to his eyes and then to the left passageway, an apparent signal for Geraldo, before sneaking his way down the other corridor.


Move Silently [roll0]




Edit : Wtf

[geraldo]

Geraldo nods his understanding at Atlas and assumes his new post where the tunnel diverges watching the one to the left. "Geraldo hates stupid guard duty," he grumbles under his breath.

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas

Sneaking down the passage you come back into the room with the pool. The goblin is still where he initially was but you now notice something you missed before. Near the edge of the water on your side of the pool is a stone basin of some sort.

[Stink]

DM:
((Like a basin you'd wash your hands in? Or a natural formation? Can you give the approximate dimensions? I'm just trying to visualize. Thanks! ))

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas

Like a basin but about 5ft across in each directions and about 2ft deep

[Stink]

While staying low and close to the ground, Atlas motions for Lance to advance. (Provided he followed him)

[geraldo]

Boredom getting the better of him, Geraldo slowly makes his way after his companion as quietly as possible (more to avoid a reprimand from Atlas than out of fear of any real threat).

move silently: [roll0]

[Jair Barik]

@Geraldo
You clank down the tunnel and come to an underground pool. The pool measures about 100ft across with a small island in the centre, it is illuminated by a number of incandescent fungi. On the island sits a small goblinoid figure with its back to you. At the nearest point this side of the lake is some sort of stone shape about 2ft high by 5ft across.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt


While staying low and close to the ground, Atlas motions for Lance to advance. (Provided he followed him)
Lance had slowly followed behind Atlas, leaving the Halfling to implore whatever talents he possessed.

With the signal from Atlas he draws even closer. Upon seeing the goblinoid in the center of the pool he whispers

“He is to far away for me to use my abilities, has he even moved since you last saw him?”


((being that the pool is 100ft across and the goblniod is in the center, this places him at roughly 50ft, which is out of my 30ft range for my Charm Gaze ability))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Stink]

Atlas twists his head sharply upon hearing the clanging of the dwarfs armor. He shoots a look of slightly annoyed understanding then a smile towards his friend and slightly heaves his chest in a chuckle.

Responding to Lance, he whispers "No. He's been like that since I left. I'm not sure how deep it is, but Geraldo is pretty good with a bow."

With a sly grin, he pulls out a sap and continues, "You may want to get wet. I'll try not to kill him.". He then begins scaling the inner wall of the chamber, holding the sap between clenched teeth.

With an unnatural speed and quietness, he reaches the ceiling and then begins crawling along it towards the center of the lake.




Move Silently [roll0]



((Sorry about running off so quickly. Not sure if you'll (Lorderl) be posting again tonight and I'll be sleeping all day tommorrow so I wanted to get started....don't want our two friends outside to get bored. If you have something to add tonight, just post it and I'll edit mine back...if thats fine with Jair))

[geraldo]

Beaming with pride at Atlas's approval of his stealthy approach Geraldo moves into the water his precious axe at the ready. Still trying to be as quiet as possible he hopes to, at worst, provide a distraction for his clever little friend.

Move Silently: [roll0]

[Jair Barik]

The goblinoid remains motionless, its back too you. As Geraldo enters the water he quickly notices that the water is deep, and though only his feet are wet now, if he takes another step forward then chances are he will need to start swimming.

[Stink]

Upon reaching the goblin, Atlas grabs the sap from his mouth and hovers over him, still clinging to the ceiling. He looks back over his shoulder to see what his companions intentions before turning his attention to the island. Taking a moment to study the area for anything he missed from across the lake, he pauses before pouncing.



Spot : [roll0]





((I'm having a horrible string of luck in just about every game I'm in with these rollers))

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas

The goblinoid appears to be smiling and his skin has a strange gleam to it, as though he is coated in some sort of liquid. Also from your position upon the ceiling you can see three piles of flotsam at the corners of the pool. These seem to be drifting with unusual speed across its surface towards Geraldo.

OOC:Don't respond yet, wait to see what the others do, will be rolling initiative soon methinks.



[roll0]

[Stink]

@DM
((Oooooooh! This is a tough spot hes in. Yell and give away his position or hope whatever is in the water doesn't eat his friend! Doh! Haha

Will I have an option to drop for a suprise round after the others state their intentions or will we be going straight into combat?))

[Jair Barik]

@Atlas

Can still opt to drop in. As long as any character is unaware of a given threat they could be considered flat footed, if a character appears to be unaware but really is (got any telepathy?) they won't but whoever attacks first can get off a surprise round. You can't all attack as one for surprise as you haven't worked out a method of coordinating an attack

[geraldo]

Confident that even he can't swim quietly enough to avoid alerting the creature on the island, Geraldo retreats to the shore line. Grumbling quietly about Atlas hogging all of the fun, he readies his bow and watches his friend carefully.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

Lance watches the goblinoid with a stern eye as Atlas moves off. As the creature remains motionless he moves closer to the waters edge alongside Geraldo.

Suspecting that something is amiss for why else would a creature sit so still for so long, he wonders if they are looking at an illusion. Focusing his mind he attempts to disbelieve what he sees.


[roll0] Disbelieve roll vs Illusion


((If anything is revealed he will quickly shout it out to Atlas. Afterwards Lance may still call out to the creature to draw its attention away from Atlas pending his disbelieve attempt result. I don’t know if my Arcane Resistance (additional +5) would apply here since I can’t look it up at the moment))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

Lance is quite confident that what he sees is in fact real.

OOC:I believe Stink is about to act now.

[Stink]

The constant grin and uneasy stillness of the goblin troubles Atlas.

Not one to make habit of dawdling, though, he takes one last look in Geraldo and Lance's direction, happy to see them at the ready, then lets loose his hold of the ceiling. He seems to hover for a second as his descent begins.

Suddenly, he is upon the goblin. Falling at speed, he he attempts to swing his sap at the little humanoids head, aiming to crush it's skull, moments before landing effortlessly on his feet.






Atlas Swiftfoot
30/30 HP
19 AC/15 Touch/15 Flat
4 Fort/10 Ref/3 Will


Tumble - [roll0]
Attack - [roll1]
Damage - [roll2]
Sneak Attack - [roll3]


((The sap should be non-lethal damage. I said he was trying to crush it's skull, but thats mainly to describe the amount of force he's putting into the swing. :)

I'll add RP flavor once you post the results))

[Jair Barik]

The sap cracks on the unsuspecting goblins head who, almost instantaneously is up on his feet, still moving and wild anger in his eyes.

(initiative Lance followed by Geraldo)

[roll0] At
[roll1] La
[roll2] Ge

[roll3]FO
[roll4] go 10 subdual

[Stink]

"AHA!" Atlas yells at the sound of the sap making contact with the goblin's skull.

"Beware! In the water!" he yells over his shoulder to his companions while standing off against his adversary.




((I'm used to being able to speak/rp out of turn as long as there is no action involved. Taking this time to ask if thats how you run your games, as well?))

[Jair Barik]

(Depends. Small remarks like that? Fine. Minor tactical comments? Fine. Reciting the complete works of old Bill Shakespeare? Nooo. Talking/parleying with opponents? Perhaps depending on how much you say between rounds, there shouldn't really be much back and forth conversation, e.g.

Player A: Look out!
Player B:What?
A: Behind you!
B:Where?
A:About 10 ft to the left of those bushes.
B:The thorny bushes?
A:No, the fruity ones.
B: [casts fireball 10ft to the left of the fruity bushes]

Sound fair?)

[Stink]

((Yeah, thats what I meant. Whatever would be logical based on the situation. Sounds good, thanks.))

[geraldo]

At Atlas' warning Geraldo takes a quick shot at the goblin before surveying the water to identify the threat Atlas was warning of.



Geraldo HP: 65
AC: 19

[roll0] at the goblin for [roll1] damage on a hit. I'm assuming we're in a surprise round right now. If that's not the case I'll wait my turn. I figure it's about time for some initiative.

Initiative: [roll2]
Spot check: [roll3]

[Jair Barik]

Geraldo can spot nothing amiss with the water. it is a bit mucky but otherwise seems perfectly safe.

(Arrow will be hitting after Lance acts, I have already rolled initiative to speed things up, no surprise round but Lance won initiative with Geraldo coming in second.)

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

With Atlas’ warning Lance looks at the waters surface to see if he can see anything amiss, surely the little Halfling wouldn’t be making such an outcry for no reason.

He draws his blade as he slowly begins his trek into the murky water. With a steady movement he checks his steps as he progresses in hopes that he’ll not have to go swimming, especially with something besides himself and Geraldo in the water.

"What was it you saw in the water?" Lance calls back to Atlas


[roll0] Spot Check


((let me know how far into the water one needs to go before swimming is needed, Lance is hoping to make it about halfway to get the goblinoid with his Charm Gaze ability 30ft range))

((I apologize for being the slow wheel in the game but I’ve had a number of things coming up lately (besides my previously mentioned computer issues). I rather not pull out of the game if I don’t have to so please bear with me. Though Jair, if you feel its to much of a disruption just let me know and I’ll dropout. Not to worry, if for any reason my post fall behind by a week or more, I’ll gracefully give notice and respectfully withdraw.))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

Lance can see nothing that poses any threat in the water. Some pond scum or such like on the surface in a few places but nothing dangerous or out of the ordinary. After about 10ft the floor drops away forcing Lance to swim if he wants to progress any further.

(If it becomes an issue the others or I can DMPC Lance until you can post more frequently, we can just say that he is in a state of vampirish brooding and emotional turmoil outside of battle and thus says little. Its generally best to avoid having people drop out completely, thats a game killer often, taking any further actions?)

[Jair Barik]

Does somebody else want to chose what Lance does with the rest of his action? perhaps Dragoon can play him till Lorderl is back?

[DragoonWraith]

(At this point it would kind of seem like Lance is waiting on a response from Atlas, no?)

[Stink]

Everyone :

(At this point it would kind of seem like Lance is waiting on a response from Atlas, no?)

((Eh, I assumed we were waiting to determine if Lance was going to swim or stay on the shore.

His words "let me know how far into the water one needs to go before swimming is needed, Lance is hoping to make it about halfway to get the goblinoid with his Charm Gaze ability 30ft range" make me think he was hoping he could get close enough to cast a spell, but they really don't hint to his intentions if he couldn't.

I can give a response. I was going to wait a bit, since
1) Atlas just dropped from the ceiling and now is in a pretty precarious spot...being alone on the island with a goblin who is not unconcious, as much as he would hope it was.
2) He really has no idea.))


As Atlas takes a fighting posture to combat the angry goblin, he yells back, without turning his gaze from his enemy "I'm not sure, but its moving quick"

[Jair Barik]

(Would you like to take control of Lance for the time being? He had implied as Stink pointed out that there was things to do dependant upon how deep the water was, I was waiting for his response to my post but it seems his internet/availiability isn't so good at the moment)

[DragoonWraith]

(Well, Lorderl doesn't have any info in the public section about Lance's background or personality, so I don't know any of that stuff. So if you have anything like that, if he PMed it to your or something, that would help. Nevertheless, yeah sure, I'll do it. I just have to apologize in advance to Lorderl if I do anything he/Lance wouldn't...

[Lorderl]

((Yes, I had been waiting for Atlas to reply, and now with the knowledge that whatever is in the water is moving quickly, Lance will hold his position and confront whatever comes at him, expecting it to attack him in the next round or two. I will get an actual post up a little later today after getting my daughter off to school.))


Lance Blackhilt

”Damit Atlas, I don’t see it” Lance shouts back as he readies himself for an impending attack

Realizing that the bounty on the goblinoids head will do him little good if he is dead, Lance sends his Dark Companion toward the goblinoid to assist Atlas.


((Readying an Action to attack anything that attacks me, if after 2 rounds Lance is not attacked he will begin swimming to the island, though I plan on roleplaying each round as they come up. The Dark Companion has the same modes of movement as my character, so it’ll move 15ft closer to the island))

1d20+2 Swim Check for Dark Companion if needed, though being an illusion wasn’t sure if it was needed?


((While enemies automatically recognize the Dark Companion as an illusion, I’m curious to learn/know/see how, if these creatures are unintelligent/limited intelligent, might react upon initially encountering an Illusionary Panther?))

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Lorderl]

Lance Blackhilt

((oops, had forgotten you can’t edit in rolls, so here’s the Dark Companions Swim Check if needed))

[roll0] Swim Check


edit: Stink, my apologies for the confusion there

________________________
Lance at-a-Glance

Senses: Listen: -2 Spot: -2
Initiative: +8 Speed: 30 Action Points: ---
AC: 21 Touch: 14 Flatfooted: 17
HP: 35/35 Temp HP: XX/XX
Saves: Fort: 3 Reflex: 5 Will: 4
Conditions/Spell Effects
1. Arcane Resistance: +5 Cha bonus vs spells and spell-like effects
2. Resistance 5 (Ex): Cold, Electricity
3. Mettle: No damage on partial Fort or Will if successful save
4. Fast Healing 1 (Ex): Functions between 1 and below half HP
5.
6.
7.

[Jair Barik]

Geraldos arrow strikes true hitting the Goblin in the side. Ignoring the dwarf for the time being though it swipes out at Atlas with a sword and dagger concealed in its cloak yet the nimble footed halfling dodges both blows with ease.

Lance sends his familiar out into the water and readies himself against whatever assailant is out there but is caught completely unawares as the water itself seems to leap up and attack him, it does so slowly though and he manages to dodge and look at his foes in time to see the water sink back down beneath a pile of flotsam that had been drifting towards him.

(Initiative Atlas, followed by Lance and Geraldo)


[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
(10 sub, 3 reg)

[roll4] [roll5]

[Stink]

Atlas grips the sap tightly, dodging the goblins thrusts, as a smile emerges from between his bushy sideburns.

"Goblin no stabby stab this one!" he says as he leaps forward, swinging for the goblin's head in retaliation.


Atlas Swiftfoot
30/30 HP
19 AC/15 Touch/15 Flat
4 Fort/10 Ref/3 Will


Attack - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1] - Non-Lethal


Edit: Crit!

Edit 2: I'm applying my dodge AC bonus to the goblin.

[Stink]

Crit verification :

[roll0]



((No problem Lorderl, I assumed you were still having internet difficulties.))

[Jair Barik]

The sap strikes the goblin in the face but it still stands and mutters curses at you.

"You won't take this one alive dogs of the senate!"

Peregrinus and co, Elswhere but at the same time....

Peregrinus feels a slight headache but shrugs it off. He recalls this feeling from prior encounters with Psions, somebody is trying to effect his mind. Seconds after this a volley of arrows fly out from the direction of the cliffs, in general they miss but two strike Peregrinus between the plates of his armour (5 damage)


[roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]

[roll6] v 16

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"This really isn't my day," as Peregrinus dives behind cover and tries to see his assailant.

[roll0]

Also, Arrakis has 60' Tremorsense, so if there's something standing on the ground within 60' she should sense it.

[Jair Barik]

@Peregrinus

There appears to be some shapes hiding up along a part of the cliff face amongst an area of tall grass.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus shifts into a Hunter's Stance. Signalling Arrakis, he tries to tell her to burrow through the cliff and attack their foes.

Hunter's Stance gives me the Scent special ability. As for Arrakis, here's a check:
[roll0]
I'd like her to burrow to avoid attack (she's used to that, since that's natural sandworm tactics), and burrow up the cliff and pop out at them. She has 30' burrow speed, so I don't know if she can reach in one round, but you know.

[Jair Barik]

@Peregrinus and Co
The sandworm burrows towards the enemy moving through the cliff to do so. Shortly after it heads off you lose sight of the enemy and as Arrakis bursts out the earth it seems to be somewhat lacking in prey. An arrow with a white band attatched thuds into the earth near your feet.

[DragoonWraith]

Pick-your-Knowledge roll (just a generic D20, apply the appropriate modifiers) - what's that supposed to signify.

I figure a military man like Peregrinus would know, but I don't.

[roll0]

[geraldo]

Geraldo roars in frustration as he draws his bow for another shot. He then scans the water yet again hoping to put eyes on the threat separating him from his real target.

attack: [roll0]

spot check: [roll1]

[geraldo]

oops forgot damage. :smallannoyed:

damage: [roll0]

confirm critical: [roll1]

[Jair Barik]

@Pergegrinus

It is symbolic of either surrender or parley, a white flag so to speak.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus rolls his eyes; this is almost undoubtedly a trick, but fine. Without coming out from cover, he shouts "OK, come out where I can see you, and toss your weapons on the ground, well away from you!"

[Jair Barik]

Another arrow flies into the ground nearby this one ius on fire. After a few seconds the crackling of the fire forms a disjointed voice of no particular accent.

"We could throw down our weapons. Or alternatively you could throw down yours. We have fifty odd archers up here. I for one can tell who would win. Tell us why your on our land and we may be able to let you out with all your digits still in tact."

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Your land? My apologies, I had no idea. I'm just a lawman from the south, chasing some bandits that ran out this way. Our apologies for intruding; we'll be going as soon as we catch the fugitives."

In theory, Peregrinus should know this, since he's supposedly been patrolling this patch of desert for ages. However...

1d20+4

[Jair Barik]

Chances are that these are the Border watchers of the North. Though they rarely patrol this near the Shadewater its not unheard of. Wether the Shadewater belongs to the Northern sands or not is a matter of political contention...

"Oh? Reaaaalllly? Now what jurisdiction do you have here I wonder? Hmmmmm none. Yes I'd say that about right. I strongly doubt your quarry have committed any crimes against our land now have they?"

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Are you mad? The Border is days north of here - and I'd know, I've been up there more than once. The Order of Rathgan has patrolled this river for decades! Mostly by me!"

And if that isn't true, let me know, because that's pretty much Peregrinus's backstory.

[Jair Barik]

OOC: The jist of it is as follows. The Shadewater runs a long length but initially starts half way into the Dry Flats. Nobody lives in the Flats (or at least there are no known civilisations) but it would be possible that Peregrinus would occassionally patrol this far up (possibly even further) as the Watchers rarely come the way of the Shadewater. Despite the Kobolds not living in the flats they consider the entire dry flats as their 'border' and defend it quite vigorously. This does mean Peregrinus' background is still very applicable (assume he either rarely runs into watchers or rarely heads too far north into the flats)>

"Rathgan? Ha! The bloodline has long been diluted by time. You grow weak Knights of old."

[DragoonWraith]

(Part of his backstory was that due to long time spent patrolling the northern border, he actually was on friendly terms with some Borderwatchers.

Anyway, how do these Kobolds respond? Or is my response just nonsensical in the world?)

[Stink]

((Just making sure noone is waiting on me. Anyone waiting on me? :) ))

[Jair Barik]

(Responded in my last post. If you want to control Lance that would be good Stink)

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Rathgan is not interested in blood, friend, only in honor and effort. Heh, and not many Knights, these days, though you're talking to one, and I'm not that old. These fugitives are thieves and murderers, and worse. One's a Necromancer. You don't want these in your lands any more than we do."

[Jair Barik]

There is a brief pause and then the fire speaks again.

"A necromancer you say? I did not think those arts were practiced by anyone these days. We would not like such a soul in our lands, that is for sure, but how do we know we can trust your word? Men have been quick to lie and betray in the past, why should the present be any different?"

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"I am a Knight, sir. My word is my bond. Besides, what harm could I do if I was lying? I'm sure you're not likely to not watch me no matter what I do, and I'm not exactly in the best of shape at the moment - I suppose that was your spike pit that we fell into earlier?"

[Jair Barik]

"No. We don't travel down to the valley floor. It is bad luck. There are things down there we would not deal with. If need be then yes we would travel there to finish the hunt but you are standing upon cursed ground Knight. Perhaps you shall pay for it."

Peregrinus is aware of this superstition amongst some of the Border Watchers. A number of them however are more than happy to travel the valley floor.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Well, at any rate, it is where I stand. I'm not about to abandon my post, not after all the time I've spent out here. So I'll just have to deal with the curse. I don't know if spike pits count as a 'curse', though; what's this curse supposed to do to you, anyway?"

[Jair Barik]

OOC: oops edited that. Do you want to change your response?

Lance retreats backwards out of the water and draws his bow, ready to attack from a safe distance. Meanwhile his familiar runs onwards setting up a flank for Atlas and Geraldo's arrow strikes the goblinoid square in the back. Whatever was in the water seems to be staying there for the time being but Geraldo cannot spot its location.

Reeling about from the arrow Atlas' foes swings at him twice more, one blow coming dangerously close to his throat, only to hit him in the shoulder instead, th eother catching him on the arm (6 damge)

(initiative to the party, if you wish to post actions for Lance do so)


[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
(10 sub, 5 reg)

[Jair Barik]

[roll0]


confirming critical...

[DragoonWraith]

(Eh, the response works as it was. Further responses will likely be based on that fact, though).

[Jair Barik]

"Fine by us if you want to risk it. Don't think you won't be watched though. If you step one foot out of line then you and your worm will be feeding the vultures pretty quickly,that is if the cursed don't catch you first." Even though the fire is emotionless you sware that it is grinning at you.

You catch a slight movement on one of the cliffs out of the corner of your eye, but looking to see what it was you cannot see anything there.

EDITED to include your 'answer'

[DragoonWraith]

(Oh, uhm. err. I did edit my post slightly. Just didn't include that information, yet. But he asked a question. Sorry, I should have said that to begin with.)

[Stink]

Atlas clutches his shoulder for a moment realizing he has been hit. With anger in his eyes, he waits for the goblin to lose concentration due to the spectral companion of Lance approaching before swinging at its head.


Atlas Swiftfoot
24/30 HP
19(20)AC/15 Touch/15 Flat
4 Fort/10 Ref/3 Will


Attack - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1] - Non-Lethal
Sneak Attack - [roll2]

[Jair Barik]

Atlas swipes the creature across the face leaving a trail of blood but it still stands before you.

(Initiative Lance and Geraldo)

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"And what 'cursed' are these? I've dealt with a few undead in my time; nasty buggers, but they don't scare me. What else is supposed to be crawling in this canyon?"

[Jair Barik]

Peregrinus recieves no reply. Only the whisper of the wind.

[Jair Barik]

Should I write Lance out then you guys? Lorderl has posted in the OOC.
Also a number of the challenges up ahead are aimed for a group of 5 and I can see at least two players have now dropped (Killerloop seems to have vanished)

[DragoonWraith]

Hmm... might be necessary to do rerecruitment, unless you want to fiddle with the upcoming encounters to make it reasonable for 3. Do we, in fact, actually have 3 at this point?

[Stink]

((Geraldo, Peregrinus and Atlas. I count 3.

Has anyone sent Killerloop a pm? He may have stopped checking once the party split from lack of action.))

[Jair Barik]

(He applied to another game and I mentioned this. He didn't respond though)

[DragoonWraith]

Yeah, I know which 3 there were, I was just checking if you and Geraldo were still with us, Stink.

[Stink]

Yeah, I know which 3 there were, I was just checking if you and Geraldo were still with us, Stink.

(( :)

I was just stating the names to make sure I didn't miss anyone.))

[geraldo]

I'm still here. I'm happy either way.

[Jair Barik]

(if you want I can...
Kill off the missing players and continue as we are. Restart the group with you three (perhaps all knowing one another) from a different place with different plot perhaps, or fast forward slightly to the end of combat when the party is reunited. Your pick)

[Stink]

((I'd recommend a little of both.

Let us either time warp to the end of this encounter, or soften the baddy up for a 2-3 person group and let us finish, then kind of "reboot".

We'd have a criminal in the bag and can go back to wherever we came from, get our bounty, and start anew...possibly with more people if you're up for recruiting.


I know we haven't done much, but we have been going for a couple of months and I'd rather it not be for naught.))

[Jair Barik]

In the future... but not that far...

Geraldo, Atlas and Peregrinus have met up with their prisoner bound and gagged on the other side of the river. They have yet to interigate him. Unfortunately Horus fell into the river whilst you were attempting the difficult task of moving your prisoner, and Lance was devoured by Aquatic Oozes before geraldo realised that a nearby tub of oil acted as a deterrant of the monsters.

((I'm quite happy to continue with the three of you. You seem decent posters and have got to know each others characters a bit. All I need to do is tailor DC's for the smaller group and potentially give you useful items/ minions for filling in the groups weaknesses.)

[DragoonWraith]

(Sounds good to me. Peregrinus's got a +7 Intimidate check; can anyone beat that or shall he make with the interrogating?)

[Stink]

((Sounds good.

I only have a +1, but I do have +7 bluff and +5 diplomacy....in case intimidate doesn't work :) )

[DragoonWraith]

(Err... by the way, which prisoner was it? And what about the others, or the Kobolds?)

[Jair Barik]

(You have captured the goblin who the other guys were fighting. The kobolds disappeared having left your last question unanswered (or at least you asume they have disappeared))

[DragoonWraith]

(Well ok then, that sounds promising! It's a start, anyway.)
Peregrinus
"Alright, maggot, you may be used to the cops in the city, but now you've ran well outside the boundary of law and order and into the wilderness, and that's where you find me. Shame for you, too, I'm not so cuddly as those you find in the city," which Peregrinus punctuates by shoving the bound goblin some with his leg. Not really a kick, but showing that resistance might get him kicked.

"Let's start with the basics - I know all this already, but let's make sure you're not a liar. Name, race, 'occupation'. See if you can guess what's the crime on the piece of paper in my pocket, is the reason I'm after your slimy hide."

[Jair Barik]

The goblin replies "hmmmm mmfff fmmm mmhm smmmm"

....

...

oh right hes gagged at the moment!

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus laughs at him, and then pulls the gag down. "You were saying?"

[Jair Barik]

The goblinoid spits at the ground.

"Jarji, Bhuka, ranger and most likely for struggling against the Senates oppressive grasp!"

he glares at you all with a defiant look in his eyes.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus grins and shoves him again, "Yes, precisely, only the exact wording was 'theft of livestock and harassment of travelers,' which is really just semantics at that point, right? OK, now for the more interesting bits. Where were you running to in this canyon, and where have the rest of your compadres off to? You'll notice I'm asking nicely this once; I won't again."

[roll0]

Boo. Still, probably appropriate.

[Jair Barik]

"This is my home idiot! I wouldn't come here if I didn't know the area. The others are going where they want to, its no concern of mine now. I got them as far as they said they needed to go whatever happens to them now is their responsibility. One thing though... Tell me, my charge is theft of cattle yes? This is my home yes? Then wheres the cattle?"

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"You're a fugitive. That means you were caught, tried, and convicted, and it also means your stolen property has already been returned to their rightful owners. Hah, the Senate's a bunch of old fogies, but you'll need to do better than that if you think I'm like to believe your self-serving rhetoric.

"As for your comrades, I'm afraid you're going to have to do a lot better than that. The other interesting thing about this piece of paper is that it does not specify your state of health upon return. So long as they know you're not out free to steal again, they're happy. You can't steal anything if you're dead, and that will work just as well for them."

[roll0]
[roll1]

Ouch.

[Jair Barik]

"Dead? really" there is a look of mock horror on Jarji's face.

"If you didn't have so dreadful a poker face I might have believed you. Next time don't pause between the words, I know their long and all but it really gave away that you were thinking things up on the go. The senate didn't get a thing back from me you know. Nothing! What could I do with the things I stole eh? Eat them? Ride them? Not likely! Would be wastefula dn unnecessary."

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Yeah, not much of a liar. So, I'll give it to you straight - all it does say is alive. Plus, your friends are worth more than you are. So really, I've got plenty of freedom to make your life very unpleasant until you tell us what we want to know, and really, if you die, it's not really that big a deal to me. You're the small fry here, so you really aren't in a position to be mocking anyone."

[roll0]
[roll1]

Sense Motive's on the claims that he didn't actually steal anything.

[Jair Barik]

Your pretty sure that he stole things but at the same time he does appear to be telling the truth. Perhaps there is meaning in his words after all.

"The others? Good luck catching them. Three of you versus the five of them? I wouldn't bet on you making it through alive. I'm surprised you even continued following us after that little trap Jaornot left behind. I'd have imagined that would have stopped any pursuit, or at least slowed them enough to make them give up and go home. I don't know about the others but Jaornot? he's headed to Gecis, even if it kills him. Never got on with him mutch myself but hey, he had the plan we had some of the skills he needed, he said he'd get us free and he certainly pulled through."

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Say, how do you get on with Kobolds?"

[Jair Barik]

"Eh. They don't bother me, I don't bother them. Generally though you don't want to get on their bad side. There is of course the possibility that they've already killed Jaornot though. The kobolds don't always get on that well with the dragons."

[Stink]

Atlas, with a coy smile and his dagger drawn, approaches and stands over the goblin from behind.

"Are we happy with his 'story' or shall I finish him off?" he asks peregrinus, placing the blade between Jarji's chin and chest.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Leaving the Bhuka bound, he steps away and indicates that Atlas and Geraldo should join him, out of earshot from the goblinoid. "I don't doubt that this is home, and it wouldn't much surprise me if he did see himself as a freedom fighter or something of the sort. On the other hand, it would surprise me if he did not actually steal those cattle. He was right when he called my bluff; warrant says alive, so he stays prisoner. But other than that, yeah, I'll buy his story that he doesn't know where the rest went off to, and I definitely agree with his estimation that we're not going to take down the rest of 'em like this anyway. So, the thing to do seems to be to drag him back to Kapteb, and then make our way to Gecis, most likely."

OOC:
Really, I suspect the dude's right about the Senate and the Kobolds are right about the Order, but Peregrinus is pretty loyal so it's going to take more to convince him of that.

[Stink]

Atlas responds with a cheery agreement.

"I'm not much for murderin the helpless, so your plan sits well with me...unless you wants to untie the fool and let me get at him proper?"

Laughing, he continues "I kid, I kid. Away to Kapteb we go! Geraldo, can you lug the bastard into the back of the cart?"

With that, he pulls his pipe from his sack and lights it. Letting a few waffing puffs of smoke blow away, he points to Jarji and says with a wink "It's your lucky day, Bhuka. It would appear that money, and not the satisfaction of watching you bleed, is the priority at this moment. I'd watch your tongue, though, as our motivations change as quickly as the wind.".

Letting his dwarven friend take the lead on securing the prisoner, he hops into the driver seat of the cart and grabs the reins.

[Jair Barik]

Heading back towards Kapteb it quickly becomes clear you won't be out of the valley by sunset. Jarji is quiet and brooding refusing to speak unless he is first spoken to. There seems to be no sign of the kobolds from earlier (if that is indeed what they were) and the valley seems deserted.

(OOC: I will assume, unless Dragoon says otherwise, that Peregrinus told the others about the incident with the kobolds)

[DragoonWraith]

(Yeah, fair assumption; sorry for forgetting to say so explicitly.

Time to make camp, then?)

[Jair Barik]

((thats up to you. You can rest here or you can forced march into the evening/through the night. It was already evening when you arrived at the river crossing, its now late evening, say about 7ish and things are starting to get dark, if you wanted to be out of the valley you would probably have to march on till about 5 in the morning if you take into account the distance you travelled today and the distance before the game began.))

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
"Well, seems better to make camp here in the protected canyon rather than out in the desert; that's never fun. Any thoughts on watch order?"

[Stink]

"That pit from earlier put you and arrakis in the hurt locker and I'm sure you two could use the rest. I can take the first watch. " Atlases replies.

((On me phone so taking it light))

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus laughs, and grimaces. "Well, I can't argue with that. Wake me when it's time for you to sleep."

Peregrinus takes down the tent and bedroll that had been lashed to Arrakis, and sets them up. As he gets inside for sleep, Arrakis curls up around the tent.

[geraldo]

The idea of sleeping near the prisoner doesn't sit well with Geraldo and he breaks his customary silence. "Geraldo thinks he should smash ugly guy's knee-caps with the blunt side of his axe. Keep him still."

[Stink]

"Gladly" Atlas says as he braces one of the goblin's legs against the cart.

Turning his head towards Jarji he says "I wouldn't look. It doesn't hurt as much if you don't look."

[DragoonWraith]

Point of interest: Peregrinus is not going to be pleased with this. But he's asleep right now. :smallwink:

[Jair Barik]

Jarji glares at you both.

"Do this and I welcome the fate you bring upon yourselves tonight. There is nothing I can do to help myself escape but I assure you gentlemen I will be overjoyed once your just deserts descend upon you."

by know it is quite dark, pergergrinus and Arrakaki (spelling may be wrong) have quickly got to sleep but Geraldo and Atlas are yet to nor has Jarji (you guys both staying up on watch?)

[Stink]

((Hrm. Didn't realize it was that much later. Doesn't matter, I took first watch. Up to Geraldo what he wants to do.))

[geraldo]

Not quite clever enough to understand the concept of a bluff, the monster's threats ring clear to Geraldo. "This scum knows something we don't. Our sleepy friend did a poor job interrogating him. Geraldo thinks we should kill the filth now. Geraldo has plenty of ale and there's always someone to pay for a good axe and all the great stuff Atlas finds."

[Stink]

Letting his grip relax, Atlas straightens up and ponders for a moment.

"Nay, friend. His words are hollow.....errrr" Atlas stops and thinks. "He's just trying to scare us. Plus we don't know what the wyrm rider will do if he wakes to find us sleeping next to this goblin's corpse. Let's doubly secure his knots and get some rest. He'll get whats coming to him."

[Jair Barik]

((So you guys going to sleep as well or should I fast forwards to when something happens/the end of your watch/the morning?))

[Stink]

((I'm going to take watch. If geraldo stays up, I'll pass it to Peregrinus. So, I'm good with fast forwarding until whenever))

[Jair Barik]

Atlas stays up on watch. Jarji appears to close his eyes with a smile on his face but you cannot tell if he is asleep or not. His bindings are quite fast though. After about two hours of watching Atlas is sure that he hears something out to the edge of the campsite. Shuffling in the dark and the sound of feet on detritus.


[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]

[Stink]

Atlas perks his ears up, thinking he hears something, before quietly quietly scampering over to what cover he can find between him and the sound; watching for any movement while silently drawing his blade.



Move Silently - [roll0]
Hide - [roll1]
Listen - [roll2]
Spot - [roll3]

[Jair Barik]

You can't see much in the dark but you can sounds of creatures moving about perhaps some 100ft from your camp. And not just in one direction either...

[Stink]

Atlas tosses a rock at Geraldo's sleeping body.

"Pssssst"

He's always been good at drawing attention to himself when startled he thinks with a muffled giggle.

[geraldo]

Geraldo jerks awake as the rock bounces off of his head. "To arms! To arms! DIE STUPID UGLY!! he shouts scrambling to his feet. His axe at the ready he looks and listens for any nearby threat.

Spot check: [roll0]
Listen check: [roll1]

[DragoonWraith]

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Jair Barik]

Everyone awakes due to the screaming Dwarf but nobody can see what is out in the darkness, bar a few small glowing red dots approaching the camp site in pairs.

[Stink]

Atlas maintains his silence as he watches.

[DragoonWraith]

Peregrinus
Peregrinus is not in his armor, but responding to the Dwarf, he runs outside his tent as Arrakis unfurls, allowing him to see... the darkness. Forgoing the armor, he grabs his Lance and Buckler, and climbs atop Arrakis.

[Jair Barik]

"Better you than me friends..." Jarji mutters.
The Bhuka yells something incomprehensible at the top of his voice and then snaps his jaw sut with an unpleasant cracking sound. Much to everyones surprise he vanishes.

The red dots now approach with increasing speed, each pair now visible as the glowing red eyes of some unpleasant looking snake like lizardmen, each with mottled scales and a slightly vacant expression in their eyes, they move towards you chittering as they go and inexpertly waving scimitars in a quasi menacing fashion

((Act in whatever initiative you want, you go first. If you wish to post multiple attack rolls for several rounds feel free to do so.))

@Peregrinus
Near where jarji vanished you see a small yellow object, no larger than a mans tooth that you swear was not there a few seconds ago


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]