Eberron 2E - Masters of the Flesh, Masters of the Mind

[appending_doom]

Crya 12, Kingdom of Tal Esk

The mountains surrounding Tal Esk form a natural barrier to approaching the bastion. One twisting road leads to the western wall, and it is here that Somari and Rissien have been assigned to watch. The air is bitterly cold, as is to be expected in dying winter; free elves certainly would not have the fur cloaks the watchmen are allowed to wear when on duty, that much is certain.

The day is bright, although this has done little to allay the cold. If only it would snow -- but the bitter cold of Crya does not allow snow this far north of Everice.

Instead, the two must seek shelter from the wind while watching below for any sign of all visitors, whether friend or foe.


I presume the two of you know of each other -- if you'd intended otherwise, introductions can go here. Otherwise, you can chat a bit about how you know each other (perhaps only recognizing faces, and introductions are still in order), before chatting a bit/me advancing the first plot.

[Slayn82]

Somari looked around, along with his group, searching for one of the costumary shelters the sentinels used for their duties. He was used to his tasks, and when the Hunters gathered they would share their findings and any unnusual sights. Somari would then complement those histories with his specialities, his observations about the animal wildlife and his experiences as stoneworker.

Thanks to his experience in the wildernes due to his training, he could easily remember and find anyplace that he went before or that was related to him. There they would be sheltered from the cold, and have a good view of the path.

1d20

direction sense check against 15.

[Slayn82]

Trying again:

[roll0]

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

To his discontent, Rissien has been reassigned to common guard duty on the western wall. While this is not unusual as all elves are subject to the whims of the giants, his preference is to work on the planning and building of new construction. He leaves on foot from the main base at Tal Esk to the western wall. On the way, he gloomily fights the numbing chills which surge through his body as the freezing winds blow across the mountain pass.

Rissien does not walk alone. Another elven slave named Somari walks beside him. Somari was not born here but was acquired by the giants. Rissien first met Somari when Somari was working as a laborer on a construction project. Somari was distant but appeared to be a dedicated worker. It is one thing to look dedicated to the giants in order to survive and another to actually be dedicated to those who have enslaved your race, or so Rissien believed. Rissien was confident that Somari would fulfill his duty but was not sure if Somari could be trusted with some of the more prohibited activities conducted by Rissien.

Once the two travelers arrive in the vincinity of the western wall, Somari quickly identifies a good place to hide from the winds and maintain a watch on the road. Rissien digs into the location and tries to prepare camoflage and cover in that position (hiding behind rocks, moving/stacking rocks, etc). He takes out his bow and hides a short distance away from Somari with the intention of being able to snipe at some of the more troublesome residents on the mountain if an encounter would ensue.

[appending_doom]

Hours pass with little interruption before the frigid stillness of mid-afternoon is interrupted by a shape moving slowly up the winding path towards the wall of Tal Esk. Several hundred feet away, it appears to be one of the huge, vicious horses bred by the lesser giants to bear them where greater giants move by magic.

The horse is moving lazily, apparently unburdened by a rider, although it appears to be carrying a saddle and pack, and is walking up the mountain towards the wall.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien whispers to Somari, "Could it be that the rider has died and the horse has made its own way back?" Rissien squints as he looks around for other signs of movement. "I think it would sensible to investigate and see what information we can gather from the horse's belongings."

[Slayn82]

Somari noded to his companion in agreement: Yes, could be. We must investigate, but also we must follow the protocol, and give a warn of the incoming. The horse could belong to a unknow intruder, or a messenger. Or worse, could be a diversion. The Huntsman got his horn, and sounded a short coded sound of warning before proceeding to investigate, possibly with the other neaby sentinels closing in.

[appending_doom]

There is movement from the stairs to the catacombs as a replacement, a dark elf named Threissa, appears. She scowls at the two sentinels, fiddling with the punch daggers she prefers when on patrol.

"What are the two of you playing at?" she demands when she sees Somari on his way to the gatehouse and, presumably, the way to ground level. "I was in the middle of something."

She does not say exactly what she was up to, but knowing Threissa, it was likely her own amusement, and she's merely irritated at having been interrupted at all.

Still, she's found her way into Vol's good graces, and is petty enough to complain if she thinks her time is being wasted.

Below, the horse ambles further up the road, navigating the last switchback before the hundred feet or so before Ek'trac'in's gate.

[Slayn82]

Sorry for interrupting your fun. Look, a incoming giant horse, without a rider. We dont have that *many* of this kind of occurrence here. Rissien and I will check it before it enters. Threissa, stay sharp for any movement along the path, in case of this being a diversion. My call already warned the stable.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

So much for discretion, Rissien thinks to himself. "We'll be back soon," Rissien says nonchalantly to Threissa as he makes his way to the other side of the gate. He carefully approaches the horse to prevent startling it.

[appending_doom]

"Do as you like," Threissa mutters, leaning against the parapets to watch the two men as they emerge from the lower floor of the gate.

The horse, nearly twice as tall as an elf and brutish in appearance, shies at the appearance of a stranger, slowing and stopping 20 feet away from Rissien.

This close, however, it is easy to see that the horse bears mostly full saddlebags and an empty saddle. Its pelt is well-groomed, and its hooves shod with cold iron. A black blanket adorned with a dark grey annulus rests under the saddle -- a standard of sort, although the design is unfamiliar.


Roll Animal Handling (Wis - 1) to calm the animal; if you don't actually have the proficiency, roll d10; 1-2 means the attempt is a failure regardless of the result.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

From a distance, the horse did not seem intimidating. Close up, it becomes apparent that it's giant hooves could easily crush an elf. Rissien slowly approaches the horse and attempts to calm it. If successful, Rissien will perform a quick search of the saddlebags to verify nothing unusual is hiding in them.

OOC:
[roll0]

[Slayn82]

Somari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=175699) aproached carefully from the other side, while Risien started calling the atention of the animal. If the actual objective were to kill it, he was certain that they could have made it easily. But actually handling that enormous beast would be a very risky task, and Somari usualy prefered that someone with more experience than him made it. He tried to feel the intentions of the animal, to see if it was agressive or starved. Somari imagined the cold alone would probably make it a little ill tempered. Ancestors knew it was making HIMSELF ill tempered.

Keeping his Lasso in hands, in case the horse decided to attack, he advanced gently in direction of the animal, speaking in the language of the giants soothing words, and tried to grab the reigns.

Animal Knowledge check against 10
[roll0]
Animal Handling check against 13
[roll1]
Chance of Failure check
[roll2]

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

OOC:
Need a 9 or lower to match Wis-1
[roll0]

[appending_doom]

The soothing words, the fact that the horse's manner suggests it is not a warhorse, and the combined efforts of the two guards calms the horse enough that it allows itself to be led to the castle without incident.

Threissa perks up when the two pass through the gate. "Are you sure you don't want to check to ensure it isn't a dragon in disguise?" she calls down. "Or should I just inform His Holiness that you two have risked life and limb to capture a farm animal?" She snorts at her own joke. "Seriously. Take that to the stables and get back to work; some of us have important business to attend to."

[Slayn82]

At once - Somari replied without showing any sign of irritation. It was his duty as a sentinel to give a warn to the other guards and check the incoming animal. At least, he knew it was the duty of a good sentinel, and the pratice of a Hunter. Not everyone seemed to be able to understand that.

He was proud that he and his companion had managed to calm the Horse. One common horse could injure seriously an adult caught unprepared when angry. This wasn't common horse, and if it throwed a fit, it would do more than simply injure.

Both man took the animal to the stables, and Somari took the reigns of the animal while allowing Rissien to unfasten its saddle and check the saddlebags. He took the blanket, to present to the encharged of the stable and compare it with the other patterns, to try to identify the missing rider. Otherwise, to present the findings to the chief of the turn before returning to his post.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien rolls his eyes at Threissa's humor as he passes through the gate. He walks the horse to the stables with the help of Somari. The new visitor has perked Rissien's interest and the bitter cold of winter is almost forgotten. Once there, he carefully looks over the saddle, blanket, and the contents of the saddle bags to see if any identifying markings or objects can be found. "I wonder who it was that didn't make it here. More importantly, the reason for the visit. Do you see any wounds on the horse, Somari?"

[appending_doom]

Before the stablehands take the horse, there is time enough to see no injury on it. A more trained rider might recognize whether the horse had been ridden at all, but by then, the elves running the stables are leading the horse away with cautious noises.

The chief wrangler and chief steward are summoned, as well; the latter, a stocky woman with impeccable manners and a better memory, frowns thoughtfully at the blanket before shaking her head and turning to the two guards. "You said the horse was riderless. Was it panicked?"

[Slayn82]

Actually, the horse came slowly by the path. Didnt give us much trouble either. Does it show any signs of fatigue or famine? If he is still somewhat well groomed, its rider must be close by. Do you have any lead on who could be?

[appending_doom]

The steward appears to be ignoring Somari, but the wrangler frowned and whispers to her (thief skill check to hear) and she nods.

"I suppose you ought to take a look around. How far back do you think is reasonable, Enoric?"

"A mile or so," the wrangler replies.

"Fine. You two go check it out. A mile or so down the mountain, bring back anyone you find, alive if possible. Meanwhile I have to speak with Vol." The steward sweeps from the room without answering Somari's question, leaving him and Rissien with the stableboys and wrangler, who shrugs at them.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien is left speakless by the steward's statement as he begins to ponder ways two elves could bring in a giant.

OOC:
20% Chance to Detect Noise
[roll0]

[Slayn82]

Somari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=175699) readied his equipments. As far as he understood, he and Rissien would go out there, to the cold mountain range, search for someone almost as big as this horse. Well, at least they had their horns to call for help once they found the rider. Looking to the wrangler, he asked to get ready for a possible rescue.

Under his breath, he whispered to Rissien:
-Well, whatever fun Threissa was busy with, now it will have to wait. Lets get more ropes, a firemaker, and a few torches.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien nods in response and begins to gather the equipment including some extra rations if available. No telling what will happen once we wonder away from the castle.

When all is ready, Rissien will move out to the Western gate with Somari.

[appending_doom]

Armed with their new supplies, the two guards leave the boundary of the castle and begin the climb along the twisting path.

The air is frigid, and the wind tremendously strong. The footprints of the horse are clearest near the wall, but fade further out, although there is only one path down.


-2 to thrown and projectile weapons due to the wind.

Also: [roll0]

[Slayn82]

Somari looked visibly irritated by this turn of the events.

"Damn, we lost the trail of a Giant Horse. Ancestors curse this cold wind... it erased the footprints. We have 2 paths, lets take the lower one that connects to the valley. (OOC: if none connects to the valley, i suggest northwest. If we know that one of those ways lead to an outpost or somehow would be more probable of being used by any reason, we take that path instead)."

[appending_doom]

The western path winds along the mountain sides, where it eventually meets one of several ports that are easier paths to other giant kingdoms than the eastern path through the Scimitar Spires.

Black birds are soaring in the sky above the northwestern path, a fact observed a few minutes along it.

[Slayn82]

(OOC:Time for an Animal Knowledge Check against 10:smallsigh: Im trying to determine by the pattern of the flight if the birds are circling some Carrion or just gliding in a pattern that shows that they are waiting for something, that could be either like a predator finish its meal or the food (a dying prey) to kick the bucket and die already )
[roll0]


"Rapine birds? Well, it seems we made the best choice of path after all. Suddenly serious: Rissien, tell me - Do you think something could have ambushed the Rider?"

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

"At least we have not had any inhospitable company along the way. My spirit would be most joyful if the wind is the fiercist enemy we face today." The cold seems to freeze Rissien as he falls silent and gazes down the two mountain paths.

After a couple of minutes, Rissien begins to move around again and the duo heads down the northwest path.

Rissien replies to Somari without looking at him. Just staring out into the vast mountainside. "Perhaps when he was sleeping. Maybe he left the horse to explore treacherous ground which the horse couldn't cross..."

[appending_doom]

As the two walk, the movements of the birds become clearer, as do their forms. The bare-necked avians are circling a spot three-quarters of a mile from the castle.

Closer, it is clear that the birds haven't landed, but are investigating a dark lump settled on the edge of the path. The lump is giant-sized, but unmoving, and if the circling birds' distance is any indication, still alive.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

A smirk dawns Rissien's face. "Careful. It may be drunk." Rissien continues to move in the direction of the lump keeping an eye out for any other visitors which may be interested in a disabled giant.

[appending_doom]

The lump proves to be an unconscious hill giant, dressed in a heavy winter cloak and heavy robes beneath, all of the finest quality. He carries no identification, weapons, or standard, and wears no armor.

No amount of prodding, poking, or shouting seems capable of waking him.

[Slayn82]

Somari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=175699) looked at the Giant, searching for any visible injuries, and sniffing the air to check if it was in fact drunk.

"Hum, guess we should sound the horns to call for the others now. They must already have arranged a waggon to carry this one, or maybe one of the Giants will come and take him. This business already got to the ears of Vol, and this one seems to be a foreigner, its better for us to not get involved more than we have to. Hope your muscles are ready for some heavy lifting, Rissien."

[appending_doom]

The air around the unconscious giant smells of giant and sweat, but no alcohol. He doesn't even seem to be running a fever -- he is, in fact, slowly cooling in the afternoon's bitter chill.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

"I wonder if it's magic or poison. It's not natural to be so dead to the world." Rissien checks the giant's head for bruising or other injury. "He could be a messenger or maybe a diplomat. He didn't even bother to carry weapons. Then again, with fists that big, you probably don't need weapons."

"Go ahead and blow the horn. We'll need all the help we can get to haul him in."

[Slayn82]

"Right" - Somari took out his horn, and prepared to blow it. Then, before sounding it, he started to clean it, while listening to the noises around, trying to ignore the sounds of the birds or the wind, and find something unnusual, like muffled steps or speech of ambushers.

[roll0]

(If nothing is heard, Somari takes distance from the Giant - 30 feet, and blows the horn to call for the "reinforcements" and notify that we found our target).

[appending_doom]

Hearing nothing aside from the faint calls of the (likely) vultures above, Somari blows the horn. It takes [roll0] minutes before the rumbling sounds and neighs herald the arrival of a cart directed by the wrangler.

Seeing the unconscious giant, he scowls and shouts back to the rear.

"Get out here; you're going to need to help these fellows out," he says.

Another two elves hop down from the coach to help the guards. Between the four of them, it should be easy to lift the giant's body into the coach without incident, as long as he doesn't wake up.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien waves at the elves as they jump down from the wagon. "Let's get this fellow back to town before the vultures have their fill." He then grabs the left shoulder of the giant and helps move him into the cart.

[appending_doom]

With four together, it's easy to lift the giant into the cart, and with the cart to ride, they quickly return to the fortress without incident. Immediately upon arrival, the steward spirits away the giant, and Somari and Rissien are returned to the outer walls, no more informed than they were an hour ago.

They certainly have time to talk, but otherwise, find the day uneventful, with only the absence of Vol (who likes to observe any large gathering of the castle slaves) at dinner noteworthy.

When they are done with the day,

Shortly before dawn the next day, Threissa barges into the men's dormitory and yanks the sheets from your beds. She looks positively gleeful.

"Get up and make yourselves as presentable as you can manage in...30 seconds," she announces. "Vol wants to see you about the half-dead giant you brought in yesterday. Probably wants you to admit to having cursed the poor fellow."

[Slayn82]

"Not as much as someone seems to have cursed me today with your whinning" Somari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=175699) thought while standing up. Well, in the end he could not manage to trully get enraged, because Threissa seemed to have no special predilections for him in her annoyance.

"Fine" He said, while keeping his dull expression, and proceeded to wash his face before drying it with his cloth. Being a Hunter, he didnt care about having a sleeping vest, of course as a slave he could not really aford one. Taking his Rope in the guard outpost in the way out, he proceeded to meet Chief Vol.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Startled, Rissien looks around confused at first then realizes what is going on. He quickly dresses as best he can and mutters as he exits the dormitory. "It was ashame Vol wasn't around to discuss this last night, I was having a very good dream."

[appending_doom]

When ready, the two can find their way to Vol's antechamber, where the two guards nod and let them in without comment.

The room is austere, unlike Ek'trac'in's own throne room, but the furnishings are all well-made, betraying the grand difference in status even among slaves.

Vol is a tall, dark-haired elf, but tremendously thin, a form almost always concealed by voluminous black robes. But by far his most striking feature is that he looks dead -- some makeup, tattoo, or alchemical treatment gives his skin the appearance of dead flesh, even though talk among the slaves suggests some women have confirmed he is very much alive.

His eyes, red as a demon's, gleam in the dim light of his chamber, as he watches the two guards approach.

"Somari. You discovered our unexpected visitor. Did he or his horse convey some message to you or...Rissien, is it?"

[Slayn82]

"My Chief, we and the stable wrangler, Enoric, checked the horse, found nothing, only travel supplies. The Visitor was unconscious, and there was nothing like that around the place where he was found. Ordered by the steward, we brought him back unmolested. The blanket in his saddle seemed the only different thing about it, Chief Vol."

[appending_doom]

Vol's lips curl up, a barely perceptible expression around his skull-like visage. "I would have been worried if you'd recognized the man's spellbook for what it was, but your assessment otherwise reflects what we've been able to discover. Something untoward has happened to our visitor -- his name is Eisydor, the student of Gwysol, one of our master's...a giant who is not his enemy.

"I want you to visit Lord Gwysol, in Dar Qat. Tell him that his student is here, and that we cannot wake him. Then return with whatever message he wishes to send."

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien nods in acceptance, "We would be honored to take this message to Lord Gwysol. I am uncertain of the malady befallen by Lord Gwysol's student and the speed we need to reach him. Do you wish us to travel by mount or by foot?"

[appending_doom]

"You have my permission to take three horses from the stable, to bring back any...curiosities that you deem fit to return to our master," Vol replies. "Take any supplies you see fit -- within reason. Even as such, it should take two weeks to get there. Supply yourself appropriately."

[Slayn82]

"We obey" - Somari replied calmly. On the way to the supplies barracks, he put in order his thoughts.

Personally, he disliked the idea of travelling during the cold season with an slave who didnt have much experience in the wilderness. There was enought trouble with the cold and the mountains, plus who knew what beasts else, for him to have to look after a captive that he didnt knew that well.
Rissien looked strong, but he was of a different mold than him. But orders are orders, and he could have worse companies at the travel.

Yes, the sinuous form of Threissa would be more pleasurable to look at, but he probably would have to be deaf to endure a travel with her. Her words about the Giant being cursed made him return to the matters at hand. Vol said the man was a Sorcerer, or something like that. So that could very well be a matter of a curse.

So, he readied his usual hunting equipment, taking 5 extra ropes, and the rations for the duration of travel + 2 days, in case of any delay due to rockfalls. He took the costumary 6 javelins too, because they could be retrieved after killing a prey or an enemy, while serving as melee weapon, so better than the arrows in his opinion at close range. And he was very precise if the target was nearby and exposed.

Along with one spear, one bow and arrows, one shield, torches, flint and iron, his worn hunting backpack, a winter blanket and sleeping mantel, a two man tent, 3 large sacks, one bone dagger, his sentinel armor and 3 Canteens of Water, plus whatever the strebaries decided to put to the horses care. Basically, his usual hunting equipment. With it, Somari felt ready to take the voyage and any wild animal or fugitive that they could find on the way. Unless a horse simply decided to throw him away in a precipice - well, he would simply knot himself to the horse then.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien was glad the meeting with Vol went positively. With the urgency Threissa had woken him this morning, he was afraid there were going to be repercussions from the previous day's actions. His first thoughts turned to his love, Erdolliel, who was another elven slave at Tal Esk. He desired for one more meeting with her before he left.

While Rissien was not fond of being away from Tal Esk for long periods of time as that meant he would not see Erdolliel, he saw this trip as a way to investigate the surroundings in way he had not before. Yes, he had left Tal Esk before but it was with a larger group of slaves to gather resources or construct a building. This time his trip would be unsupervised with the exception of Somari. Although he was still unsure how much he could trust Somari.

Back in his barracks, he gathers his more personal belongings, finds a place of seclusion, and studies his spell of the day. He places the wordings and gestures of the sleep spell into his mind in case they encounter resistance on their way to Dar Qat. Afterward, he seeks out his love. If it is possible to see her without causing as issue, he informs her of his trip and wishes her the sweetest of goodbyes. If he is unable to see her, he informs one of his friends what is going on and and asks his friend to send word of the trip to Erdolliel.

Rissien gathers three weeks of rations for himself and feed for both his horse and the extra horse. He takes an extra week of rations because he is unsure of what delays or opportunities the trip may have but he is sure that finding adequate food and water in the cold will be an extreme hardship. He grabs two extra quivers of arrows for hunting and combat. He also packs a grappling hook, three large empty sacks, a bedroll, a winter blanket, flint & steel, and a wet stone. Finally, he dawns a riding cloak to keep the elements off of him during the long ride.

[appending_doom]

Vol makes a brief appearance the next morning to see Rissien and Somari off, briefly examining the saddlebags before leaving the two alone.

The wrangler nods at Rissien. "I made sure the two of you have well-trained mounts, but...battle-ready, His Holiness asked. You know. Just in case." He leads the horses to the gate, and nods at the path. "I don't envy the two of you out in this cold; His Holiness asked me to pack you a map, though, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty. They say the giant hasn't woken up yet, so be careful out there."


I'll be rolling up possible encounters, but until then, you can chat a little or just wait for my general description of the journey.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

"Thank you for your help. Take care while we are away," Rissien says with a nervous look and then begins the ride away from Tal Esk.

[appending_doom]

At first, except for the cold, the trip is relatively uneventful. Tal Esk is built in a distant corner of Xen'drik, and Dar Qat is its nearest neighbor.

It takes about three days to reach the packed sand path that winds along the frozen beach below and towards Dar Qat. The high cliffs shelter the beach from the wind, and allow the elves to travel in relative silence.

The fourth day dawns bright, with the sun eventually moving to blind the riders. The call of seabirds echoes along the lonely beach.


Animal Behavior and/or Detect Noise

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

OOC:
Detect Noise = 20% chance
[roll0]

[Slayn82]

Somari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=175699) the Huntsman (Fighter/Thief)

OOC: Dice Rolls
Animal Behavior (Animal Knowledge was the closest translation i could find) - Roll against 10
[roll0]
Detect Noise - Against 50%
[roll1]

[appending_doom]

Sorry about that; I really can't easily remember the name of every NWP. That's perfectly acceptable.

Neither of you hear anything of interest.

But Somari recalls that there aren't any seabirds in the area that don't go north (toward the equator, or "manifest zones" to the Plane of Fire) during Dying Winter. Only opportunistic carrion birds remain in the area, and the cry is not that of those types of birds.

[Slayn82]

Making a sign to stop the horses and speaking in low voice to Rissien, Somari looked a little worried.

"Rissien, wait, there is something odd. Those birds, there is something wrong with them. Too cold for seabirds. And those cryies are wrong anyway. Ready your bow, and we go hide our horses, and try to see if we can find what is causing that noise. Pray that its not an angry birdman that the travelers tell tales of, cause common bird that's not."

After securing the horses, Somari looked around for someplace to climb that would give a good view of the path ahead, and possibly of the souce of those cryies, while giving a good cover to prevent being seem. Alternatively, by Rissien choice, he leaves him with the horses and climb alone.

If things start to look like we are being ambushed, then the plan is to outrun the enemy for some good cover, if its a flyer, and then start trully fighting.

[appending_doom]

The moment the horses slow, the cries from above break into a cacophony, and four dark shapes detach from the cliffs above, plummeting towards the two elves.


Congratulations. You get to roll for initiative instead of whether or not you're surprised.

Aara...is that a K? Bird-Things
[roll0]

[Slayn82]

Somari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=175699) the Huntsman (Fighter/Thief)

Initiative
[roll0]

AC 6 (Armor). Weapon ready : Bow + Arrows (so AC is 5 when using shield + Throwing spear)

In case of winning the initiative (smaller is better, right?)
Attack roll - Edit: I hit AC 4
[roll1]
Damage roll
[roll2]

Edit: Corrected the armor class, since i cant use shield while using bow.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

With Somari's warning, Rissien slows his horse and draws his bow in time to see four birdmen descending upon their position. He dismounts the horse and lets loose two arrows at the attackers.

OOC:
[roll0]
* Smaller is better for initiative

AC 6 (Dex)
THAC0 = 20

[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]

[appending_doom]

Two of the bird-creatures plunge downward to stab at their prey with long javelins. The other two slow to hover some dozen feet above the ground, presumably to leap into the fray if the strikes wound their prey.

Attack Against Somari
[roll0]
[roll1]

Attack Against Rissien
[roll2]
[roll3]

EDIT: That is the most hateful first round I have ever seen.

[appending_doom]

Rissien's first attack goes wide, and his second narrowly misses the bird whose strike drops him to the ground, bleeding profusely.


Recall, as per house rules, he is unconscious, dying, but not dead, at -8 hp.


The second strikes Somari, severely wounding him, only to drop to his arrow immediately after.


Next round begins


The two other creatures descend on Rissien, shoving him aside and clawing at his horse; their grasping seems to be less involved with harming the animal and more with tearing away the contents of its saddlebag.

The creature that dropped Rissien throws itself at Somari, javelin extended.

[roll0]


Rissien, as listed in the OOC thread, this might be an opportune moment to use one of your 5 action points to stabilize -- this keeps you from bleeding to death over the course of 2 rounds, and gives you the benefit of a cure potion at the end of the encounter -- that is, your hit points increase to 1.


EDIT: I...cannot believe these fake dice. Take, what the heck, 5 damage, spend an action point and you both wake, miraculously alive in a couple of minutes (I will describe aftermath early tomorrow, because I am still boggling).

[appending_doom]

The two elves struggle back to consciousness close to ten minutes later. It is a miracle that they are still alive, but the cost of their survival is quite high.

Their horses seem to have scattered; a trail of blood heading east suggests one of them was wounded. Their saddlebags, however, are still here, albeit lightened significantly.

In total, a week's worth of food can be salvaged from the wreckage. The bird creatures were obviously intelligent enough to recognize the value of winter blankets, as both of those are gone.


[roll0] (flint)
[roll1] (tent)


EDIT: Both flint and irons have been taken, but the tent, thankfully, is still intact.

All of their javelins are gone; understandable, given the birds' use of the weapon to great effect. Oddly enough, so is the grappling hook and whetstone.

[Slayn82]

Somari awakened in the sand, the smell of blood and the warm sensation coming throught the gash on his armor where the Javelin pierced him, near his left shoulder. A few inches to the side and the blow would have killed him.

Slowlly, he stood up, and walked to a patch of sand, where a few feathers of the BirdMan he managed to hit with an arrow were scatered. Taking them, with the sand, he let his anger flow with a scream and a few curses in the language of Shadows.

He regained his composture when he saw the figure of Rissien starting to move again. That was a blessing. He quickly looked at the bags, searching for one of the canteens of water in the saddlebags, to offer to his travel companion.

After Rissien regained his forces, both looked at the saddlebags, discovering the extent of their losses. To Somari, that was a terrible fate, slightly better than being dead. They could not afford to return to the castle in that situation - their failure would certainly put then on the punitions list of Vol, and dying here would be preferable. Without horses or food, the travel would be slower. And both man needed someplace to rest and heal.

Somari still had one Spear, a heavier and unthrowable one that the Birdman didnt had took. If they had cared to take the grappling hook, there was a small chance that they had a nest someplace high and not very far from the beach. Maybe they could find it and ambush them.

Putting his weight over his Spear, strapping his shield over the back of his wounded shoulder, and assembling the ropes, Somari started the process of tracking their horses. They would need to fullfil their quest, and whether they would take their supplies back from their enemies or press their luck onward, they would have to get their horses first.

"Rissien, we cant go back home. We must fullfill our mission, or receive Vol's wrath. If we will die one way or other, i guess we should try to complete it. Let's find our horses, at least they still have food. From there, we will think about something".

Track: Unmodified roll against 14, with either bonuses by tracking on sand or a bleeding target to be determined by you.
[roll0]

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien awakens gasping for air as he chokes on his own blood. Ever so slowly, he rises fighting through the pain of the recently delivered wound. Shock and disbelief cloud his mind along with regrets of not casting his spell. Keeping his knowledge a secret couldn't take precedence here. He would have to trust Somari if they were going to survive.

Somari graciously offers Rissien a drink from the canteen. Rissien nods in acceptance then cautiously takes a sip of water. He watches Somari pack his gear and begin to track the horses. Stowing the canteen, he picks up his bow, readies an arrow, and follows Somari without a word.

[appending_doom]

The birds appear to have gotten what they wanted, and don't bother the two elves again. It still takes close to an hour for Somari to track down the first horse. The creature looks exhausted, but is still energetic enough to shy away from them.


Roll Animal Handling (Wis - 1); 20% chance of outright failure.

[Slayn82]

OOC

Animal handling check against 13
[roll0]

Failure check
[roll1]

If the check fails, Somari will have to hold the animal with the Lasso. I shall take my distance, and then ambush it, with a +4 attack bonus from backattack, and -4 from aimed attack vs head, and +2 from use rope
[roll2]

Strenght check vs the Horse
[roll3] against 17+2

A repost of the Lasso rules, best put it here before the recruiting thread expires

Lasso is another thing i would like to discuss. Its rules are on the complete fighter, and are a little nebulous. Is a very good weapon, not because of the crappy damage dealt, but because it allowns to prevent the enemy from move/make fall prone (resisted roll against Dex vs. my strenght), use its arms (roll of strenght vs. my strenght) or snare its head to prevent speaking (roll of strenght vs. my strenght). The target receives on his check +6 if he was not moving, or -3 if he was not expecting the attack (like when surprised). Otherwise, in most cases its a flat +0 to his checks (target moved in this round, but is aware that dude with the lasso is around).

The attack rolls with Lasso are usually at -4 penalty, but use rope Skill gives +2 to the roll and strenght check, and it ignores armor in the AC.

Is this the right rules interpretation ?



Edit: OOC: Best to delay the attack roll until the result of Rissien Check. It would have been better if we started Lassoing it from surprise, and then tried to handle the horse, but oh well...

IC:
Somari aproached the horse, mutering a quick prayer to the ancestors and asking that this horse reacted as well as the last one. He started with the same soothing words from the last time, and kept his Lasso on his hands. He and Rissien tried to circle the animal while they aproached carefully.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien was relieved to find one of the horses after a long search. Moving on the opposite side of the horse from Somari, Rissien cautiously approaches
the horse while speaking in a soft voice.

OOC:
Non-proficient Animal Handling Check = Wis - 1 = 9
[roll0]
[roll1]

[appending_doom]

The Complete Fighter rules are a little confusing to me. When rolling an ability check, you're trying to get lower than your target, right?

The trip rules say a stationary target increases your effective Str by 6, and an unaware one decreases it by 3, which seems counterintuitive.

[Slayn82]

DM
First question: Yes. Lower is better

Second question: The +6 (stationary), or -3(surprised/unaware) or 0(moving but aware) modifier goes to the target check, not mine. So preferably i wanted a -3 or 0.

[appending_doom]

[roll0] vs 10


EDIT: The horse, startled by the attack, leaps out of the lasso loop and bolts away from Somari, whinnying desperately.

They might be able to catch up with it again, but it's by no means guaranteed. Trying to find the wounded horse might waste further time, and it's not clear where the third horse might have gone.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Seeing the horse begin to run away, Rissien feels he must act to end their misfortune. They will need all the help they can get to survive. He begins
speaking in an arcaic language while making strange motions in with his hands.

OOO:
Rissien casts sleep on the horse.

Edit: Unless it is a house rule, there is no save versus sleep.

[appending_doom]

Save versus spell vs 16: [roll0]

EDIT: ...


The horse pauses for a moment before shaking its head and breaking into a faster gallop.

[Slayn82]

Somari looked to Rissien with a puzzled expression. What did that man tried to do to that horse? He should take one Lasso next time and try to get it too. What did he think he was? Maybe he was praying to the ancestors on some muttering that he didnt heard well.

Anyway, Somari cursed some more, and took back his Lasso, giving another one to Rissien. "I would love if a couple more messengers were with us. We need those horses. Can you imagine the punnishment if we came back with empity hands, having failed to deliver the message? Lets try again, that horse must be getting fatigued" - not really that much chance, now that it didnt have a rider atop of it, but Somari didnt mentioned that - " We need to keep following him. You, help me this time."

OOC, all free to read
Did i lose that one? I've got 21 on attack roll and a margin of 8 against the horse's 6. Oh, hell, its strength is probably more than 13 anyway, and without that horse we are dead meat. Lets keep tracking and try again. Just hope it doesnt attack us. Praying that it sleeps . Well, hunting is that fun.

Track skill check against 14
[roll0]

Hunting skill against 14
[roll1]

Attack roll
[roll2]

Strength check against 19.
[roll3]

Animal handling check against 13
[roll4]

Faillure chance of animal handling
[roll5]



Edit:
Can i use action points to reroll that Faillure chance? and Rissien get one action in the surprise round too, along with one animal handling check. If we keep failing, i hope one of the horses make it back to Home. Well, we have their food anyway. Maybe we could have better luck next time with a rope trap.

[appending_doom]

Yeah, you can use an AP to reroll that. The dice have not been kind.

[Slayn82]

[roll0]
OOC:Remaking the failure chance check. Crossing fingers.

Remaining AP: 3


Somari and Rissien continued tracking the fleeing horse across the path. Somari face was grim, and while he signaled to his companion to aproach carefully the horse for the new ambush, he tried to keep his doubts on a minimum. The horse looked thirsty, and Somari hoped it didnt tried to drink sea water.

With a sprint, without saying anything, he throwed his Lasso over the horse, but the fatigue of the effort made him miss his target. Before the horse could react, he took out his canteen and droped a little on the ground, just enough for it to understand that he was offering good water, and tried to talk friendly to the animal. Finally, that did the trick. The horse came gently and acepted the water, while Somari started to caress his skin, reasserting and relaxing the muscles of the fatigued animal. Then Somari made a nod to Rissien to mount it, while he offered some hay to the horse and talked to it

"Calm now, calm. There's no reason to be afraid of us, we are here to take care of you. Let's find your brothers, shall we?" Now, to check the other ones, Somari thought that it would be better to look for the wounded horse first.

OOC
DM/AppendingDoom: Dont worry, bad dice rolls happen. Those horses are not used to us, and we are not that used to horses. The Aarakocras were a bit hard to manage with 2 man, but the game is interesting.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

"It would be great if we had a few more," Rissien replies. "At least enough to match the numbers of our attackers."

"We must deliver that message. If we can get to Dar Qat, we can resupply there. Then again, its still at least a week and a half away by mount." Rissien takes the lasso from Somari. "Let's hope it is tired, I've never tried to lasso a horse before..."

After hunting down the horse again, Rissien was prepared to slowly approach the horse and try to lasso it. Unexpectedly, Somari sprinted and attempted to lasso the beast again. Then he offered some water to the horse and it settled down before Rissien could react. Cautiously, Rissien approached the horse and mounted it at Somari's gesture. "Let's go and find the other two. If the other two horses are startled, now I can steer the horse while you use your lasso."

[Slayn82]

OOC

Track against 14, searching the wounded one, 3 rolls must be more than enought, Rissien is helping
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

If found Hunting skill check against 14
[roll3]

Attack roll with Lasso, apply -4 if not suceeded on Hunting check
[roll4]

Strenght Check from Lasso, vs 19. Horse has -3 on his strenght check if surprised.
[roll5] vs 19

Animal Handling check, against 13
[roll6]

Failure chance 20%
[roll7]

[appending_doom]

Somari finally finds the second horse some five miles east of their original position, the creature huddled miserably on the sand as the air temperature begins to, frankly, plummet.

The two manage to subdue the horse with some effort, the whole process made easier by the horse's wounds and, likely, exhaustion.

It could be possible to locate the third horse, but Somari suspects that the swiftly-deepening cold is a far more immediate concern. It'll take some fast thinking to keep from freezing to death overnight.

[Slayn82]

After feeding and giving water to the wounded horse, and cleaning its wounds with cloth, Somari knew they had to find some place to make rest, and some wood to burn. They had been attacked by the morning, but the effort to find the horses had took more time than he wished.

Taking out his spear and using its metal point (or one of his arrows), and looking for a good piece of rock, he knew he could make a crude flint to start a fire.

Somari looked around for some cave or large opening in the rocks around, protected from the winds or water, were they could rest for a couple days before resuming their travel. As well as any kind of small wildlife for food.


Animal Knowledge check against 10
[roll0]

Hunting against 14
[roll1]

Hearing against 50
[roll2]

Stoneworking against 15
[roll3]

Trapmaking against 13
[roll4]

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

Rissien checks the map and looks to see if they are near anywhere they could take shelter.


Local History Check (Chr 0 = 11)
[roll0]

Ancient History Check (Int -1 = 16)
[roll1]

[appending_doom]

[roll0]


Somari - The harsh terrain and weather make it nearly impossible to find game; it explains why the bird-creatures stole your provisions.

Rissien

You believe you are close to the hidden refuge of an escaped abjurer who occasionally delivers protective amulets by the use of his raven familiar.

[Persant]

Rissien (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=174049) - Elven Mage/Thief

After studing the map, Rissien shakes his head discouragingly and places the map back into it's case. "I don't know the location of a good place to take refuge
around here. Let's hope we find an empty cave or abandoned shelter."

Rissien believed that another elven wizard lived near by in a hidden sanctuary but he did not know enough to be able to identify it. He kept his eye
open for the wizard's raven familiar. Perhaps they could follow the bird back to safety.

[Slayn82]

"So, i guess we will have to find a minimal shelter and sleep close to the wounded horse. It will be a horrible night, believe me. Well use the tent fabric to cover us from the cold, then. Lets search for something that burn well enought."