Troubled Past PBEM 77 - Back on the Trail
Fabian Benavente
I wanted to get this out last night but waited for John to post. No more waiting; this
turn is late anyways. (The World Cup will soon be over, I promise :)).
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Enjoy!
Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm
Tom Andry
the recap. I see Fabian left a spot for it in the recap so here it is.
[ooc – something seems to be wrong with my work email server, so I’m having
Tom send this, I’m hoping the issue gets resolved this weekend.]
[Belkar]
"Ember," Belkar said, "do what you think is best but don't wander too far. I
still don't like the idea of us splitting up."
[Ember-new]
The warforged looked long at its captain and then turned quietly back
towards the thick brush to evaluate its options. Hunt the hunter to
eliminate the immediate threat or press on maintaining a tight group and a
strong defense with the hope that the group could find their way to the
tomb. The former option had its appeal – by disposing of the enemy, the
ir’Valerians could continue their search for the tomb in a marginally less
menacing environment. However, the creature could be leading them toward a
trap as well, or to a place where it could have significant advantage.
Ember and its companions knew little of the jungle, and this predator was on
its home turf. That was reason alone not to follow it.
With a begrudging nod, Ember turned back to Belkar. “Will stay, move with
group. Creature knows environment, may seek to split us up, easier prey.
Should stay moving then, find tomb quickly.” The construct then deactivated
its recently-added protection and the crackling energy about its plating
disappeared.
[tag others stuff]
Tom Andry
Associate Editor
www.Audioholics.com
Over 1 million readers a month and growing!
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Anyway, gotta love the fan service ;^) Thanks!
REF: For what seemed an eternity, nothing happened-nothing moved or
made a noise. Then the war drums changed their rhythm breaking the
deathly silence. One of the girls uttered a command and the native
party started to pick up their loads to continue on their path.
RPG: The ir'Valerians held their breath until the natives were long
gone and the birds and other creatures of the jungle had resumed their
song. Flask slowly rose from a fern like the dawn of humanity, his face
twisted by a leer.
"Git some healthy lungs on 'em, 'em lasses did," the scout
growled happily. "Almost makes a man want tae be taken 'captive'
by 'em, eh?"
The natives had certainly been... interesting. From an academic
standpoint, naturally, Flask assured himself. He wondered if the old
saying that eyes were a mirror of the soul held true here, and if so,
what those reptilian eyes signified. Only the two women, though... some
shamanistic magic, perhaps, allowing them to take on aspects of the
snakes the natives seemed to hold in reverence. Or could they be
something unhuman? Wouldn't be a first, the old scout thought.
"Gotta find a place tae spend the night soon," Flask murmured, not
willing to raise his voice anymore. "Wouldn't mind havin' a look
at where those lasses were goin', but it mighta be a tad dangerous
even fer li'le ol' me. So, back tae the trail, aye?"
TAG: Everyone interested.
NRPG: Flask took a good look at the natives if he ever needs to
actually use his native talents in this game ;^) I assume with a hide
rating of +18 (The Song of Green Silence actually works here...) he
managed to keep one eye on them while avoiding notice.
Oh, and when time comes to sleep, I repeat Flask had "Rope Tricks"
ready to accommodate us... minus the animals.
-Jussi / Mel
Tom Andry
[Flask / old]
"Gotta find a place tae spend the night soon," Flask murmured, not willing to raise his voice anymore. "Wouldn't mind havin' a look at where those lasses were goin', but it mighta be a tad dangerous even fer li'le ol' me. So, back tae the trail, aye?"
[Leif / new]
Leif froze in place. It seemed like Bryn’s eyes were boring into him, studying him for a reaction. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure she was even looking at him though he didn’t dare turn to look. Those females… Flask’s words… Leif was sweating and for the first time, it wasn’t because of the heat or the humidity.
Even though he whispered, his voice cracked, “It seems that I was right about the flowers, they make their victim tractable. And those women… did you see their, um, eyes?” Leif swallowed hard, “They are at the very least connected to the serpent we have seen signs of. They may actually be the serpents. That would explain its earlier actions. It seemed too smart for an animal. Perhaps they are shapechangers. Any thoughts?” Finally Leif stole a glance at the pale Halfling.
[tag]
Leif added, “I’m all for setting camp, I’d love nothing more than a bit of rest. But we still haven’t found any water. Wherever those women went, there is sure to be water. Plus if they have the Morgrave party, we need to know. Flask, do you think you can gather a little information about them?”
[tag / flask]
Leif continued, “I’m also curious about how those flowers get from those staffs to their victims. It seems that just crushing the flower is enough to release the victim though we are still not sure if that has any effect on bystanders. I’m thinking fire is the best way to go if we come across them again. Should be the safest in that it kills the flower while destroying anything that it may give off in its death throes.”
[tag]
[later]
They found a little clearing that Flask was sure was far enough away from the drums. Still, they kept their fire small and smokeless. They were all thirsty though Leif refused to drink. Instead, he offered the remaining of his water to the others. If Flask didn’t come back with news of a water source, he’d use his abilities to sustain him. He couldn’t in good conscience continue to use up their reserves even if it reduced his effectiveness in combat.
“This waiting is unnerving,” Leif complained. Flask had been gone a long time it seemed. The old man was probably trying to get out of setting up camp, Leif mused. Trying to distract himself, Leif nodded toward Belkar, “How does it feel?”
Belkar’s brow furrowed, “Feel?”
“Your arm. Wearing it freely like that. I’d guess that this is the only time you’ve ever done that?”
[tag / Belkar]
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than a bit of rest. But we still haven't found any water. Wherever
those women went, there is sure to be water. Plus if they have the
Morgrave party, we need to know. Flask, do you think you can gather a
little information about them?"
RPG: Flask gave Leif a wide grin, showing off his rotting teeth. "I
coulda go an' see," he chuckled. "Think I be best prepared tae
escape notice, an' I git a few spells tae throw people off me trail
if things start lookin' bad. If ye don't hear from me in an hour
an' a half... well, do what ye think be best. Any objections, lads
an' lass?"
TAG: Everyone interested...
* Later, at the campsite Leif mentioned... *
RPG: Having located a suitable campsite for the night, Flask shook his
head at Leif's attempt to start a fire. "Silly o' ye, lad," the
old scout chuckled as he took a coil of thick hemp rope - an item far
larger than what should have fit inside the modest container - from his
shoulderpack. "Ye ain't gonna want tae be found durin' the night,
aye? Ye wanna sleep somewhere cool an' dry fer a change?"
Ignoring the shifter's annoyed glare Flask took out a pinch of flour
and a piece of parchment from another pocket. He began muttering words
in the language of Xen'dirk giants as he sprinkled the flour over the
rope, then twisted the parchment into a loop, glued it with spit and
crouched down to patiently run the rope through the loop.
When the last inch of rope had gone through it, the parchment loop
flared with light and turned to dust in the blink of an eye. Flask rose
to his feet, grunting with the effort, picked up the rope and turned to
grin at his audience. With a careless gesture and a final chaining word
to bind the spell he threw one end of the rope straight into the air...
... where it stuck, some 15 feet from ground level. Flask tested the
rope, tugging at it with all his strength yet it didn't budge an
inch.
"There's yer campsite," Flask said, gesturing up the rope.
"Won't do any good fer yer pets, I'm sorry tae say, 'less ye
can teach 'em tae climb or they can be carried," Flask threw an
apologetic glance at Bryn. "But the spell will keep the rest o' us
safe, snuck between them planes o' existence, in a pocket plane o'
me own makin'. Just climb up an' through tae the other side. An'
pull the rope after ye when ye go. The spell won't hold the whole
night, so I'll have tae renew it once. But it'll be safe an'
comfy. Ye'll see out, but nothin' much can detect ye. An army o'
'em natives coulda camp right in this very clearin' an' be none
the wiser."
TAG: Everyone interested...
* In case Flask's exploration is approved... *
RPG: After seeing that his companions had tried out the extraplanar
shelter the old scout made his way back to the place they had seen the
natives. And this time there was no sign on old age in his steps. He
was out alone in a foreign terrain, the night was falling, the sound of
distant drums filled his blood with fire. He had rarely felt more
alive. To hold back peals of laughter was an effort.
A few dozens of yards from the spot Flask slowed down, looking around
reflexively before he started removing his clothes. A disguise would
help, and while he lacked snake hide like the natives had worn, he
would just have to adapt. A minute later the aged scout crouched in the
bushes in all his questionable naked glory, deep in thought. His flesh
seemed to ripple in the gloom like waters of a pond. Then he began to
grow.
In a blink of an eye the change was complete. The bronze-skinned
muscle-bound giant stood well over 6 feet tall, massing more than twice
Flask's bodyweight, naked like the day he had been born.
Flask personality cast aside, Mel looked down at his new body in
evident pleasure, his fingers caressing his smooth flesh, making minute
changes here and there to complete the "body to sell one's soul to
the Keeper" -look. He caressed his wild brown hair, belt to retrieve
a leather strap from Flask's clothes to bind it into a ponytail.
Several more leather straps were put to a new use and a magnificent
brocade-trimmed hat produced from his magical bag was cruelly butchered
to provide feathers for the kind of armbands the native men had worn.
That only left the snakeskin loincloth... after a moment of
consideration Mel decided on a golden silk sash that he expertly
wrapped around his loins. It wasn't perfect, but it should look rich
and special to the natives' eyes. At least he hoped it would. Not
that he expected to be seen, but just in case he would, appearing as a
native would at least give him a chance...
Mel stuffed the rest of his possessions into the bag and tucked two of
his fine knives to his makeshift loincloth, one at both hips. Stolen
trophies, proof of his superior manhood and warrior's blood, since
the natives had seemed to depend on wood and bone weapons. His
shoulderback might be harder to explain away, but he wouldn't leave
it behind. At least it looked as mundane as dirt.
Mel stood up, flexed his muscles, flashed his teeth in a smile like the
sins of angels and took off into the trees. He hoped he'd find a camp
of some sort and be able to return to the others with some
intelligence. But he didn't want to take too long; he needed his
sleep to regain his spells.
TAG: Fabian.
NRPG: Naughty Bryn, not preparing "Create Water" spells ;^) 0th
level Druidic spell and all...
Anyway, Flask is curious, so could he resist Leif's invitation? If
someone stops him he will think about it, if Belkar commands him to
stay he will comply. If not, off he goes, after the natives. Stealth
skills at +18, not getting too close but finding out *something* would
be nice. If things get hard he had things like "Expeditious
Retreat" and "Dead End" ready to cover his trail. If he finds
something worth spying, he can always shift himself into a smaller
version of his disguise to hide better.
Anyway, if Flask could actually understand the language the natives
spoke things would get a lot easier... any answers to that question,
Fabian?
-Jussi / Mel
Fabian Benavente
L8r,
King, John
[Flask]
"Git some healthy lungs on 'em, 'em lasses did," the scout growled happily. "Almost makes a man want tae be taken 'captive' by 'em, eh?"
[Ember-new]
Ember cocked its head toward Flask, thoroughly confused. Careful to pose his inquiry quietly, Ember spoke in a gravelly purr. "Nay. Not want to be captive. Nor did see exposed lungs, only exterior skin flesh." Ember looked around for reassurance, but only received a few grins biting back laughter.
[tag maybe]
---------------------------------------------------------------
[Belkar-new]
The ir'Valerian captain nodded, speaking in a soft but stern manner. "Possible, though I can't say much for now other than they are dangerous. I've never heard of a race such as these. Let's avoid them if we can help it. We have enough to deal with in finding this tomb."
Ember chimed in, maintaining its lowest sustainable volume. "Best remember cross-path, in case current trail leads astray. Native wore Morgrave University hat, probable that tribe holding research expedition. May need free them to get directions."
Belkar's brow furrowed. The warforged brought up the exact thought that had been rattling around in the captain's brain but was afraid to speak. Even without seeing the natives' camp or village or whatever it was, Belkar knew that the option would likely be more suicidal than throwing themselves at the Valenar had been. He'd lost one man already on this quest - he was not about to lose another. "Sorry, Ember, but I don't see that being a viable option, far too risky."
A furious shifting on the far side of the warforged reminded them all of Daram's presence. The student's eyes bulged at the ir'Valerian's callous attitude. "Wha? No! If they are there, we have to help them! We can't-"
Once again, the ir'Valerian captain found his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The student already seemed a liability. Belkar threw Daram a fierce glare. "Ember, take care of that, will you?"
No sooner had the words been spoken did the warforged clamp its large plated palm over the young man's mouth. Ember then whispered something so low that only Daram was close enough to hear. The student's eyes bulged yet again and then shut tightly. Other than trembling quietly, the man became relatively still.
"As I said, far too risky," Belkar continued. "We'll continue along our chosen route, and see where that takes us. If it doesn't lead us to the tomb, we can double back and take the path traveled by the natives."
[Leif]
Leif added, "I'm all for setting camp, I'd love nothing more than a bit of rest. But we still haven't found any water. Wherever those women went, there is sure to be water. Plus if they have the Morgrave party, we need to know. Flask, do you think you can gather a little information about them?"
[Flask]
Flask gave Leif a wide grin, showing off his rotting teeth. "I coulda go an' see," he chuckled. "Think I be best prepared tae escape notice, an' I git a few spells tae throw people off me trail if things start lookin' bad. If ye don't hear from me in an hour an' a half... well, do what ye think be best. Any objections, lads an' lass?"
[Belkar-new]
Pulling himself out of the dense foliage and back onto the trail, Belkar looked down each path's direction to make sure that the group was safe to emerge from hiding. Waving the rest out of the brush, Belkar answered, "I think that will be fine, Flask. We need all the information we can get if we want to stay clear of those people. Per Leif's suggestion though, let's find ourselves a safe place to camp first."
[tag?]
Belkar released an exasperated sigh. He was hot, he was tired, and the prospect of being lost in the jungle was rapidly eroding his patience. He took a swig out of his waterskin and tucked it away. "Alright people, let's move. This goes without saying, but I'm saying it anyways. Stay alert and keep quiet. Flask, lead the way."
[tag?]
Fabian Benavente
Anyway, if Flask could actually understand the language the natives
spoke things would get a lot easier... any answers to that question,
Fabian?
Angie Gignac
[Leif old]
Even though he whispered, his voice cracked, "It seems that I was right about the flowers, they make their victim tractable. And those women… did you see their, um, eyes?" Leif swallowed hard, "They are at the very least connected to the serpent we have seen signs of. They may actually be the serpents. That would explain its earlier actions. It seemed too smart for an animal. Perhaps they are shapechangers. Any thoughts?" Finally Leif stole a glance at the pale Halfling.
[Bryn new]
Bryn's initial surprise and fear at the native's appearance rapidly melted into humour as she watched Leif struggle with his reactions. It was not unusual for "barbarian" women to appear topless; indeed, it was a tradition that was still practiced in several of the more remote halfling tribes. It was a means of keeping the men tractable; if their minds were on other things, then the women were free to lead the way. She had a sudden image of herself, topless, leading these troublesome Big Folk through the jungle. Not likely, she smiled to herself.
However, her humour left her as she understood the implication of Leif's words. "Shapechangers? Into big snakes?" Bryn grimaced at the thought. "Never heard of animals like that. But no things are impossible."
Leif added, "I'm all for setting camp, I'd love nothing more than a bit of rest. But we still haven't found any water. Wherever those women went, there is sure to be water. Plus if they have the Morgrave party, we need to know. Flask, do you think you can gather a little information about them?"
[Flask old]
Flask gave Leif a wide grin, showing off his rotting teeth. "I
coulda go an' see," he chuckled. "Think I be best prepared tae
escape notice, an' I git a few spells tae throw people off me trail
if things start lookin' bad. If ye don't hear from me in an hour
an' a half... well, do what ye think be best. Any objections, lads
an' lass?"
[Bryn new]
Thinking of shapechanging snakes, Bryn said, "Be much careful. Snakes good vision, good smelling. Bad for hearing, but can feel..." she didn't know the Common word for vibrations, so she settled for, "can feel rumbles in earth. Walk soft." Though she was worried for the scout, it was important to have any information his spying could provide.
Turning her face to the sky, Bryn opened her mouth and cried out like a bird. Several moments later, Glimmer came gliding to her shoulder. "Take bird. If much trouble, tell find me. We can come for help."
[Tag flask. Will he risk exposing his secret to the bird? News at 11]
Leif continued, "I'm also curious about how those flowers get from those staffs to their victims. It seems that just crushing the flower is enough to release the victim though we are still not sure if that has any effect on bystanders. I'm thinking fire is the best way to go if we come across them again. Should be the safest in that it kills the flower while destroying anything that it may give off in its death throes."
[Bryn new]
The druid shook her head. "Fire not good. Fire common in forests, helps change plants. Seeds and pollen not burn well."
Belkar shook his head. "You're assuming that the pollen is responsible for the orchids seeming power over their victims, but we've seen no proof of that. All the orchids we've seen have been attached and feeding on the victims blood."
Though she hated to admit it, the tainted human had a point. Slowly the druid nodded. "You speak true. Maybe fire best to kill. But if get close, try not to breathe pollen. Better for safety."
The others nodded....in any event, they weren't planning on getting anywhere near the strange flowers, not if they could help it.
[Leif old]
They found a little clearing that Flask was sure was far enough away from the drums. Still, they kept their fire small and smokeless. They were all thirsty though Leif refused to drink. Instead, he offered the remaining of his water to the others. If Flask didn't come back with news of a water source, he'd use his abilities to sustain him. He couldn't in good conscience continue to use up their reserves even if it reduced his effectiveness in combat.
[Bryn new]
Bryn looked up in surprise as Leif offered her his waterskin. The shifter was pale and sweating, and obviously dehydrated. Touched, she shook her head, "No, you need it. You should drink more."
"There isn't more to drink," he said, wiping damp hair back from his eyes. "I can get along without it, if I need to."
Horrified, Bryn looked around and realized that he was right. The others had emptied most of their reserves, and all were showing signs of dehydration. Stupid! They're bigger than you, they need more water. Some druid you are. Chiding herself for her selfishness, Bryn said, "It's not necessary, Leif. I can help."
Looking around the "campsite", she spotted a pool of brackish water in which grew a strange tree with its roots exposed. "Here," she said, satisfied.
"We can't drink that," Belkar said. "Who knows what kinds of bugs are in there?" The commander thought back to a particularly nasty campaign early in his career. He'd drunk some contaminated water, and had spent most of the battle either throwing up, or with his trousers around his ankles. Of course, his troops had had no such troubles and had fought on, but they'd been less effective without their leader, and the battle had nearly ended very badly. It was not an experience the human wished to repeat.
"Wait," Bryn said with a smile. Dropping gently to her knees, she placed her hands on the surface of the water. Her connection with Eberron was almost immediate, and the Earth Mother responded to her need. A clarity spread through the water, away from her hands, as the water was quickly purified. Before their eyes, the pool of water became crystal clear. Bryn brought a handful to her mouth and drank, it was cool and delicious.
[flask old]
"There's yer campsite," Flask said, gesturing up the rope.
"Won't do any good fer yer pets, I'm sorry tae say, 'less ye
can teach 'em tae climb or they can be carried," Flask threw an
apologetic glance at Bryn. "But the spell will keep the rest o' us
safe, snuck between them planes o' existence, in a pocket plane o'
me own makin'. Just climb up an' through tae the other side. An'
pull the rope after ye when ye go. The spell won't hold the whole
night, so I'll have tae renew it once. But it'll be safe an'
comfy. Ye'll see out, but nothin' much can detect ye. An army o'
'em natives coulda camp right in this very clearin' an' be none
the wiser."
[Bryn new]
Bryn eyed the rope distrustfully. She had no desire to climb it, and didn't like the idea of leaving her animals alone in the jungle. However, they weren't defenseless, and it was unlikely that the natives would find or bother them. Finally, she nodded her acceptance of the strange, magical shelter.
kirs...@yahoo.com
spotted, which hopefully won't happen, that knowledge might come in
handy.
-Jussi
Fabian Benavente
recap, but I've got a quick tag for Jussi. Other than that, I'll save the
rest of my tags for next turn]
Angie's back! No comment on the 'beefcake' I put in there for you. :)
Getting back to the game, I'll wrap it up tonight (at least a 'turn so far...)
kirs...@yahoo.com
animal can describe what happens to Bryn in great enough detail, and if
it manages, Flask will explain it as magic ;^)
-Jussi / Mel
Les Anderson
It was almost reflexive for him to reach out when encountering new
beings, to touch their minds with his own. His mind was, in general,
locked by his discipline and years of practice, but this went beyond
discipline. It was as natural to him as breathing.
Like trying to stop yourself from looking at a new person's face, or
smelling their scent. He saw the world with more than the five rude
senses all beings had, one that was sharper than any eyesight, more
keen than any hearing. Lan saw the world with his mind.
So when the natives approached, as well as looking and listening, the
kalashtar touched their minds. He focused his mindsight on the
females, just as Flask studied them with his eyes or Leif with his
nose.
[Bryn]
> "Wait," Bryn said with a smile. Dropping gently to her knees, she placed her
> hands on the surface of the water. Her connection with Eberron was almost
> immediate, and the Earth Mother responded to her need. A clarity spread
> through the water, away from her hands, as the water was quickly purified.
> Before their eyes, the pool of water became crystal clear. Bryn brought a
> handful to her mouth and drank, it was cool and delicious.
[Lan]
It wasn't strange for the healer to be silent, in fact he was more
silent than not. But it was strange for him to be as distracted as he
seemed after the natives had gone. Though given his general distance
from the rest of the party it might have been hard to detect.
So it took Bryn using her magic to cleanse a pool of water for him to
realize- remember- that he carried far more water than he needed for
himself. He reached into his pack and drew out almost a half dozen
fresh, full waterskins. They shouldn't have been able to fit in there
together, much less with any other gear.
"Drink these. I can refill from from Bryn's pool when they're empty."
He followed his own advice by upending the one skin he had been
drinking from into his mouth and squeezing out the last of the liquid
from it.
[Flask]
> "There's yer campsite," Flask said, gesturing up the rope.
> "Won't do any good fer yer pets, I'm sorry tae say, 'less ye
> can teach 'em tae climb or they can be carried," Flask threw an
> apologetic glance at Bryn. "But the spell will keep the rest o' us
> safe, snuck between them planes o' existence, in a pocket plane o'
> me own makin'. Just climb up an' through tae the other side. An'
> pull the rope after ye when ye go. The spell won't hold the whole
> night, so I'll have tae renew it once. But it'll be safe an'
> comfy. Ye'll see out, but nothin' much can detect ye. An army o'
> 'em natives coulda camp right in this very clearin' an' be none
> the wiser."
[Lan]
The healer did something uncharacteristic in response to Flask's
magical shelter. He smiled. It wasn't a grin, but it was definitely a
sign of pleasure. It brightened his face as he nodded his appreciation
to the enigmatic scout.
King, John
Tom Andry
immediately hit your tags. After your award for last minute posting… I’m
sorry, I mean quality posting… I don’t know how I could have let a whole 36
hours pass without jumping right on it. :-P Suck it up Dorothy, we’re
getting to it.
For those that don’t know, John and I are good friends and I’ve already said
as much on the phone to the big girl. You’ve got to admit, this email was
quite prima donnaish!
Tom Andry
Associate Editor
HYPERLINK "http://www.audioholics.com/"www.Audioholics.com
Over 1 million readers a month and growing!
_____
From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com]
On Behalf Of King, John
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 4:35 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Troubled Past PBEM 77 - Back on the Trail
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Fabian Benavente
I do have enough info to wrap it up, but I wanted to give everyone a chance to post a
little further if desired. There are no obvious tags but look for the 'blue highlights' as
further instructions/comments are provided. Unless Les 'rocks the boat' (you'll see what I
mean), I'll end the turn with Mel's exploration and Mel (after I roll a couple of hide and
move silently) getting back to camp with news.
One thing... I read somewhere that if a 'bag of holding' goes into another extraplanar
'location', the bag of holding breaks and everything in it immediately spills out. I think
that's kind of mean, but let's say that the PCs 'know' there's a chance of this happening
(10%) so those that have a bag of holdings (I think only Lan and Mel) will have to let me
know whether they'll bring it inside the 'rope trick' or not (and what is done to the bag
if not).
Questions?
Game on!
King, John
________________________________
Angie Gignac
One thing... I read somewhere that if a 'bag of holding' goes into another extraplanar
'location', the bag of holding breaks and everything in it immediately spills out. I think
that's kind of mean, but let's say that the PCs 'know' there's a chance of this happening
(10%) so those that have a bag of holdings (I think only Lan and Mel) will have to let me
know whether they'll bring it inside the 'rope trick' or not (and what is done to the bag
if not).
My RL DM plays that if one extraplanar thing goes into any other extraplanar thing, there's a rip in the space/time continuum and everything goes BOOM. So simply breaking the bag of holding is actually pretty mild. But easy for me to say, I don't have one. If Amelia were here, she'd be fighting this tooth and nail. :)
Really cool turn, BTW, I enjoyed it very much.
~Angie
Les Anderson
natives, but Lan should say something. I think this is nice, vague and
ominous sounding.
[Flask] (Old)
> Flask gave Leif a wide grin, showing off his rotting teeth. "I coulda go an' see," he
> chuckled. "Think I be best prepared tae escape notice, an' I git a few spells tae throw
> people off me trail if things start lookin' bad. If ye don't hear from me in an hour an' a
> half... well, do what ye think be best. Any objections, lads an' lass?"
[Lan] (New)
The kalashtar emerged from the jungle and stared in the direction the
natives had taken. His expression was as disconcerted at any of the
others had ever seen it. He was sure he hadn't been detected, but he
had been felt. Those... females were impressive.
He didn't look at Flask, but his pleasant voice carried clearly to the
rest of the party. The tone was not well matched to the information he
shared.
"They know that there is an intruder. Not who or where, but that there
is." The exotic looking human paused for a few seconds before going
on, enough to wonder if he was done, for questions to be formed.
"They are not human. They are other and they are powerful and they are
subtle." Awesome was not a word he would use lightly, but he was awed
even if he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Their senses transcend the five that you know. You might learn where
they are, but they will likely learn where we are as well, who we are,
from unshielded thoughts plucked from your mind like overripe fruit."
"You must hide your mind or you will not be able to hide from them at
all." He finally tore his eyes away from the path the natives had
taken to turn back to the group. "So, if you go, be wary. Be mindful.
They do not need their eyes to see you."
Tom Andry
to me until Monday. Have a good weekend.
Tom Andry
Associate Editor
www.Audioholics.com
Over 1 million readers a month and growing!
--
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King, John
and since I'm here...
[Bryn new]
Bryn eyed the rope distrustfully. She had no desire to climb it, and didn't like the idea of leaving her animals alone in the jungle. However, they weren't defenseless, and it was unlikely that the natives would find or bother them. Finally, she nodded her acceptance of the strange, magical shelter.
[Ember-new]
Ember's head craned up to where the rope stopped in mid-air. Turning to Flask, the warforged questioned the scout warily. "Rope hold warforged weight?"
[tag flask]
[assuming its an 'aye']
The warforged nodded, and turned to catch Bryn's anxious expression. She was clearly uncomfortable leaving the animals she traveled with on the ground. The raptor would be impossible to take up the rope, but it seemed more in its element here than any of the others anyways. The others, the bird and the wolf, might be managable, if the pair were cooperative.
"Bryn of the Blackthorn Clan." The halfling jumped reflexively at the construct's address. "If wolf allows, can carry up rope. After Daram is secured." The warforged had been diligently watching over the young student since they'd abandoned their hiding spot in the brush to avoid the natives. Ember would make sure he made it up the rope first and then deal with the animals. That is, if Bryn accepted its offer.
[tag Bryn]
________________________________
From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com on behalf of Tom Andry
Sent: Thu 6/29/2006 10:11 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Troubled Past PBEM 77 - Back on the Trail
I'm so sorry John. You're right. I should have dropped everything and immediately hit your tags. After your award for last minute posting... I'm sorry, I mean quality posting... I don't know how I could have let a whole 36 hours pass without jumping right on it. :-P Suck it up Dorothy, we're getting to it.
For those that don't know, John and I are good friends and I've already said as much on the phone to the big girl. You've got to admit, this email was quite prima donnaish!
Tom Andry
Associate Editor
www.Audioholics.com <http://www.audioholics.com/>
Over 1 million readers a month and growing!
________________________________
Angie Gignac
[Ember old]
"Bryn of the Blackthorn Clan." The halfling jumped reflexively at the construct's address. "If wolf allows, can carry up rope. After Daram is secured." The warforged had been diligently watching over the young student since they'd abandoned their hiding spot in the brush to avoid the natives. Ember would make sure he made it up the rope first and then deal with the animals. That is, if Bryn accepted its offer.
[Bryn new]
The druid stared at the warforged, wondering if she'd heard correctly. Why was it offering to help her? Mistrustful, she eyed it warily, but the huge construct merely stood patiently, awaiting her answer.
Bryn glanced at Leif, not sure how to answer. She'd barely spoken to the warforged since he'd nearly killed her and Leif, and had not forgotten her fear. Leif, however, had clearly forgiven the warforged, and he merely smiled at her now. There was something in the shifter's eyes, however, and he watched her face carefully.
Time to let go of your fear, she told herself. The warforged wouldn't be here if the ir'Valerians didn't have faith in it, and besides, Leif held the secret to stopping it, should it "malfunction" again. Turning to Ember, she said, "Yes, thank you, Ember. I am grateful to have Swift in safety."
The warforged merely nodded before turning it's attention back to the frightened Daram. Bryn wondered if it knew how much courage her decision had taken, and if it cared.
Les Anderson
this. Stupid work on the weekend; I won't even get home in time to
watch Brazil beat France.
[Bryn]
> The warforged merely nodded before turning it's attention back to the
> frightened Daram. Bryn wondered if it knew how much courage her decision had
> taken, and if it cared.
[Lan]
The feelings that had emanated from her just in the few moments since
Ember made his offer were a jumble of emotions- fear, anxiety,
suspicion, anger- that quickly became smoothed over by resolve. He
wasn't sure what had happened between Bryn and Ember but she clearly
didn't trust or like the warforged.
The kalashtar often came across as aloof, distant, even uncaring- not
something everyone liked to see in a healer. But he was always
perceptive, and the small nod he gave Bryn as she looked away from the
warforged told her that at least one person realized what it had taken
for her to accept Ember's help.
King, John
The feelings that had emanated from her just in the few moments since
Ember made his offer were a jumble of emotions- fear, anxiety,
suspicion, anger- that quickly became smoothed over by resolve. He
wasn't sure what had happened between Bryn and Ember but she clearly
didn't trust or like the warforged.
The kalashtar often came across as aloof, distant, even uncaring- not
something everyone liked to see in a healer. But he was always
perceptive, and the small nod he gave Bryn as she looked away from the
warforged told her that at least one person realized what it had taken
for her to accept Ember's help.
[Ember-new]
With a firm hand, Ember guided the human to the rope. "Climb, hurry." The tone in its voice suggested dire consequences for the student if he did not comply.
But comply he did, and with haste as though his life depended on it. Though small framed, Daram had plenty enough muscle to make his way up the rope. At Morgrave University, it was no secret that field studies were demanding, both physically and mentally. To be selected for research teams, one needed to be able to survive in relatively harsh environments. Still though, the warforged lent the student a helping hand, two actually, to allow Daram to stand on as he hoisted himself up the rope. This allowed Daram keep the bulk of his strength for the tail end of the climb where he was too high for the construct to reach.
Then, the warforged grabbed the rope and began to pull himself off the ground. After two strong pulls, the living construct's feet dangling in the air nearly waist high on a human. Bryn had begun to think the warforged had no intention to help out after all when Ember stopped its ascent and turned to her. "Place wolf under legs. Please."
The druid eyed the warforged warily but complied. Convincing the wolf to comply was another story. The wolf could smell her trepidation and shared her anxiousness. Only after a few strokes across its pelt to put it at ease, did she manage to coax Swift over to Ember.
Once the dog standing below the warforged, Ember lowered itself on the rope and grasped the wolf's torso with its massive three-toed feet. They managed to wrap around the sides, the toes curled underneath the animal's chest and belly. All the while, Bryn spoke to the Swift, offering soothing encouragement. Once secured, the warforged began its steady climb up the rope. The dog released a single uneasy whimper but otherwise obediently remained still.
Just before the warforged and wolf were completely enveloped by the pocket dimension, the construct stopped, leaving Swift hanging over the jungle floor in mid-air. Bryn waited an agonizing moment as, unknown to her, Ember shifted its weight off of the rope and on to the floor of the pocket dimension. Then the warforged rolled backwards and Swift disappeared into the sky.
[tag?]
Angie Gignac
[Ember old]
Just before the warforged and wolf were completely enveloped by the pocket dimension, the construct stopped, leaving Swift hanging over the jungle floor in mid-air. Bryn waited an agonizing moment as, unknown to her, Ember shifted its weight off of the rope and on to the floor of the pocket dimension. Then the warforged rolled backwards and Swift disappeared into the sky.