Subject Round 8

OOC: Sorry Mark, I have been real sick, even missed work today.

IC:

Bel reaches into his quiver while moving (5' In whatever direction gives him the best shot at the MU), and switches targets, firing two arrows at the spellcaster.

He thinks he knows what the spell protecting the spellcaster is (spell knowledge check pls, but Shield is a spell he has himself so I would guess he would recognize it, if that is what it is), and hopes his arrows can penetrate the effect again.

Subject Round 8

With the distance between himself and the second stranger, Kal decides to take some time to regroup himself. He takes a step under the tree to keep himself between his enemy and Rochelle.

Kal allows his mind to retract even further from the present. Recalling the arcane words he had studied the night before, Kal weaves an intricate pattern with his right hand as he speaks the words. He casts like he fights, each word each and motion of his hand seems like a sword thrust. His entire being commits to the spellcasting, his body swaying and dancing involuntarily as he draws up the arcane forces.

As he continues the chant, the opposite becomes apparent. His bladework is a reflection of his spellcasting. Each thrust and feint of his blade is a a meaningless piece of a larger picture. What first appeared to be a flurish in his fencing is now obviously required. One different step or one different stroke and his bladework would fail, just as a spell would if a word was mispoken.

As the spell reaches it's climax, the magic dances down his arm and infuses his blade. The true nature of his style is clear now. His sword play is reflected in his spell casting, and his spell casting in his bladework. The common thread is the artist, Kal paints both pictures with the same brush. One with steel, the other Aether. The two arts are inseperable for him, each builds on the other to create something bigger than the two alone.

OOC: Kal takes a 5 ft step "up" (is up always north on these maps?) and casts true strike.

Subject Round 8

I am sure the Harp, Ran, Cai and Kal will be full of sympathy for Surin's injuries. Surin will probably get a bad case of poisin ivy from crawling in the bushes for the first 6 turns. Is there a prayer called Cure Moderate Skin Rash? Maybe Harp will have to pray for that when this fight is over.

Just kidding Jake. You have had some lousy rolls, but he is down to his snowball spells. Just make sure that when you hit him, he does not start taking those damn healing potions. He is a mage, so maybe a grapple? If we can kill one more of these other guys, Harp will come over himself and sit on this guy

LOL.

Subject Round 8

OOC: Mark, instead of a 5ft step this time, Harp will move 2 squares forward and then 1 toward the attacker. This should put him opposite of Cai. He still has the guy flanked, but is limiting his ability to move without provoking an AOO.

Subject Round 8

OOC: I was half drunk when I wrote this last night, so please forgive the repetition.

Subject Round 8

Is that a new class? Drunken poster? :)

Subject Round 8

It's a Prestige Class. They've got it in the back of the DM's guide. :D

Subject Round 8

The problem was, grass hopper, that you were only 1/2 drunk, instead of all the way drunk. Revel in your inibreation, wallow in the stupor, bathe in the aroma of the fermented drink. Truly commit yourself to the destruction of all liver function.

Subject Round 8

Right next to the recipe for Margarita o'Doom (Deals 2d6 damage, but adds +4 Charisma bonus) ;-)

Subject Round 8

No, it doesn't add to the charisma...but it makes you think it did...:D

Subject Round 8

Fal puts himself between Rochelle and the man fighting Kal. If he has a clear shot, Fal will fire Magic Missile at the man.

Subject Round 8

Sorry I think you used all your MM for the day, or at least according to your spell list on Sakeriver.

You did not update your list so you have used your one listed for the day.

Subject Round 8 results

Initiative(Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Hippogriff, Salix, Cai, Fal)

Ran is pleased now that he has some more support. Still limiting his chance of getting hit he makes another attack at his foe. His half hearted attack fails to come even close to hitting his opponent. (AC21, 5+3=8, miss)

Seeing Kal in close combat with the man in plate, Bel decides to switch targets. Thinking to make quick work of the magic user, he takes a quick step forward and to his right (5 foot step) and shoots two quick arrows at the other magic user. Being careful not to hit the halfling fighting the magic user hampers Bel's aim a bit, and his first shot is wide. (AC 18, 9+2=11, miss) However his second shot finds the mark. (AC18, 18+2=20, hit) There is a flash of power as the arrow penetrates the magical shield around the man and then it buries itself in his shoulder, spinning him around. Watching the flash of magical energy Bel realizes that the magic user is protected by shield spell.(Spellcraft DC16, 12+6=18, success)

The magic user grimaces in pain and stumbles away from the halfling (5 foot step), grabbing at the arrow in his shoulder, pulling it out and throwing it to the ground. He then grabs at a small vial at this waist and quickly pops the cork and swallows the contents. The wound in his shoulder stops bleeding and the man looks a little bit better.

Harp moves cautiously around the man that he and Ran and Cai have been fighting. He gets into a flanking position and launches his attack. (AC21, 9+12=21, hit) Cai is able to provide just enough of a distraction that Harp is able to slide his blade between the back chest plate and the armored skirt. Harp feels his sword separate the bones in man's back (damage 11) and the man collapses in a pile at his feet.

With the distance between himself and the second stranger, Kal decides to take some time to regroup himself. He takes a step under the tree( 5 foot step) to keep himself between his enemy and Rochelle.

Kal allows his mind to retract even further from the present. Recalling the arcane words he had studied the night before, Kal weaves an intricate pattern with his right hand as he speaks the words. He casts like he fights, each word each and motion of his hand seems like a sword thrust. His entire being commits to the spell casting, his body swaying and dancing involuntarily as he draws up the arcane forces.

As he continues the chant, the opposite becomes apparent. His blade work is a reflection of his spell casting. Each thrust and feint of his blade is a a meaningless piece of a larger picture. What first appeared to be a flourish in his fencing is now obviously required. One different step or one different stroke and his blade work would fail, just as a spell would if a word was misspoken. (Cast True Strike)

As the spell reaches it's climax, the magic dances down his arm and infuses his blade. The true nature of his style is clear now. His sword play is reflected in his spell casting, and his spell casting in his blade work. The common thread is the artist, Kal paints both pictures with the same brush. One with steel, the other Aether. The two arts are inseparable for him, each builds on the other to create something bigger than the two alone.

The man in plate who had been fighting Kal looks around and sees the other man in plate fall to the ground. Deciding that they have taken too many losses he tries to retreat. Disdaining Kal's attacks as ineffective he runs right by Kal, trying to get to the magic users side. As he passes Kal, the elf lashes out with his rapier.(AOO leaving a threatened square.) Normally he would have been correct on Kal's ability to hit him, but he had not counted on the bladesinger's magic. The spell Kal had just cast guides his rapier unerringly into a gap in the man's armor. (AC21, 4+31=35,hit) Kal's rapier slides in between the chest plate and the back plate and punctures a vital organ or two. (Damage 5 The man looks surprised when Kal hits him, but continues moving and ends up next to Bel.

When he gets next to Bel he takes a swing at the ? elf's back. Bel is surprised by this attack and tries to defend himself with his bow. The man bats the bow away with almost contemptuous ease and takes an overhand swing at Bel. (AC18, 20+6=26, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll,AC18,14+6=20, critical hit) The sword crashes down on his shoulder. The fine elven chain does not separate but the blow does crush his collar bone and break his shoulder. (Damage 14)

Rochelle screams as she watches Bel almost get cut in half. She tries to rush around Kal but he holds her back, barely.

Surin ignores the pain of the freezing ray, and laughs instead. "Ah, that's the stuff. Much obliged, mister wizard. 'Fore the poison takes hold too bad, you mind aiming one of those at my water skin? A nice cool drink'll be just the thing once you're down."

Despite his complete lack of success with the rapier so far, he once again thrusts with it. If nothing else, he's keeping the wizard from having the time or space to think of attacking the company. (AC18, 19+11=30, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC18, 4+11=15, no critical hit) This time his rapier punches through the magical shield but the small weapon only scratches the man again. (Damage 1)

Salix, who had been praying to Obad-Hai for nature's help, takes a small step forward as he finishes his prayer, which is answered. A Hippogriff appears next to Harp, startling the ? orc. At Salix's command it charges right at the magic user, trying to get to the opposite side of Surin. The beast moves with amazing speed, his wings flapping a bit and making it seem like his feet almost do not touch the ground. It takes a little bit of a round about path and then darts in and attacks the magic user from behind. (AC18, 19+8=25, hit) The hippogriff's claw catches the magic user by surprise and opens a large cut down his back.( Damage5)

Salix then moves up toward where Ran, Harp and Cai are. Deciding that Ran needs his help more than the other two do, he tells Ran ?Let me see what the healing power of Obad-Hai can do for you.? He than chants the healing prayer and lays his hands on Ran's wounds. Salix feels some healing power flowing through his touch and Some of Ran's wounds closing over. (Cure Light Wounds, heal 5)

Cai, looking around, sees her friend Bel almost get cut in half. Ignoring her own wounds she runs to his aid and swings at the man in plate. (AC21, 11+8+19, miss) The man is able to stop her blow on his shield and her sword bounces off with out doing any damage to him.

OODM: End of round 8. I need round 9 actions. New map attached.

Subject Round 9

OOC: What was the damage of Bel's hit on the magic user? Also, there are two number 2's on the map. From your description, #2 has moved away from Kal and is now near Bel and Cai correct?

Ran, feeling a little better from the healing from Salix, and feeling that the others have things pretty well in hand will move to join Fal and Rochelle. Before doing so he will tell Harp to help Bel and Cai as the man they are fighting seems to be the more serious threat right now.

Subject Round 9

OOC: Happy 4th everyone.

Kal, invigorated by his successful hit, charges his enemy.

Subject Round 9

Happy 4th as well to every one. If you are reading this on the 4th, you need to get a life. I am just stopping in from the pool to get more beer and then heading back out to bake in the sun and corrupt my liver just a little more.

Horray Buckbeak - hit some more

Subject Round 9

At least one of us had to work on the 4th. I took my break on friday and enjoyed some fireworks and patriotism of my own. Red and White style.

Happy Independence Day to the rest of you though.

Subject Round 9

Sorry

Bel's hit did 5 damage.

Yes the #2 near next to Bel and Cai is the real one.

Subject Round 9

Sorry for the oversight Randy. I had the same experience last year in the British Virgin Islands. For some reason, our captain, from just outside London, did not seem real keen on our call for some fireworks. Just us unsensitive citizens of the USA.

Hey, you also get Boxing Day, if I remember correctly.

Lets see if we can finish this thing this week

Subject Round 9

For Harp, time seems to have stopped. Seconds become days, his eyes taking in a myriad of images, his mind trying to decide what to do. Finally, like the rockets used to celebrate a special occasion, his body reacts to what is happening around him. He sees Bel's arrows streak past him, but he does not take the time to see if (or who) they hit. Harp concentrates on the enemy in front of him. Cai's appearance has made this an even more unequal fight, but as Harp had been taught, take adavantage of whatever benefits you have been given. He moves slightly, feeling some appreciation for their opponents bravery at trying to fight against three foes, but it was not like this enemy had planned it that way. Finally, Harp sees an opening as the man is turning to ward of a blow from the other side.

Harp flexes his muscles and slides his sword into the mans back, severing his spine. With a satisfying grunt, he pulls his sword free and looks around for his next opponent. His training may be split between the religious and the martial, but today it was the martial that was leading the way.

As he looks around, he sees the armored opponent fighting Kal run past Kal wtih the appearance that he was trying to flee. He sees Kal get a good stick into him, but Kal's little rapier seemed to be overwhelmed by the man's armor. Then, horrified, he watches as the man runs up behind Bel and strike Bel so hard the Harp could hear the bones break. Harp flashes back to when his own shoulder had been broken, not so long ago. He knows that in that condition, Bel would not even be able to defend himself. He had to help. Harp starts to move that way when, out of no where, appears a huge bird like creature. It's wingspan is easily 12 feet across. Harp, a look of surprise on his face, sees Salix smiling and then speaking some words the Harp does not understand. With that, the huge bird heads off behind Harp.

Wishing it the best of luck, Harp moves on. (OOC: Mark, Harp will move three diagonal squares - that should equal his 20' movement, right (5, 10, 5 on the diagonal). If Bel moves, Harp will try to get within range to do the following.

IC: As Harp moves, he prays to Heironious - Great battle lord, allow your grace to fill me, infuse me, let me become a beacon of your light and good. Allow me to heal this companion who has been injured in this battle against those who follow your brother, Hextor. With that, Harp touches Bel, attemptin to ease his wounds. (OOC: Mark, Harp will sacrafice another 1st level spell - not my domain spells- for cure light wounds on Bel.)

OOC: Rob, if I can make a suggestion, stay where you are, but fight defensively. Harp will get there before your opponent can attack and will give you a little bit of healing. Also, remember that using a ranged weapon in a threatend square provides for an attack of opportunity, while, I think, dropping a weapon is a free action that does not provoke and drawing a weapon is a move action that does not provoke.

IC: As Harp provides his lords grace to Bel, he watches what the opponent does. If the chance permits, Harp will yell to Cai "Cai, try to flank him if you can."

Subject Round 9

Happy 4th to all. I'm still entertaining visiting relatives. The adults wanted to see Philly on the 4th, so I volunteered to keep the six kids (under 9 years old). Chris and I took them to a "Fun Center" and let them run wild. We ended the day with a nice dinner and a walk down the street to watch the fireworks.

Subject Round 9

Bel, staggering in pain from the massive blow he has received, backs away from the man in front of him, and draws his sword. He is far less interested in hitting the man, intending to use his sword to parry any attacks while trying to inflict some damage as well (defensive fighting).

Subject Round 9

Salix moves toward the magic user, scimitar drawn and a look of vengeance in his eye. (I assume he won't be able to attack this round, but on the off chance that I'm wrong, he'll strike with the scimitar as soon as he is within melee range.)

Subject Round 9

Cai's nostril's flare at the sight of her friend's grevious injuries, and she determines that this cowardly warrior will not escape her justice. She steps into position to flank him, and attacks with all her strength.

Ooc: Alternatively, if he keeps running, I'd prefer shooting him. If he dies, I'll shoot the magic user. Once again I can't see the map but hopefully I have a good line of sight still.

Subject Round 9

OOC: Mark, I think that Cai and Harp have #2 in about the same position as Harp and Ran had #4 just a few rounds ago. We are going to work as best we can to keep him flanked, short of him taking a full fledged run away from us.

Subject Round 9

I am probably not going to get a turn done tonight and I am going to the local OSC book signing tomorrow. I will also be having dinner with the Card's on Thursday night before their Cincy signing.

I might be able to get something done tomorrow at lunch. I will see.

Subject Round 9

What have we told you about your priorities Mark? DnD first, all else second.

Sheesh, some people.

Subject Round 9

Just toss around those names, like we care...lol....

Subject Round 9

Harp, having worked his way through the longest combat in his short history, is again poised to act. But, again, time seems to have stood still. Seconds become hours, hours become days. Is this some strange time warp? Did the stranger from the dream have the power to make time stand still? And why did the stranger have the initials OSC emblazoned on the sleeve of his robe?

No matter. Harp was used to considering himself as a pawn of larger, more powerful forces.

Subject Round 9

I just had a great idea. Slug OSC over the head with a bag of quarters, tie him up in your basement, and force him to crank out turns for us!

Who's with me!?

Subject Round 9 actions

Initiative (Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger 2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Hippogriff, Salix, Cai, Fal)

With the combat looking well in hand, Ran moves to take up a defensive position closer to Rochelle. ?Corporal, help Bel and Cai with that fighter.?

Bel is almost unconscious from the pain but his training takes over. Dropping his bow he takes a step (5 foot step) away from the man who had almost killed him, drawing his sword as he moves. (Total defense)

The magic user, surprised by the appearance of the beast behind him, panics and turns to flee. As he turns both Surin and the beast move to strike the unprotected back. Surin is able to force his blade through the magical shield and slide the thin blade of his rapier between the man's ribs. (AC18, 18+13=31, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC18, 5+13=18, hit, critical hit, sneak attack as well, damage 12) The hippogriff also lashes out with one giant clawed foot and rakes it down the magic user's back. (AC18, 14+8=20, hit, damage 5) The man is almost cut in two, his body falling lifeless to the ground.

Harp nods at Ran's order and moves off towards where Bel is retreating. As he moves he prays to the Battle God for his healing power so that they may fight on. When he gets to Bel he grabs his shoulders. ?Stand and the healing power of Heironious will heal you.? Bel feels the warmth of the healing prayer flow through him and feels his shoulder shift back into place at Harp's touch. (Heal 10)

Kal's elation at finally hitting his opponent is tempered when he sees the man almost cut Bel in half. He charges after him, roaring in anger. (AC21, 10+13=23, hit) He is able to use the momentum from his charge to punch another hole in the plate armor of the man and the man collapses from the hit. (Damage 6).

There is a moment of eerie silence. Only the heavy breathing of the survivors and the odd sound of the hippogriff fill the air. Seconds later the hippogriff disappears.

OODM: Combat is now over. Turns, comments, actions.

Subject Round 9 actions

Cai turns around, surveying the battlefield, and whistles appreciatively.

Her arm and jaw ache from where she was punched, but she was one of only a few who had not been bloodied in the battle. They had been worthy opponents. The fact that they had attacked without warning did not bother her; nature did not give warning to those too insensitive to feel its inevitable course. She had felt a small warning in the back of her mind, but not acted quickly enough before they were attacked. If she were always that inattentive, she would have frozen to death in one of the blizzards that swept her home so frequently and suddenly each year.

Now, however, her mind is alert, and she notices that a couple of their opponents seem to be breathing shallowly--not quite dead, though well on their way. She turns to Ran and, pointing to one, she asks "Do you think it would be wise to wake one long enough to question him? I'm sure we're all thinking that they were probably sent by that man from our dreams, and its possible that they know something of him."

Subject The calm after the storm

Salix stops in mid stride, his scimitar raised and ready to strike the mage when he sees that it has been cut down by Surin and the hippogriff. Anger and vengeance still burning in his eyes, he looks for another target for his wrath, but there is none to be seen. He feels the intoxicating anger turning to frustration when he discovers there is no enemy to serve as outlet. He remembers his training. Like when a river is dammed, Salix must provide an outlet or his anger would find one on its own. In that case, it would probably be one that Salix (and his friends) wouldn't appreciate. So he continues toward the now-dead mage and strikes the corpse with all his force, nearly burying the scimitar in the man's chest with a near-feral howl. There is a pause as the howl echoes off the surrounding trees. Noctis takes wing and circles the group a couple of times before nervously alighting on a nearby branch.

Silently and seemingly unaware of the others, Salix closes his eyes and takes one deep breath and recites a prayer of thanks to Obad-Hai in one long, slow exhale. Because he is speaking in the language of his people, to his friends the sound is a strange mix of unknown syllables. After what seems to the group like much too long a time for a single breath, Salix seems to come back to himself. He opens his eyes removes the weapon from the mage's corpse, wipes the blood on the ground, stands and re-sheathes it. He then begins searching the corpses as if this strange display never happened.

"Help me search them," he says to the group. "There must be some indication of who they are or where they are from. It would be good to know why they attacked us."

(OOC - Salix will search each corpse in turn - unless someone else gets to one first. He will be looking for anything unusual or any sign of the origin or purpose of this group, gathering also any potions, weapons, amulets, or the like he encounters in his search.)

Subject The calm after the storm

Ran coughs, feeling suddenly weak and pained from his wounds. He takes a stumbling step towards the downed man next to him and stops, realizing that the pain might be too much for him to do more than sleep. Ran calls out weakly to Harp and says "Corporal, please take charge of the searching of these bodies. Bind tightly any who yet live that we may question them. Make sure Rochelle is well guarded."

Speaking seems to have taken all of Rans effort and he slumps to the ground in exhaustion. His eyes close and his breathing shallows. He begins to silently meditate, calming his mind and stilling his twitching muscles. His mouth moves slightly as he almost inaudibly speaks a prayer of thanks that neither he or any of his companions were killed in this deadly conflict.

Subject The calm after the storm

Harp, hearing Ran's command, responds "Yes, sir. Bel, Cai - search these two over here. Fal, keep Rochelle where she is until I give the all clear, but check with her to make sure she is OK. Surin, help Salix search that mage for anything of interest. Kal, sit, rest, I will see to your wounds shortly."

With that, Harp kneels down at the two men in plate, checking to see if either of them still breathe. OOC: Mark, if Harp finds that either of them are still alive, he will sacrafice 2 0 level spells for a Cure Minor Wounds on each to stabilize them. If they are both beyond saving, the change the activity below to 4 cure minor wounds on Kal.

IC: Once Harp has stabilized the two enemies, he will go over to Kal to examine his wounds. Seeing their severity, he will get his healing kit from his pack horse, sacrafice his two remaining 0 level spells to cure minor wounds on Kal and uses his healing kit, saying as he does so

"Your wounds are deep, but not life threatening, I think. The grace my lord affords me has been mostly used this day, but I will do what little I can tonight. Tomorrow, I will be able to do more."

When Harp has completed this, and the bodies have been searched, Harp will call Surin and the others over.

" We need to make camp, both to rest ourselves, and to explore what we have found. Salix, would you and Cai go to Fal and Rochelle and bring them over while Bel and I get the horses and bring them in. Surin, when we return, I would appreciate your help in setting up camp. Bel, if you would then take Cai and maybe find us some fresh meat, I am sure that we could all use a hot meal."

Harp will ask diplomatically if either Ran or Kal need assistance in getting to the camp site.

Subject The calm after the storm

Kal, ignoring Harps order to sit, kneels in front of his fallen enemy. He says a short prayer to Corellon Larethian, kisses the hilt of his blade, wipes it clean of blood, and sheathes it.

With that, Kal allows himself to fully return to reality. As he stands, his left leg buckles beneath him. In that moment the pain from the battle washes over him and nearly knocks him unconscious. Struggling to master his pain, Kal forces himself to stand. After two deep breaths, he takes appraisal of the battlefield, and then inspects his enemy, looking for any thing that might reveal who he is or why he attacked us. (Knowledge Religion and Arcana checks)

Harp comes forward and says something to Kal, but Kal can hardly understand the words, he's lost in his thoughts: "He fought well, he bested their leader and another where I could hardly handle one."

Dismissively nodding at whatever Harp is saying to him, Kal returns to his thoughts. "I was overconfident, and it nearly got me killed. I should have prepared more thoroughly before I jumped into combat with him. Just because I'm the better swordsman doesn't mean I'm going to win every fight I get into, battle's are precarious things and I allowed my opponent too much of a chance. "

Kal wanders around the battlefield for a while, seemingly dazed. He occasionly stops to inspect his fallen enemies bodies, looking for something that could hint at their origin. If he finds anything of value he'll bring it to Ran. (Unless it's a Rapier, in which case he'll keep it for himself.)

Kal refuses healing until the rest of the party is completely healed, insisting that the wounds are much worse than they look.

OOC: Jason -- Ragnar Stonehands? Sounds fun.

Subject Turn

Since I was busy having dinner last night with the Cards and am playing my Real Life D&D group tonight I will work on a turn over the weekend.

Subject Turn

Harp watches in amazement as Kal staggers around, trying to be helpful. Harp shakes his head. He had seen this before. A zombie like state sets in in many wouned. They try to do normal things, but they are just making the motions. Harp goes over to Kal, gently takes him by the shoulders, and tries to get his attention.

"You fought well, and have been greviously wounded. Your body must be given time to accept what has happened to it. If you push yourself now, it will only make the healing process take longer. You are trained as a warrior - I am trained as a healer. Let me do my job. The enemy here is going no where, thanks in large part to your efforts. Let those who are haler do this work while I do mine. Sit, rest for a bit, and I will see to your wounds shortly. I do not single you out for this - I am doing the same for the Captain and the Rangers. Why don't you join the Captain and see if you can figure out what these things were."

OOC: Mark, Harp will make a concerted effort to convince Kal to take a break. If Kal resists strongly, Harp will let the issue go - he WILL NOT cause a fight at this time. However, given Kal's current state, a good whack from Harp to the side of Kal's head is likely to knock him out. You know the old movie cliche' - I did it for you own good. If you feel that would give you a fun issue to use in your write up, be my guest, so long as you think it fits the characters.

Subject The aftermath

At this, Kal snaps: "Don't patronize me, Orc, I fought mediocre at best. We're lucky I didn't get us all killed. Keep your foul magics away from me, I'd rather die than be healed at your hands."

After a moment of dull silence between the two, Kal's angry facade falls. Almost weakly he speaks:

"I'm sorry. You don't deserve that, you pray to Heironious. Yes, please help me. I can hardl..."

With that, Kal collapses, nearly unconcious.

Subject Setting up Camp

Salix stops in mid stride, his scimitar raised and ready to strike the mage when he sees that it has been cut down by Surin and the hippogriff. Anger and vengeance still burning in his eyes, he looks for another target for his wrath, but there is none to be seen. He feels the intoxicating anger turning to frustration when he discovers there is no enemy to serve as outlet. He remembers his training. Like when a river is dammed, Salix must provide an outlet or his anger would find one on its own. In that case, it would probably be one that Salix (and his friends) wouldn't appreciate. So he continues toward the now-dead mage and strikes the corpse with all his force, nearly burying the scimitar in the man's chest with a near-feral howl. There is a pause as the howl echoes off the surrounding trees. Noctis takes wing and circles the group a couple of times before nervously alighting on a nearby branch.

Silently and seemingly unaware of the others, Salix closes his eyes and takes one deep breath and recites a prayer of thanks to Obad-Hai in one long, slow exhale. Because he is speaking in the language of his people, to his friends the sound is a strange mix of unknown syllables. After what seems to the group like much too long a time for a single breath, Salix seems to come back to himself. He opens his eyes removes the weapon from the mage's corpse, wipes the blood on the ground, stands and re-sheathes it. He then begins searching the corpses as if this strange display never happened.

"Help me search them," he says to the group. "There must be some indication of who they are or where they are from. It would be good to know why they attacked us."

Cai turns around, surveying the battlefield, and whistles appreciatively.

Her arm and jaw ache from where she was punched, but she was one of only a few who had not been bloodied in the battle. They had been worthy opponents. The fact that they had attacked without warning did not bother her; nature did not give warning to those too insensitive to feel its inevitable course. She had felt a small warning in the back of her mind, but not acted quickly enough before they were attacked. If she were always that inattentive, she would have frozen to death in one of the blizzards that swept her home so frequently and suddenly each year.

Now, however, her mind is alert, and she notices that a couple of their opponents seem to be breathing shallowly--not quite dead, though well on their way. She turns to Ran and, pointing to one, she asks "Do you think it would be wise to wake one long enough to question him? I'm sure we're all thinking that they were probably sent by that man from our dreams, and its possible that they know something of him."

Ran coughs, feeling suddenly weak and pained from his wounds. He takes a stumbling step towards the downed man next to him and stops, realizing that the pain might be too much for him to do more than sleep. Ran calls out weakly to Harp and says "Corporal, please take charge of the searching of these bodies. Bind tightly any who yet live that we may question them. Make sure Rochelle is well guarded."

Speaking seems to have taken all of Ran's effort and he slumps to the ground in exhaustion. His eyes close and his breathing shallows. He begins to silently meditate, calming his mind and stilling his twitching muscles. His mouth moves slightly as he almost inaudibly speaks a prayer of thanks that neither he or any of his companions were killed in this deadly conflict.

Harp, hearing Ran's command, responds "Yes, sir. Bel, Cai - search these two over here. Fal, keep Rochelle where she is until I give the all clear, but check with her to make sure she is OK. Surin, help Salix search that mage for anything of interest. Kal, sit, rest, I will see to your wounds shortly."

With that, Harp kneels down at the two men in plate, checking to see if either of them still breathe. The last man to go down still breathes and Harp chants a quick orison to stop the bleeding.( Cure Minor wound) However the other 4 are dead by the time Harp gets to them.

When Harp has completed this, and the bodies have been searched, Harp will call Surin and the others over.

" We need to make camp, both to rest ourselves, and to explore what we have found. Salix, would you and Cai go to Fal and Rochelle and bring them over while Bel and I get the horses and bring them in. Surin, when we return, I would appreciate your help in setting up camp. Bel, if you would then take Cai and maybe find us some fresh meat, I am sure that we could all use a hot meal."

Harp will ask diplomatically if either Ran or Kal need assistance in getting to the camp site.

Kal, ignoring Harps order to sit, kneels in front of his fallen enemy. He says a short prayer to Corellon Larethian, kisses the hilt of his blade, wipes it clean of blood, and sheathes it.

With that, Kal allows himself to fully return to reality. As he stands, his left leg buckles beneath him. In that moment the pain from the battle washes over him and nearly knocks him unconscious. Struggling to master his pain, Kal forces himself to stand. After two deep breaths, he takes appraisal of the battlefield, and then inspects his enemy, looking for any thing that might reveal who he is or why he attacked us. (Knowledge Religion and Arcana checks)

Harp comes forward and says something to Kal, but Kal can hardly understand the words, he's lost in his thoughts: "He fought well, he bested their leader and another where I could hardly handle one."

Dismissively nodding at whatever Harp is saying to him, Kal returns to his thoughts. "I was overconfident, and it nearly got me killed. I should have prepared more thoroughly before I jumped into combat with him. Just because I'm the better swordsman doesn't mean I'm going to win every fight I get into, battle's are precarious things and I allowed my opponent too much of a chance. "

Kal wanders around the battlefield for a while, seemingly dazed. He occasionally stops to inspect his fallen enemies bodies, looking for something that could hint at their origin. If he finds anything of value he'll bring it to Ran. (Unless it's a Rapier, in which case he'll keep it for himself.)

Harp watches in amazement as Kal staggers around, trying to be helpful. Harp shakes his head. He had seen this before. A zombie like state sets in in many wounded. They try to do normal things, but they are just making the motions. Harp goes over to Kal, gently takes him by the shoulders, and tries to get his attention.

"You fought well, and have been greaviously wounded. Your body must be given time to accept what has happened to it. If you push yourself now, it will only make the healing process take longer. You are trained as a warrior - I am trained as a healer. Let me do my job. The enemy here is going no where, thanks in large part to your efforts. Let those who are haler do this work while I do mine. Sit, rest for a bit, and I will see to your wounds shortly. I do not single you out for this - I am doing the same for the Captain and the Rangers. Why don't you join the Captain and see if you can figure out what these things were?"

At this, Kal snaps: "Don't patronize me, Orc, I fought mediocre at best. We're lucky I didn't get us all killed. Keep your foul magics away from me, I'd rather die than be healed at your hands."

After a moment of dull silence between the two, Kal's angry facade falls. Almost weakly he speaks:

"I'm sorry. You don't deserve that, you pray to Heironious. Yes, please help me. I can hardl..."

With that, Kal collapses, nearly unconscious.

Harp grabs Kal as he collapses, easing the elf to the ground. "Your wounds are deep, but not life threatening, I think. The grace my lord affords me has been mostly used this day, but I will do what little I can tonight. Tomorrow, I will be able to do more." Harp then chant the healing prayer again and lays his hands on the elf's wounds. He feels the comforting warmth of his god's healing flow through his hands and into the elf. (Heal 9)

The member of the party follow Harp's commands. Ran and Fal escort Rochelle to the site of the battle. Salix and Surin search the bodies while Harp and Bel retrieve the parties horses. When they return Salix and Surin have stripped the bodies of the fallen and the one survivor. Salix has even brought the other horses over. Bel and Cai head out looking for some food. Surin has started a fire and even has a couple pots of water set up. Harp looks at the halfling. ?Where did you get the gear?? ?Well these here fellas were settin up camp already, so I figured we could use some of their gear instead of waitn for our own.? the halfling replies. ?All their stuff is over there?, he says pointing to a nice sized pile a couple yards away.

Over the next hours the camp is set up and the gear is examined. Besides normal camp equipment the party finds the following: 2 sets of full plate armor, two steel shields, 1 very nice chain shirt, a short bow and a quiver of arrows, a very nice trident, a very nice sickle, a very nice longsword, a very nice light crossbow with a case of bolts, a spear, and a very nice morningstar. They also find the following gear: 2 vials with a red fluid in them, slightly warm to the touch, 1 vial with a light green liquid in it, 1 vial with a sort of silvery liquid in it, 2 sets of bracers and an amulet.

On the men themselves they find a total of 188 gold pieces. In Kendricks backpack they find a parchment scroll. One one of the horses, probably Kendrick' from the style of equipment, they find a bag with several large gem stones. They also find several standard packs with the usual equipment that would be found in such a thing.

The two rangers return with several rabbits and dinner is started. Harp moves the bodies several hundred yards away, hoping that the scavengers will leave the party alone this night. As they eat dinner Rochelle tries her best to help out, taking on duties that one of the injured party members would normally do. ?You were hurt because of me, it is the least I could do.? She is particularly attentive to Ran's needs, seeming to hover around him. When the party discusses what the creatures were, she pipes up. ? I have been studying their equipment and the survivor. I think I remember reading about them in a book back home.( Knowledge Planes, DC20, 17+?=?, success) They are called Githyanki, evil creatures that usually travel the Astral plane. However, I have heard that their services can be bought.

OODM: Ok that is enough for one day. I will be out of town tomorrow. I will do more on Monday. Any roleplaying you want to do let me know.

Subject Setting up Camp

Surin laughs with satisfaction as the wizard falls. The whole thing could have gone so much worse; if this man had been half the spellcaster that some of the members of Surin's party were, it would likely be the halfling who would be sprawled lifelessly on the ground. A quick glance around the battlefield reassures him that no one else is likely to be launching an attack at him, and he relaxes further.

"Well, let's see what we've got here," he thinks, kneeling to rifle through the pockets of the slain wizard. He is reaching out toward the body with one hand, sucking absently on a spot of frostbite on his left forearm, when Salix's attack falls. The druid's blood-curdling shriek causes Surin to throw himself back without thought, and it is the only thing that saves him from loosing a hand to Salix's scimitar.

Moving with reflex fueled by adrenaline, Surin turns his backward lunge into a controlled summersault, rising to his feet with his throwing axe poised to fling at his attacker. Recognizing the druid he checks his throw, burying the axe in the turf instead.

"Holy balls," he squawks, indignant. "What were you trying to do, kill me? I nearly soiled myself!"

Seemingly unaware of Surin, Salix takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and begins speaking in a tongue the halfling has never heard. Surin shoots him a dirty look, pulls his throwing axe from the ground, and begins searching the mage's corpse, keeping one eye on Salix as he does so.

Subject Late

Well hell. I was literally 3 minutes too late with my Round Nine response turn.

Subject Setting up camp

"Lady Rochelle, are you hurt? Can I get you some water? Perhaps you should rest while the camp is set up."

Subject Setting up camp

After they have set up camp, and as the others are sorting through the items from their fallen foes, Harp walks the perimiter of the camp. He has little knowledge of these types of things, other than an appreciation of the quality of the weapons the enemy employed. His mind returns to the difference between his own rough morningstar and the much nicer one his recent enemy had carried. He will add little to any conversation about what has been found, but will suggest, either this night or the following day, that while their task is not yet complete, and he understands the desire to complete is as quickly as possible, that the group remain where they are for at least 1 more day. This way everyones natural healing ability (and Harp and Salix's grace from their dieties) would be able to restore their companions to a more appropriate state. During this 1 day delay, Fal could spend the time to learn the spell they had bartered for from Althea, since it seems that there might be some need of that ability now. He wil also suggest, if no one else has, that they can haul all this stuff on one of the enemies horses and lead it along like a pack horse.

Harp will suggest a watch schedule to Ran, indicating that Ran and Kal would be not be required for the first nights watch, but that they would be included in the following nights watch, after they have had a chance to recover from their wounds.

When he has a chance, Harp will go to Salix and speak quietly.

"Salix, I am usure how to proceed here. I have a small ability to help heal some of the hurt that has been done to our friends this day, but not enough to make everyone whole with only one days rest. I know that our captain will be anxious to move on, no matter what his condition. I would like your support for the idea of staying here at least one day and giving you and I a chance to provide what healing we can to our friends.

Also, I am truly thankful to you for the assistance you were able to provide in our fight. That animal you summoned was truly magnificent."

Subject Setting up camp

Salix accepts Harp's praise modestly. "My God can truly do wonders. His power is indeed a boon to his followers in need.

"I will certainly support your desire to tarry here a day, as that is my own desire. I will back you up if you wish to propose this course, or I will present the idea myself if you think some in the group might better hear counsel coming from one of their own kind." Salix says this last as diplomatically as possible. (Diplomacy skill if it applies in situations like this.)

After a pause, Salix continues, "Quarion must have sensed a need for me to experience truth beyond my own prejudices in bringing us together. I want you to know that you have impressed me beyond what I could have imagined before our quest. You have shown yourself to be a . . . a man of patience --almost beyond reason at times--" he steals a glance toward Kal, "I would do well to learn some of that from you."

Salix feels his face getting warm. "Let's talk with Ran." He turns away, not wanting the moment to turn awkward.

(ooc- Depending on Harp's desire to support or be supported in the conversation with Ran, the following can be adapted to that end.)

"Ran, I feel we should linger here for our own good. I know you are anxious to return The Lady to her beloved as we have been charged, but I think the delay is justified and wise. We need to extra time for rest. Tarrying here is unlikely to endanger us further. Our foe can clearly track us at will and it seems unlikely, if he is planning another challenge for us, that it will make any difference to him if he must send us foes here or place them where we will wander into them again. Of the two possibilities, staying here let's us fight from a position of best recuperation and fortification. The most able of us can secure our perimeter today, and we can keep an extra alert watch tonight. Additionally, it will allow Fal to add the spell we obtained from the earlier strangers to his repertoire. These benefits seem to justify the extra delay, in my opinion."

(ooc- If this conversation leads to the group staying a day, Salix will prepare a few extra healing prayers. (Filling all 0-level slots with CMW, and all lvl-1 except Entangle for CLW for that day only - I?m not going to change the list on sakeriver since on the following day it will most likely return to the one posted there.) After using his healing prayers on the party, and using his heal skill in addition as best he can, Salix will spend the time making light conversation with Rochelle (and the others), pampering Noctis, and exploring the perimeter of the camp, taking note of any interesting flora and fauna, which he will gladly talk about to anyone who shows interest.)

Subject Setting up camp

"Thank you Salix for offering to propose the idea as your own. I agree that it might be accepted more readily coming from your mouth than mine. I will give my strong support, and I think the Captain will follow our suggestion. Having the idea come from you will likely allow others of our group to accept the idea without undue consideration.

I thank you for your kind words, though trust me, it has not been easy to hold my tounge, nor my sword, at times. When I first joined the Order, I will confess, I would as likely as not struck out at the first provocation. In fact, I often did. That is why I am still just a corporal. This quest, however, is different. I have my responsibility to my Knight Captain, and the Order, but I also have a responsibility to this group, many whom have become, dare I say it, friends. Before, it was always me against everyone else. Here, at least, I have the feeling that I am part of something bigger than myself, and I have to hold up my end. I guess it just goes to show that the Order's training was sinking in, I just had to give it a chance to show itself.

Come, let us go talk to Ran and the rest of the group."

OOC: Mark, I am not going to change my spell list. I will just sacrafice what spells I can for the healing spells as they are needed. When the time comes the next day to dispense the healing, Harp will work with Salix to triage the wounded. The plan will be to work on Kal, Cai, Ran, then Bel. Harp will hold off on his healing until the others are greatly improved - not 100%, but at least 80%. This may mean waiting on healing for Harp until the next morning.

Subject Setting up camp

Kal's gonna cast detect magic on all the equipment we found.

OOC: I'll be back with roleplaying either tonight or tommorow sometime. I'm entertaining some family today.

Subject Setting up camp

OOC: Kal is going to be in traction before long here if he does not listen to his doctor's orders.

;-)

Subject Exp. Points

I have updated the character experience points on the character sheets at Sakeriver.

Subject Setting up camp

Bel helps the others gather the items, and he also uses detect magic on the items, splitting them up with Fal.

He also offers his skills binding wounds (heal) for anyone who needs them.

Subject Exp points

Is the XP just based on the values for each creature killed, or for role playing as well?

Subject Exp. Points

The base is for the value of the creatures. I have modified each player for RP.

There will also be an adventure XP award when you get back to town