The Frontier #36
Validar has mysteriously returned from the dead, and as per his nature, things have gotten real interesting!
Spotting his killer, Wendy, Val makes a beeline towards, intent upon returning the favor. Finrod moves to intercept him. Icy stares and words are exchanged.
Validar moves past Fin and Fin begins to cast a spell. Val is faster then he expected, hitting Fin with the flat of his blade, disrupting the spell.
Following Cereld's guidance, the other Seekers move back to give the combatants room.
Swordplay follows for several moments. The combatants seem evenly matched, neither side gaining an advantage.
Their swords get tangled, and they struggle to free them. As this is happening, Wendy acts. She rushes towards the fighters.
'Stop this! There is no need...'
And then fate intervenes. The warriors turn, their blades both point in Wendy's general direction. She trips over a small rock, falls forward, and impales herself on their blades.
Virtually everyone is stunned by this event. Wendy falls to the ground, severely wounded. She mumbles some inaudible words and passes from this plane. A look of peace forever etched on her face.
Val and Fin half-hearted attack each other, but are easily pulled apart by Stephanie and Blod.
A few hours later, the Seekers break camp and hit the road. Based on the opinions of his companions, Cereld decides to continue to travel rather then hunt.
The party makes good time, even though they are slowed by a few having to ride double.
By mid-afternoon, you come to an obstacle. Coming over a hill, you come to a large valley. From this vantage point the entire valley can be seen. Strangely enough, the goblins trail goes around the valley.
A small path does lead into the valley and it appears easy enough to navigate. Going around the valley probably delayed the goblins for a day. A visual inspection of the valley, you can see a large cave near the middle. No activity or creatures can be seen.
GM Notes:
Now what? Take the long way or the short cut?
I deliberately left what happens after the death of Wendy vague for you to resolve via posting.
The trail of the goblins appears to be 3-4 weeks old. Thousands of the creatures walked the path.
It appears that all the new players are now in. Here is a revised roster of the Army of Seekers. Characters with a * have gone up a level.
| Name | Class | Level | AC | HP's |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Araduin* | M | 4 | 2 | 14 |
| Arathron* | R | 3 | 2 | 23 |
| Arocken | R | 1 | 5 | 11 |
| Bernice* | T | 2 | 6 | 14 |
| Blod | F | 1 | 5 | 9 |
| Cereld | C | 5 | 0 | 36 |
| Dar Thaltus | R-C | 2-3 | 5 | 21 |
| Demonslayer | F-M | 1-1 | 5 | 6 |
| Eagle | C | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Finrod | F-M-T | 3-3-4 | 2 | 22 |
| Kaan* | B | 2 | 8 | 11 |
| Kamriell | P | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| Rathis | T | 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Stephanie | F | 4 | -2 | 43 |
| Telinos | R | 1 | 5 | 11 |
| Valgrin | B | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Validar* | F | 5 | -2 | 42 |
Kaan is now able to learn MU spells. The Seekers have an open spell book policy and here is a list of spells to choose from. Kaan, you can select up to four of these. List the top ten choices that you would like to try to learn. I'll roll the dice and see which ones you can understand.
Demonslayer, you can also add new spells to your own book from the following list. Again, list which ones you want to attempt to learn and I'll relay which ones you understand.
Affect Normal Fires
Alarm
Armor
Burning Hands
Change Self
Charm Person
Color Spray
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Enlarge
Friends
Gaze Reflection
Hold Portal
Identify
Light
Magic Missile
Mending
Mount
Phantasmal Force
Read Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
Unseen Servant
Spectrum's Comments: Now here's what really happened. All during the time that Validar & Finrod were trading posts, they were also talking via Instant Messages as well. Basically they worked out how they wanted to resolve this situation and relayed it to me:
Mail From: Panther13 Date: Wednesday 18-Apr-90 02:55 EDT
Well, it looks like you missed all the action tonight. Something did happen after all. Here's what's going on: Fin and I are going to post our apparent actions on the board, but you need to know the whole story to write this. We decided that the only way to resolve this would be to have Finrod let Validar kill the wench, but without anyone else knowing he's letting me. So, we worked out that he would let me know his feelings through some actions and the battle would rage for a moment or two. I would knock Fin off-balance and kill Wendy, and then we would struggle some more and lock blades for a moment. That would give someone (Steph perhaps) the opportunity to step in and stop the whole thing. Later Fin and Validar will discuss the thing in private, much the same way we discussed it between players tonight. Well, what do you think?
Mail From: SGT STONEY Date: Wednesday 18-Apr-90 03:03 EDT
When Validar forces the issue, Finrod will scatter his sand as if to cast color spray, then curse, as if the spell failed. I will not try TOO hard to stop Val from killing Wendy, but will attack ferociously at Val's blade (much clanging and cursing) and not put up TOO much fight if the others break us up. All this assumes, of course, that Val read my nonverbal signals correctly, and is also making a good show of it... if not, I am dead meat. If so, and his first blow does not fell the wench, perhaps my sword could slip in the close quarters struggle, and help her along a little ... :)This is the best we could come up with. It requires that I trust him... I hope he doesn't screw me.--Jim
Based on that, I wrote the post that everyone read. Sometimes what goes on behind the scenes is just as interesting as what is happening on camera!
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 04/19/90 S#: 41787
I think we should go the short way, personally, I hate doing things longer, but i must go along with the leaders
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 04/20/90 S#: 839063
As Steph pulls me away from Validar, and Blod does the same with my opponent, I put up only token struggle. Looking down at the Mage, her face so peaceful in death, and then at her blood staining my sword, an unreadable series of emotions pass across my face. My gaze locks once more with Validar's, but the fury is gone from my ice-blue eyes. After a moment I speak, quietly, and to Validar alone, as if only he and I exist in the entire world.
"Perhaps it was for the best. May our blades never cross again. I am glad you are back... arrogant noble or not, you are a true companion, and a fierce foe."
Turning my sword point-down, I drive the blade deep into the earth at my feet. Slowly, tentatively, I move forward, and extend my hand to Validar.
When we arrive at the valley, I will advocate cutting across the short way.
"No doubt the goblin leaders had their reasons for skirting this dell, but I think we had best make use of the opportunity to gain ground on them. After all, we are a much smaller group, and may hope to pass quickly and unnoticed through, while they had no such hope. Also, there are many things in this sphere that would be a threat to those of evil intent, but would offer no harm to champions of good such as ::sigh:: we must be, since we can no longer hope to claim Mercenary status, in light of our recent actions."
"Then, too, we have an advantage of mobility that the goblin army lacked. It seems to me that we have many chances to make good by taking the shorter track, and few for coming to poor ends by it. Cereld, Steph, Val, I say we take the short cut. What say the three of you? And most especially you, Cereld, wise leader?"
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Begal 04/20/90 S#: 827579
"Me agree with Fin. We should go short way, but we better be extra careful. We might run into more flying turkeys or even worse..."
To Validar, "Me glad to meet you, Vali..uh, Val...uh...You look like a man to me so I think Val is wrong name. Me call you Sir Clang." ::grin::
Spectrum's Comments: Sir Clang was one of many Blod-isms.
SUBJ: Eagle (R) FROM: Perpbuster 04/20/90 S#: 49131
Eagle looks at the path the goblins took and the short path, and with a sigh says "I vote for the short path, I didn't want to live that long anyway".
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 04/20/90 S#: 844837
When Wendy falls on the two warriors swords, and the fighting is finally over, Cereld steps forward, "It appears that the all knowing and wise Heironeous has granted us his verdict in the fate of this girl. I believe it may be he who is also responsible for the return of our friend that we thought to be lost forever. Perhaps this is a sign from him that we have many important things in store for our fate, and we must be strong and united in order to meet the challenges we will face. Finrod, Validar, everyone, it is time to close all wounds and heal the sickness of disharmony. Together we stand strong, and can accomplish many great deeds. Divided we are but feeble reeds blowing loose in the wind. Now it is time to move on and deal with the tasks that mighty Heironeous may bestow upon us. Let us ride onward and stop this plague of goblins at Gateway, before it may enter the free realms beyond."
***************************************
When it comes time to choose between the path through the valley and around, Cereld will listen to the words of his friends and respond; "I too feel that we must brave the valley in order to close the gap between us and the goblin army. They have a tremendous lead on us, and I fear that we may already be to late in our journey, but we must still try and reach Gateway as soon as possible in order to help defend its inhabitants. Although the valley may contain danger, as the lack of familiar animal noises suggests, we have no real choice in this matter. Let us be wary of yonder cave however. It has a rather ominous look about it and I feel that we would be much better if we did not find out if there are any inhabitants within."
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 04/20/90 S#: 112834
::mutters insignificant prayer to Heironeous::
I say the Valley, even though it's against my better judgment. Evil ones might spot us from the tops of the valley, and might easily trap us.
SUBJ: Telinos FROM: DM IMP 04/20/90 S#: 113945
::At Wendys death I stare at the combatants and wonder why people are always so foolish and then turn away disgusted::
"As far as which path to take it does not matter to me and I don't feel I have been a member of this party long enough to vote on a decision as important as this."
Telinos
SUBJ: Stephanie
Eyes the battle between her friends with aroused curiosity. While displaying radically different fighting styles, they appear to each be holding their own. I sigh in relief when the wench dies. One less thing to worry about.
Seeing the boys go at it again, I shout to Blod to help me stop this. I come in and easily carry Fin, even though he's squirming like a little devil!
'I don't believe this! What do the men in my life have to act like such children? The matter has come to an end!'
I'll release Fin after trying to shake these facts into him. Literally. ;)
At the valley....
'Seems reasonable to me. Tactics are not my strong point, but even I can see the quick path to the day-long path. We should proceed with caution.'
'Friend Telinos, you degrade yourself needless. Riding with us alone gives you a voice in any decisions we make. Your point of few, everyone's point of few is important. Do not be afraid to speak!'
'I say, Cereld, perhaps we should send some of us ahead of the main group to ferret out possible danger?'
SUBJ: Validar (to Valgrin) FROM: Panther13 04/21/90 S#: 801452
"What is it you wish to know, my friend? I believe that I can tell you most of what you wish to know."
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 04/22/90 S#: 814513
I think that sending a small group forward would only succeed in dividing our band, and due to unknown danger that may lie ahead I think that our strength lies in numbers.
Regardless of the choice made I will volunteer to walk in the front and I will try and Identify tracks that I may find looking for anything out of the ordinary with regular forest type creatures. I also think that the cave is better left for a returning adventure.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 04/22/90 S#: 18333
- The witch dead, perhaps now we can get on with the job at hand. -
"Might I suggest that we web shut the opening to the cave, rather than wait to see what comes out. Even if the webbing does not hold back the inhabitants, it could slow them, gaining us valuable time. If we decide to adopt this plan, then sending scouts is probably a wise course. Although I have not the training in stealth of some here, I have the benefit of my races natural abilities in this area, and volunteer to go ahead and cast the spell."
For spells, I shall be carry Sleep, Magic Missile, Mount, Web, and Flaming Sphere.
Prior to moving out, I shall cast the Mount spell, attempting to call forth a mule with riding gear for Bernie. "We need to make our best possible speed across this valley, perhaps this can help."
SUBJ: Kaan (R) FROM: Xent6 04/22/90 S#: 512991
"I do not agree with your plan to send scouts ahead. Here are my reasons and a different plan. What are we to do when the scouts are attacked? Or captured? It would cost us time and might result in an unneccessary battle. Therefore I propose a trick I once heard in the inn I worked in. It saved an entire party's life! They took little peaces of cloth and covered their horses feet with them, so that they could travel soundless. I think we should do that, too. If we spot someone one of you mages could cast a SILENCE spell, so that we can avoid any enemy."
After giving my opinion I will take my leather armor off. " It won't help much anyways. I will then memorize my COLOR SPRAY. I ask the mages if it is possible to use magical forces with a shield. If it is possible I will offer to buy one if one of the warriors thinks he can do without it.
Kaan the Bard
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 04/22/90 S#: 836916
"I believe your fears are unfounded, Kaan. The scouts would not be so far away that the main body could not reach them well before any could be taken hostage. Also, our group is quite large at this point. Do you have sufficient cloth to cover all our mounts hooves? And what of the time such an operation would require? In addition, should speed be of essence, their new slippers would hamper our steeds. As to silence, perhaps one of our Clerical brethren might be of assistance in that area, but I know of no mage spell which has that effect."
SUBJ: Stephanie
Strongly disagrees with Kaan's suggestion.
'Speed is of the essence, and as the good mage suggested, the scouting party would not be far out of range of the rest of the party. Shouting distance at best. Cereld, let me, Validar, Finrod, Arathron, Dar and Blod ride ahead. I feel that you under estimate the power that the scouts would possess. Our fears may be totally unfounded and nothing resides in yon valley. Regardless, let us decide with all due haste!'
SUBJ: Backtracking quite a bit.... FROM: Modesty1 04/22/90 S#: 473918
At the sight of Validar in the distance, Bernice squints and holds her hand over her eyes. 'Now who could that be?! Obviously an adventurous sort. Probably plenty of stories to tell!' as he approaches she says 'Ha! Looks like a tin can. Bet that gets hot in the summer. Wonder what he wants. Think he wants to join us? Hope so! Looks pretty strong.'
When he finally reaches the party, Bernice looks up in awe and starts to walk forward, hand extended. But when the fight begins she yelps and jumps back, standing behind anyone with a cloak to peek around. She mutters 'Gosh, I hate this...I really hate this... two fights in one day...too many...too many.'
Afterwards she walks shyly forward (if that's possible for her) and extends her hand. In a trembling voice she says I'm Bernice, an adventuring thief. Joined the party while you were gone.' That's it. No talk of adventure, Uncle Bernie, nothing.
Validar notices the trembling, kind of homely halfling with an ingratiating smile. She wears a cloak, no shoes and has a short sword in a scabbard at her side. She still has a sling in her hand. She will stare at him with big eyes and avoids getting too close to him in the days ahead.
When Finrod mentions the raid on the supply trains, Bernice brightens. 'Why that sounds like a job for me! Sneak in while you fighter types distract the guards. Yeh! I could do that! Gimma a chance, huh? Huh? That's the kind of thing I do best. Really, what do ya say?'
And Finally, at the valley. Bernice stiffens with apprehension at the sight of all those tracks going AROUND the valley. 'But something awful big lives down there. Yes-sir-re. That big army walked clear around for some reason. Me - I'm not really anxious to find out why they did. Big trouble down there.' ::sniff:: I can smell it! Yep, big trouble....' and she contintues on...and on and on against the shortcut.
An apprehensive halfling,
Bernice
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 04/22/90 S#: 33781
Listening to all the suggestions, Cereld comes to his decision. "Kaan I too have to disagree with your plan to cover the horses hooves. There are more senses than meer sight and sound that many creatures rely on, in particular smell. And if it comes down to us making a run for it, the cloth would only slow the horses down.
Finrod I have to disagree with the web spell also. I don't think we want to antagonize whatever is in there, and I think they would view the spell as an attack. But if you hear something coming, and it doesn't sound friendly, feel free to cover the opening.
All right Stephanie, I agree with your suggestions as to a scouting party ahead of us. I would like to make one more addition though, that is if you would agree to go with them Bernie. Your skill at stealth may be needed up ahead to help keep those noisy fighters from making too much of a racket." a large smile comes across Cereld's face as he winks at Bernie. "After all someone has to protect that group for me." "Validar, do not let your group get too far ahead of us. I don't want to be too far behind if something happens. I have no intentions of mourning over your dead body again, so don't take any foolish chances ok?"
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 04/22/90 S#: 460155
Backtracking.... When Validar notices the little halfling, he will regard her for a moment, then kneel down to be on equal terms. He will take the hand offered, quite gently.
"Greetings, and welcome to our mighty band. I am certain that glory and honor will come to all of us and am glad that you shall share in that."
"And do not be frightened of me, little one. I shan't bite you."
No one can help but notice the slight grin on the warrior's face at the thief's expression. When he stands again, though, he is all business.
"Let us prepare to continue on our mission to Gateway. We have tarried here long enough."
"I say the plan is a good one. With 17 heads amongst us, we can certainly afford to divide our forces and not worry unnecessarily. And I can assure you, friend Kaan, whatever is in that valley is in greater danger than us."
With that last statement, Validar will look over in Stephanie's direction, then to the rest of my group. "I fear that silence, what with my armored form and my mount as well, is almost impossible. I believe that a show of force may be enough to ensure our passage through this vale unhampered."
"Do not worry yourself, Cereld."
Validar will slam down the visor on his helm and ready his lance.
"We can handle ourselves. And I have no intention of dying again! Come my friends, let us ride..."
Spectrum's Comments: I'm sure that Validar did bury the hatchet with Finrod, so to speak, but don't seem to have a post covering that. Hurm.
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 04/23/90 S#: 44982
"Yes, Validar! Let us ride! I chafe at these delays... we have much ground to make up."
"Cereld, I cannot agree with you more about not webbing the cave entrance unnecessarily. 'twasn't my Idea--'twas Arathron's, I think. Worry not, I'm not so free with my spells...they're too valuable to waste."
"Val, I'm sure that whatever is down there is NOT good. I only mentioned it because it is a possibility we ought to be prepared for."
--Glad to be alone in the saddle once more, and free of Steph's constant watch over my passenger, though the attention was nice. :)
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 04/23/90 S#: 456944
Hmmm... Methinks egotism is plaguing the band. However, I will offer my skills as a humble paladin in the scout party, I want to die young also.
::mutters 'nuther prayer::
SUBJ: Kaan responds... FROM: Xent6 04/23/90 S#: 823178
" Okay Cereld and Stephanie, it was just a trick I once heard. I was merely proposing it. It might be that I am so worried about sound, because I like it the best. I think though that webbing is a good idea, though we can wait until something comes out first. I sing a little song about the ancient king (local history?) Konarn and his mighty warriors to boost our morale.
"May the gods agree with our judgment! Please help us, Lydia, your humble servant begs you for it."
**************************************
Cooking dinner I will remark that we really shouldn't forget food, since it is getting harder and harder too cook something nice!
Kaan
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 04/24/90 S#: 823196
"'Tis not egotism, friend Kamreill, but confidence. Our numbers are many and our skills are great. I know that my sword arm aches for battle and I sense that glory and honor is calling to us. Let us tarry no longer, my comrades at arms!"
With that, Validar will wheel his warhorse, Havok, about and proceed into the valley at a gallop, allowing Bernice an opportunity to go ahead, if she so desires. If so, then the pace will obviously be somewhat slower. If she chooses not to accompany us, then I will spur my mount to a gallop and lead my charges into the valley, lance aimed high into the air, just waiting for the opportunity to use it.
The Frontier #37
While trailing the goblin army, the Seekers have been confronted by a problem. They come to a large valley that the goblins mysteriously circumvented.
After some discussion, it is decided that a scouting party consisting of Validar, Stephanie, Finrod, Bernice, Arathron and Dar ride into the valley. Moving out about 150 yards ahead of the main party, they enter the valley.
The first hours passes slowly. The party admires the beauty of the scenery.
Things change into the second hour. Piles of trash and garbage can be seen. More alarmingly is that many bones can be seen in the piles.
Arathron and Dar dismount to look for footprints. They find plenty of them. The prints are large and humanoid. Finrod shouts that there is something near. He can feel it, but no one can see anything.
Suddenly something comes out of the brush. Before anyone can react, a large hand reaches out and picks Stephanie off of her horse! Her arms are pinned to her side.
'Ho! Look's like an eater!'
Another comes out and sucker punches Validar, knocking him out of his horse. It grunts in agreement with the first.
The attackers are hideously deformed giants. Noise is heard from out of the cave. Two more of the nightmarish creatures lumber forward.
GM Notes:
And you thought it was a dragon, didn't you? ;)
It will take the first round for the main body of Seekers to reach the conflict. Of course, by then, the other two giants will enter the fray.
Hit Points:
Stephanie 38 of 43
Validar 27 of 42
SUBJ: Bernice (R) FROM: Modesty1 04/25/90 S#: 800962
If it is possible for Bernice's hero worship of Araduin to grow - it does when he gives her the mule. 'This is great, just great! How'd you do that?' Not waiting for an answer, she walks up and pokes it. 'Darnest thing. Feels so real.' She pets it, 'Not quite Buttercup, but it'll do. Yep, it'll do.' With this she climbs up.
When her name comes up as an addition to the scouting party, Bernice comes trembling forward. 'What me?' she squeaks. 'Well, I guess so...' her voice runs out, and she is silent. However you can almost hear the gears turning in her head as she gives herself a pep talk. As calmly as she can, she continues. 'I can do that, sure I can. That's a specialty of mine.' Her voice grows stronger and even a little cocky. 'Want me to sneak out ahead and report back? Won't do too much good riding alongside the big guy', she indicates Validar, 'Why you could hear him a mile off!' and she laughs nervously.
Waiting for instructions,
Bernice
P.S. to Validar. Bernice no longer tiptoes around him, but she smiles with trepidation when he rides by her. She brightens up with a friendly word from him though.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus...... FROM: Kazaroth 04/25/90 S#: 88019
had lapsed into his customary silence as Fin and Val began their battle. He watched on impassively as the wench Wendy was slain by both men, his feelings a jumble over whether that had been for the better or not.
Upon seeing the valley and the evident path of avoidance the goblins had taken Dar listens quietly as the strategies are planned and the Seekers arrive at a course of action. Validar's customary show of confidence in the groups' abilities is somewhat comforting as this is the surest sign of all that he is who he claims to be. Preparing what few stores he keeps Dar readies himself to ride along with the rest of the advance guard. Inwardly he chafes at the idea of such a grandiose approach to this possible threat, being used to stealth and caution in such situations. However he realizes that he isn't calling the shots at this time and follows along resolutely making certain that he is mentally as well as physically prepared for whatever may show up at or around the cave.
SUBJ: Kaan FROM: Xent6 04/25/90 S#: 55582
I will charge my mule towards the giants, screaming as loud and ugly as I can to get the attention of the Giants. I will stop 70 feet of the Giants. I will carefully aim at the advancing giants with my sling and fire when they come in range. Should one or more come into twenty feet range with the intention to attack me I will try to stun him with my color spray and flee as fast as my mount can go. Should I have to flee I will turn from time to time and fire back. (I don't care about penalties). I will try to avoid melee at every chance.
While I am approaching my mind works restless. Have I ever heard about deformed Giants ? (Check on Local History!)
Kaan, the Bard
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Begal 04/26/90 S#: 469756
I will charge forward towards Steph, drawing my 2-handed sword in the meantime. I will attack the one holding Steph from horseback.
"Steph!!Me help you with ugly one!!!"
SUBJ: Stephanie
'Hey! Leggo you big, ugly, dirty, smelly...'You get the idea.. :)
Finding my arms pinned and Lightning out of reach, I'll try to maneuver into a position where I can kick the monstrosity.
'You shan't find any easy meals here, giant!'
If possible, I'll bring my leg up and kick him in the face... Better yet.. ::evil grin::, if possible, let loose with a snap kick to that portion of anatomy that I dare not mention. If that doesn't loosen his grip, then nothing will!
As soon as possible, I'll draw my sword and whittle this giant down to a more comfortable size.
SUBJ: Arathron (R) FROM: RAD DWEEBE 04/26/90 S#: 517667
Arathron will charge to save one of the attacked with 2 weapons and use all the force he can get. If a dreaded thing gets close to him, he will hack at it to keep away.
SUBJ: Kamreill FROM: Kid Texas 04/26/90 S#: 473275
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
::charging like a madman while readying 2handed sword:: I'll go for the nearest one. ::mutters 'nuther prayer::
"DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!!"
Kamreill, The Kid
Spectrum's Comments: Uhm, yeah. Like I said before he seemed to want to play this for laughs.
SUBJ: Valgrin (R) FROM: Vanter 04/27/90 S#: 107388
Vaguely recalling deformed giants but not able to recall he pulls out his javelins and hurtles them at the giants. If he runs out of arrows he will casually enter the battle with his sword and strike at the ugly ...!
SUBJ: just thinking 'bout giants FROM: Kid Texas 04/27/90 S#: 507107
Could they be Fomorian Giants?
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 04/28/90 S#: 16393
Validar will rise up from the ground, quite furious. Both at the giant and his treacheerous attack, and at himself for allowing it to even happen. Validar will rip his blade from its scabbard and brandish it in front of him toward the giant which attacked him.
"Listen, my comrades! I can handle this one! Free Stephanie, but more importantly, engage the others coming from the cave mouth!"
Validar will then concentrate on his one foe, sword and shield at the ready. Taking a second to size the brute up, Validar will attack with all the skill and ferociousness at his command.
"You shall learn the error of your ways, brutish one! Prepare to fall!"
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 04/28/90 S#: 103629
I will dismount from my mule and draw my long bow I will aim for the nearest Giant, and start to fire. If any giants begin to approach me I will head into the trees to avoid their crushing blows. I will keep firing arrows until one is to close to due so then I will draw my long sword and dagger and attack with a berserkers fury.
SUBJ: Oh no!.... FROM: Modesty1 04/29/90 S#: 22762
Here we go again! When Steph is lifted off her horse, Bernice stops in her tracks for a moment, but just a moment. She remembers Cereld's 'instructions' to watch out for the others and takes it to heart. With hands trembling only slightly she pulls out her sling and starts plucking away, not realizing how little damage she's doing. "Take THAT you big brute. And this! And this!" She doesn't worry too much about Steph and Validar, she 'knows' how brave and strong they are! By the way, she's not pulling any closer; in fact she's backing away as fast as she can and still fire.
One plucky halfling,
Bernie
SUBJ: GM Notes:
Kaan thinks back, trying to recall anything about deformed giants. While he doesn't recall anything about this particular giants, he has heard stories of hideous giants serving as guards to those who control this land before the Keln Empire existed. A mysterious bunch known as The Elders.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus (Flame On!!)..... FROM: Kazaroth 04/29/90 S#: 827853
swiftly draws forth his glowing longsword and incants the words to his FLAME BLADE spell. As the fiery weapon springs into being Dar will take the first round of attacks to engage Steph's captor. Approaching this hideous foeman Dar smiles grimly thrusting upward with his longsword as he simultaneously swings low with his scimitar shaped fire blade. He will take the utmost care in avoiding any chance of accidentally hitting Steph while doing these actions.
The second round Dar will quickly move to engage one of the last two giants to emerge as per Validar's command. Brandishing both swords, Dar will describe a crisscross pattern allowing the flame blade to pass right through the longsword, knowing that both will remain unscathed by this technique. He will continue to whirr his blades in a circular motion in an attempt to confuse the beast as he approaches within melee distance then suddenly break the pattern with a double lunge at the foul creature's torso. For the duration of the FLAME BLADE spell Dar will maintain a furious attack until this blight upon him has fallen. If successful before the 'BLADE disappears Dar will continue his offensive upon another of these misbegotten enemies. Should the spell end before Dar finishes his foe then he will continue with his longsword until one or the other is defeated.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 04/29/90 S#: 499204
- So much for a stealthy approach. -
I'll throw my Magic Missile spell at the giant holding Stephanie. After that, I'll move forward, but stay out of the way of the fighter types, letting them do their jobs. If an opportunity arises to cast my Flaming Sphere arises, I'll do so. Otherwise, I await the outcome of the battle, moving in with my quarterstaff if things start to go badly.
Spectrum's Comments: The battle continues in the next file.