The Frontier #60
Only seven of the Seekers made it back to the meeting place after the attack on the army camp. They waited as long as they could, but were forced to enter the place created by Zynara's rod.
The group spends 1 day resting and recovering.
Validar does his best to lift morale. Fortunately, the chest and wand found by Bernice diverts everyone's attention.
The wand is a Wand of Lightning, since you have already seen it in action. The command word for the wand was clearly heard by Claudius and Bernice.
The chest is a slightly different matter. The lock resists Bernie's efforts to open. Noticing that the chest is similar to Finrod's Chests of Security, Validar tries something. Approaching the chest, he speaks the command words for Fin's chest to the new chest.
Upon speaking the words, the chest opens!
Several items are inside the chest. There is a spellbook, another wand, a pair of gauntlets and a rolled carpet. Three sacks are found. The first holds 3 gems, 1 Sapphire, 2 Topaz's. The others have 100pp and 400 gp.
GM Notes:
1 day has passed in this paradise.
Current Hit Points:
Stephanie 26 of 55
Validar 35 of 53
Blod 25 of 31
Now what?
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 10/04/90 S#: 418233
After spending some time contemplating the situation and remembering about the command word for Finrod's chest, Validar will readdress the Seekers.
"Now that I've had some time to think about it, we will be forced to make some changes in our course of action. From what I learned of the mage back in Pyris, items such as Zynara's rod have a limited number of uses. I am sure that our mages know this as well."
"Therefore, we will not be able to do much searching for our lost comrades. I hope this does not sound heartless and I have not given up on them, but we need to save our strength for ourselves as long as we continue to attempt to liberate Gateway."
"After the second day of rest, we will send out scouts to determine what changes have been made in the camps. During this time, we will all have to remain out of the Rod's domain, so we can use this time to also search for our missing comrades while the scout's do their work."
"I am beginning to form the basis for a plan of attack, so if anyone has an idea to share, please feel free to do so. Also, if anyone wishes to back out of this, let me know now....."
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 10/05/90 S#: 122945
"Agreed..", Claudius answers from a nearby rock, "Scouting is essential. We are still badly outnumbered, and they are out for blood."
"Earlier, you spoke of contacting people in Gateway. I still don't think that's a good idea yet. I would definitely consider it a trick, even with the possibility of outside reinforcements."
"Also, how tall are the walls of Gateway? If they're over say 100 feet, then weapon range will become a factor. It's hard to get a short bow/arrow over a 160' wall, say I.."
He frowns, then speaks: "If no one has any objections, I'd like to claim the Wand of Lightning. I am willing to share the command word if you choose someone else, but I must emphasize that beyond the first few minutes of combat, I am literally useless. I can't fight, and my spell knowledge is still rather limited."
"As to the Spellbook, I think it's essential to first, make sure there are no traps. Then second, have every mage try to copy spells. It is to our advantage as a whole to have mages with a wide variety of spells.." Especially invocation, he adds to himself.
"I do think we should keep plugging away at them. I think that it is best to continue with what we are...hit and run raids. We tore a small hole in their leadership the other day, let's try that again.. unless it's impossible. Perhaps they wouldn't expect us to be redundant. If that IS their expectation, then we'll go elsewhere, maybe the goblin army can stand losing a hundred troops or so..."
GM Notes:
The outer walls of Gateway are 25' high. All but the west wall are available for attack. The west wall is on the cliff's edge. Gateway sits on top of a cliff. The drop is 100'. The cliff gradually goes to forest level to the north and south of the city.
Assuming that one of the mages opts for Read Magic, then the contents of the spell book can be revealed. The book is not trapped.
As follows:
Level 1: Detect Magic, Enlarge, Feather Fall, Find Familiar, Light, Mending, Push, Read Magic, Shield, Tense's Floating Disk, Ventriloquism, Magic Missile
Level 2: Audible Glamer, Detect Invisibility, Levitate, Ray of Enfeeblement, Scare, Bind, Irritation, Snapping Teeth
Level 3: Fireball, Fly, Gust of Wind, Invisibility 10' Radius, Protection from Normal Missiles, Slow, Melf's Minute Meteors, Secret Page
Level 4; Confusion, Enchant Weapon, Dispel Illusion, Halo of Eyes
SUBJ: Stephanie
Steph noticeably perks up.
"As usual, you are correct, Validar."
Steph quietly peers over the others shoulders as the chest is explored.
As the conversation proceeds, when Claud speaks of not contacting Gateway, Steph speaks.
"But what if either Validar or myself were to go to Gateway? We are the only two who have been there before. We might be recognized. In fact, isn't General Logan a family friend Validar?"
Moving off to an area by herself, Steph will study her new blade. Testing to see if the sword is special in anyway.
SUBJ: Claudius.. FROM: GM Falcon 10/07/90 S#: 850731
The mage reappraises Validar after Stephanie's latest comments.
"Well...", he ponders, "...if you have a friend in this General Logan, and if this man has some power with Gateway's defenses, then it might be worth it.."
"My fear is that some overzealous defender is going to mistake us for mercs in THEIR army. I'd rather fight only one group if we can avoid it..", he adds dryly.
When the book's spells are revealed, and if/when the mages decide to tear into the spellbook, he will as well...
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 10/07/90 S#: 400268
"I have the feeling that attacking the leaders camp this close to our last attack may not be so wise. However, I feel that if we were to weaken the goblin forces before contacting Gateway, it would help the situation greatly. Therefore if no one objects strongly, I propose to attack them."
"If we were able to drive away the horde, the individuals of the Hextorites will be next to worthless. Now, I don't suggest that we can kill 3000 plus goblins, but quite a sizable number."
"I care not which mage uses the Wand of Lightning. We also still have the Wand of Fear that Cereld gave to Claudius before the battle. Each mage can use one of the wands in our attack. Meanwhile, the rest of us can use our fighting abilities to destroy as many of those foul creatures as possible."
"As in our last attack, we can determine a meeting point and then return to our little paradise here, when the battle starts to turn in the horde's favor."
"In the meantime, since we still have a full day, perhaps Zynara and Claudius can attempt to learn new spells from the captured spellbook and determine if any of the other items are magical as well. Then at the end of the day, our scouts will do their work."
"After this attack, then I believe that we can contact Gateway directly."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 10/07/90 S#: 429339
Sorry for the delay, My disk drive got knocked out of kilter in moving, and it took this long for the shop to repair it.
I'll post as soon as I catch up on all that has happened in my absence (If I'm still alive, that is...)
--Jim (Fin's Brain)
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 10/07/90 S#: 418641
Identifying the magic items contained the chest should also be of the essence they could be extremely beneficial in an attack on the goblin horde, if my knowledge of such spells is correct it will take a few days to accomplish that task thereby allowing the injured to fully heal.
To Validar. "Do not rule out an attack on the leaders so soon, who would expect another attack on that group, especially considering we disappeared with no trace. A well place strike against the leaders could very well end this battle."
SUBJ: Zynara (R) FROM: Zynara 10/07/90 S#: 83190
"Not being very knowledgeable on warfare, I will leave it up to our leader to decide on what we are going to do next. As for the items in the chest, I do not know any magic that would be of any assistance and I would not even try to learn such magic because it runs almost opposite of the way I was taught to do spells and that tends to make it slightly confusing to me. I will examine the objects though and see what I can learn from them in the normal fashion though."
With that I go about checking the other wand over for any signs or symbols I can identify as a command word or words. Once out of the protection of our paradise, I may give it a test if it is okay with Val. I attempt the same with the rug. I look the bracers over to see if I might figure out what they do also. If I can't find anything, I will try them on. If nothing bad happens right away,
I will leave them on and see what happens in the next fight I am in.
Just for the record, I am only interested in the bracers. The other items can be given to anyone who wants them. If no one wants them, I suppose Sheba will just have to make room.
While we are waiting, I will set up my book near Blod and attempt to learn the following spells from the captured spell book: Feather Fall, Push(*), Ventriloquism, Audible Glamer(+), Levitate, Ray of Enfeeblement, Scare, Bind, Irritation, Snapping Teeth(*)
+= my book shows it as first level spell and the captured has it as 2nd. Which is it?
*= What do these spells do? My book does not contain either so I don't know if a conjurer can learn them.
When I am taking a break from studying, I will talk with Blod on simple matters.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 10/07/90 S#: 467876
"First of all, the Hextorites are no fools. They are quite knowledgeable regarding magick and may not be thrown off as much as we hope by our disappearance. Obviously we had the use of magicks in our attack."
"If I were besieging a city and was attacked, I would certainly expect another attack if the first were even somewhat successful, as we were. I would be very surprised, not to mention disappointed, if our enemies were not making preparations against another attack. I am hoping that overconfidence strikes them, not foolishness. In such a case, they may be lax again in a few days. I refuse to run the Seekers into a trap and loose any more of us."
Regarding the "bracers" in Zynara's post, I spoke with MAD and they are gauntlets, metal in fact. So I think you might want to reconsider using them Zynnie....
"General Logan does indeed have 'some power' in Gateway. In fact, he runs the city. All I hope is that the Hextoritees have not had the chance to introduce their foul potion we discovered into Gateway's use. If so, things may be worse than I believed."
"Also, I am curious if anyone is interested in entering Gateway with myself after the attack on the goblin horde, or if everyone prefers to remain out here to continue the raids."
GM Notes: Spells
The great spell book fiasco continues, i.e. your GM f-upped the spells!
Push is a Cantrip, Conjuration Magic. It functions as the 1st edition spell of the same name.
Audible Glamer was incorrectly listed as 2nd level, it is first.
Snapping Teeth and the other new spells listed are from the Wizards Handbook. I goofed up on its level placement; it is actually a 3rd level spell. Imagine the spell as being similar as a Magic Mouth, minus the speaking, but with sharp teeth! It is a Conjuration.
Zynara's New Spells:
1st Level: Feather Fall, Ventriloquism, Audible Glamer
2nd Level: Levitate, Ray of Enfeeblement, Irritation
I didn't roll for Push, since I wasn't sure if you wanted the Cantrip.
Under the influence of Read Magic, the command word of the second wand can be plainly seen. It translates into 'danger' in common.
The Carpet also was a command word magic woven into its fabric. That word translates into 'attention'.
As Validar pointed out, the Gauntlets are metal gloves, not bracers. You would be unable to cast spells with them on.
Spectrum's Comments: Part of the trouble was that I was using some D&D software that TSR put out for the C64 computer for first edition. Push no longer being a first level spell in 2nd Edition slipped past me.
SUBJ: Stephanie
"I am all in favor of entering the city as soon as possible. If the worst has occurred, they may be in need of leadership during this siege."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 10/08/90 S#: 511980
As the battle gets down and dirty in the camp, the blood lust strikes our powerful Elven Mercenary as heavily as it ever has before. The last anyone saw of him, he was wading through guards to attack a catapult, singing as he slew, his blue eyes flashing coldly in the light from the fires.
Did he allow his battle-fury to overcome him?
Or did he retain enough of his Roguish and Spell-caster-honed senses to realize when the time had come to pull back and regroup to fight another day, as he himself had suggested only that very afternoon?
Perhaps he created a diversion, and himself and nearby Dar took to the forest, but was forced to go wide of the intended meeting-place, perhaps even drawing off much of the pursuit with them.
Or perhaps his body lies even now, twisted and gashed, at the crest of a mound of the heaped carcasses of his slain enemies, with sword notched and spells exhausted, fallen prey to his own over-confidence.
Only time will tell...
But this much is sure, whatever fate befell him, whatever his tale, he is sure to be happy wherever he is. For in combat, massed conflict, true WARFARE was ever his heart and his soul.
If only he could have been nearer to Steph in those precious moments, his joy might have been complete. Alas....
Is he live, or is he Memorex? The question remains.
Well, Mad? Am I rolling a new Character, or what?
--Jim
:)
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 10/08/90 S#: 84559
"Leadership?", the mage snorts.
"Look...", he murmurs. "Let's face it. You were HIRED by the crown, we are therefore by definition mercenaries. Now they'd have to be desperate to let mercs, especially of our...level, in leadership positions. I doubt it..."
The mage stays silent until there's another fine point he can jump ;)
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 10/09/90 S#: 454953
Blod will rest as much as possible while in Paradise with the Seekers. When Zynara picks up the gauntlets, Blod will look at them curiously.
"Those look neat Zynny! They look like Sir Clangs! May I try them on? Maybe I can use them when I fight with my Sword." If there are no objections, Blod will take the gauntlets and put them on, to see if they fit. If they do, he will take them off and put them aside until we leave. He will then put them back on and wear them until we stop to rest again.
"Gee Sir Clang, I liked the way you stuck those giants with your lance! Do you think you could teach me that? I could practice on the Goblins!" :D
"Besides, Me wanna go to Gateway. Me never been there before."
(I seemed to have picked up another weapon prof. and decided to take lance.)
Welcome Back FinBro! Let us hope you are Live because Memorex inhales forcefully! :D
----==== :* for Zynara!
Spectrum's Comments: Blod, Blod, Blod... You shouldn't try out magic items that were not ID'd. They could be cursed...
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 10/09/90 S#: 471664
Validar's face hints at a small smile, as he thinks of his 'conversations' with Finrod over whether the Seekers were mercenaries or not.
"My friend Claudius, I forget sometimes that you, and some of these others as well, have just recently joined us and know little about our true selves. Indeed, Gateway would not allow their forces to be commanded by mere mercenary forces, hired by the Crown or not. However, I am the son of the Baron of Pyris."
"The Baron is a good friend of General Logan and I have made the acquaintance of many in the leadership ranks of Gateway. As you see, this point is still quite valid."
"As for your request Blod, I could certainly teach you the fine art of fighting with the lance. It is fine and noble weapon and has plenty of advantages on the field of battle."
SUBJ: Stephanie
Let's out a silent "oh, no" when Claud speaks of us as mercenaries. I sigh in relief at Validar's light response. Visions of the 'discussions' of this subject between Val and Fin still fresh in her mind.
"It would be wise to 'look' before you 'jump', Mage. I may not be as smart or as wise as you are, but would not suggest such a thing if I did not have a valid point."
Stephanie will walk away. She has finished practicing with her new blade. It is a fine weapon, perhaps as good as Lightning. The battles to come will tell for sure. Thunder is given some much-needed attention before we leave.
SUBJ: Bernice (R) FROM: Merri2 10/10/90 S#: 419105
She perks up little at the sight of all the goodies in the chest. Unlike her usual self, Bernice will stay out of everyone's way. Her appetite doesn't seem to be affected much, but she doesn't enjoy it as much as usual.
The first morning she breaks. With Validar calmly discussing battle plans, Bernice lashes out. 'Weren't they you friends too?! Don't you have any feelings?! I thought at least Finrod was your friend! Don't you even care IF HE'S ALIVE OR DEAD? WHAT ABOUT DAR? OR ARA....' She chokes. The halfling is clearly hysterical here. She runs off crying loudly.
After about an hour, she returns, but narrows her eyes at Validar if he tries to talk to her.
The thief with feelings,
Bernie
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 10/10/90 S#: 450214
"Indeed...", the mage intones as he listens to Validar speaks. "Again, my impressions are changed. There is obviously much to learn.."
"Which is..", he adds, "...why I chose to learn the secrets of magic."
"Assuming that the leadership is indeed familiar with you, then it just might be worth the shot. Do you have anything that they would recognize as your father's, or your symbol? A shield or a banner would do.. then they'd at least
pause long enough to get a good look at you."
"We hope..."
The Frontier #61
The second day in paradise rapidly comes to an end.
The mages added to their magical repertoire. Blod tried the gauntlets on and found that they fit.
Plans were discussed on what to do after leaving this place.
Zynara cancels the effect and everyone reappears back at the meeting sight.
Unexpectedly, the group finds themselves surrounded! Forty goblins surround the group, backed up by four hill giants.
"I suspected that you would be back. It's quite mysterious when so many tracks simply stop in the middle of nowhere."
Turning towards the voice, Validar's jaw drops slightly. The speaker is the priest that he ran through with his lance! And he doesn't appear hurt! Equally surprising, the fighter whose blade Stephanie borrowed stands next to him.
"And I shall pry my blade from your dead hand, wench!"
The goblins, armed mostly with spears, close in...
Finrod:
Turning the clock back a few days, we find our elven jack-of-all-trades engaged in the battle near the catapult.
Coming to his senses, he realizes that now is the time to flee!
Cut off from the others by the enemy he uses his rogue talents to locate a safe place. At one point, he was forced to duck into a tent.
Fortunately, the tent was uninhabited. Inside were several locked chests. His curiosity aroused, he carefully picked the locks.
Inside all the chests was bottle after bottle of that evil liquid found back in the ruins. The stuff that made a vegetable out of the cleric in Jason's party.
Noise out in the camp caught his attention.
Daring a look, he sees that Eagle and Renard were caught by the Hextorites. Before Fin's eyes they are killed.
Deciding that it's high time to move out, Fin moves away from the camp in almost the opposite direction the others took.
After an hours travel, he begins to slowly circle around, now heading towards the meeting sight.
Several patrols are encountered and, thanks only to his elvish senses, avoided.
Seeing how dense this particular section of the forest is, Fin takes to the trees.
Using this mode of travel proves to work much better. The goblins don't think to look up in search of enemies.
After a few hours sleep in the treetops, Fin continues his progress next day.
That morning, still in the tress, he makes his way to the meeting spot. As suspected, the rest of the Seekers are nowhere to be seen.
However, a large group of goblins and several giants are there.
By watching, Fin deduces that the Hextorites tracked the group to this spot where they simply disappeared. They are puzzled by this.
A mage present points out that there are several spell effects that could produce this. He goes on to explain that his late master had one spell that created an 'extra-dimensional dwelling' here he could rest and heal. Perhaps the attackers have the same?
The leader of this group, a cleric, decides to wait a few days and see...
Next morning, the Seekers return!
GM Notes:
Based on what was posted last time, the following is assumed.
Claudius is carrying the Wand of Lightning & the Wand of Fear.
Zynara has the unknown Wand.
Blod is using the Gauntlets.
Also, both mages can adjust their spell list since both gained new spells.
Fin, your current spells in memory are: Color Spray, Sleep, Burning Hands and Web.
All yours!
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 10/11/90 S#: 425980
When Bernice goes off the deep end, Validar is only slightly surprised. He had hoped that his speech would help to put aside these feelings of grief. However, he realizes that not everyone here is as accustomed to the nature and effects of war, as he is.
He thinks of sending someone after her, but thinks better of it. Hopefully she was just blowing off steam and can work it out herself.
When Bernice returns, Validar feels as though his earlier thoughts were true until he sees the foul look about the halfling. Validar takes on his most serious look and tone as he speaks to Bernice, ignoring her fiery stare.
"Of course I am concerned over the fate of our comrades. However, we are in no position to help them when we do not even know where any of them are. With that being the case and our resources limited as they are, I have decided that I have to look out for those of us who are here, now.
"If we go out chasing after shadows, we simply will be setting ourselves up to be attacked by the Hextorite camp. I simply cannot take that chance."
"Besides, I know each of our comrades rather well and have the utmost confidence in each one's ability to not only escape our enemies but remain free active. I realize that they may not be in the best of situations, but I believe their abilities will sustain them.
"Given everything, we simply have no choice but to continue with our present course of action. I trust you agree with me when you think about it rationally?"
"Do not worry yourself overly, Claudius. I have gotten used to being underestimated with the Seekers. I seem to have to prove myself to each newcomer to join our ranks."
"I have not problem with attempting to contact Gateway's leaders, or at worst, trying to rally their troops myself. I should have not trouble being recognized as both my tabard and shield bear my coat of arms. That and certain things I know should prove my identity soundly."
SUBJ: VALIDAR - back in the real (R) FROM: Panther13 10/11/90 S#: 448426
Upon seeing the dead cleric back to life, a nasty sneer fills his face.
"Then I shall have the supreme pleasure of killing you again, you soulless snotbag!"
Validar leaps upon the saddle of his warhorse, Havok, slamming down the visor on his helm and ripping his enchanted blade from the scabbard at his side. He points his blade at the head cleric, shouting orders.
"Claudius! Fire a magic missile at that dog to prevent him casting spells! Then use that captured wand! Everyone else, attack like your life depends on it!"
Validar will then spur his mount forward, urging it to trample any foes in their way, while cutting a path through the advancing goblins, on his way to the cleric.
"I am coming for you, you craven cur! We shall see which of us shall first die for the second time!"
Spectrum's Comments: Here's the most famous of battle cries first appeared-- Soulless Snotbag! Naturally, the gang couldn't just let that one pass without comment.
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 10/12/90 S#: 99592
::spinning around to ascertain the forces surrounding us.::
If no one is within melee range I will draw my bow and fire at the cleric, if there are enemies within the hand to hand range I will draw long sword and dagger and start a swinging
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 10/12/90 S#: 409850
As Validar and Stephanie rush towards their tormentors, their paths become inexplicably clearer-- it seems that several of the goblins in the area between Protagonist and Antagonist have found a poor time to be derelict in their duties and have fallen *ASLEEP*! It would serve them right for their ill-timed napping if they were trampled by Validar's steed or beheaded by Steph in her passing.
The poor unfortunate goblins seem to have problems all over, however, for seemingly out of nowhere, a huge *WEB* shimmers into being all around them, anchored in the close-growing trees, and binding many of them fast!
A few moments later, insult is added to injury when an elf appears in the trees above the web and sets it afire with his *BURNING HANDS*! What a merry blaze their final pyre makes! What a fine accompaniment to the slaughter is the chorus of their screams!
But what is this? His companions on the ground are having difficulty! With a fierce and joyous war cry, the Elf descends to join them, and guard their backs against the Giants. As he hacks his way to them through the remnants of the goblin rag tags, his steel-blue eyes shine in the fading light of dusk. He cries out in greeting:
"Hail, and well-met, fellow Seekers! Let us bathe our reunion in the blood of our enemies! Steph, so good to see you again, my love! I dedicate these goblins to you!"
He looks with no small respect on the no-doubt large damage wrought by the small ones with their wands. "Fine job, folks! And you too, Blod and Bernie! Well-met, I say!"
But, for all the forced joviality, all can see that he is intensely relieved at rejoining his companions at last. And there is perhaps just a little more control to his actions than was his want only a few days ago, and that he eyes the giants with a worried eye. Perhaps our hero has changed a little with the time alone. Perhaps he has learned a little more...care?
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 10/12/90 S#: 421551
First memorized spells:
1st: Mount, Chill Touch, Sleep (*2)
2nd: Melf's Acid Arrow (*3)
***************************************
Now on to the current scene:
Upon ending the effect of the wand and finding us surrounded, I immediately reach for Blod. When I hear what the enemy cleric has to say, I let go of Blod and let my first sleep spell go so as to open an escape route for us if it comes to that. I will then use the new wand (The one I have no idea of what it does, great time to test it. :D) and point it at the hill giants and let it loose. If it has a beneficial effect, I will continue to use it. If the benefit is minor or doesn't appear to be of any help at all, I will let my other sleep spell go off wherever there is a large group of fighting goblins. If Blod is in any danger, at least in my mind, I will immediately begin throwing my acid arrows to assist him.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 10/13/90 S#: 521467
At some point in the melee, Finrod pauses for a moment, as if he has just found something to think about.
"Soul-less Snotbag??" he mutters, giving a look of disbelief.
Then he shrugs and returns to the slaughter.
:)
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 10/13/90 S#: 111765
Contrary to orders, the first thing the mage does is raise the Wand of Fear, in order to scare away a number of the goblins, if nothing else.
However, Webbing starts going off, and Claudius decides that the wand can wait. "The paladin's psychic..", the mage mutters as be begins to chant.
After *magic missiling the cleric, preferably while he's trying to cast something, he'll switch to the wand. He will try to maneuver so as to get the most people in the lightning bolt wand's line of fire, within the following priority.
1- cleric
2- fighter
3- giants
4- goblins
He will avoid firing on party members unless the greater good can be gained by it. For example, it four giants and one 'member happen to be in a straight line, then...
If engaged, he will react as follows:
(By goblins)
*Chill Touch* one, *Magic Missile* a second, and hope some warrior is coming over to help.
If this doesn't work, or the situation is desperate (say 25% strength), then he will get the fear wand back, dropping the LBolt wand if necessary, and go for maximum effect.
(By other)
Immediate Lightning Bolt, maximum effect, dropping/picking up wands as needed.
If Validar orders a retreat, or it becomes obvious that it's time to leave, Claudius will look for an escape path. If none present themselves, he will make one...with the wand.
(I HATE being ambushed!)
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 10/14/90 S#: 397857
Claudius also pauses for a second as he listens to one of the more interesting battle cries in history:
"Soulless snot-bag?", he asks himself, puzzled. He also shrugs, muttering to himself: "What do you expect of the nobility?"
;)
SUBJ: Stephanie
Steph is just as surprised as everyone else to find the enemy waiting on our doorstep! The sight of the cleric and the fighter has her truly puzzled!
But more surprises come when Finrod suddenly appears in our midst!
"Fin your alive!!"
Spurring her horse on, following Validar, I make for the fighter removing any goblins in the way.
"You make a loud boast, warrior! I slew you once, now I shall do so again!"
With a loud growl, Steph will leap to engage the fighter. Not quite as good as 'soulless snotbag', but I wouldn't want to top that!
SUBJ: Bernie FROM: Merri2 10/16/90 S#: 43010
Bernice sniffles a bit while Validar lectures her, (yes, lectures Validar) ;) she understands but doesn't have to like it. Not knowing where Araduin is, her heart is still broken.
At the ambush site, Bernice screams at the sight of all those goblins, the cleric, etc. Fighting the urge to hide behind someone bigger, she'll fight with her short sword, trying to clear a path out for herself. "VALIDAR! We are just trying to get away, right? ....RIGHT VALIDAR?!"
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 10/17/90 S#: 47095
Upon arriving and seeing the nicely planned ambush, Blod reaches for Zynara. When the cleric speaks, Blod loses any surprise he might have felt and draws his mighty Sword. He will try to urge Zynara to go along the path Val and Steph clear. If anything tries to stop them, he will try to cleave them. Thinking a moment, (and feeling some discomfort for the effort) he cries, "Take that, you spineless Booger face!!!". Blod then grimaces, knowing he can never top "Soulless snot-bag."
:DDD
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: Surrounded, the Seekers battle for their lives!