The Frontier #81
After a week full on interesting discussions, the Seekers are prepared to depart Gateway once more. Two months have passed since they last entered the wilderness.
Armon handles the purchasing, buy 10 days of supplies for the group. On the day of departure, Pad shows up with more supplies, 18 days more to be precise. With a train of 9 mules in tow, the Seekers head out into the Frontier.
The group heads due west of the city down the an Old Keln road. The road is lined with stone, but the weeds have reclaimed much of it. Your destination is the ruined city where the Seekers defeated a green dragon, 230 miles distant.
[The ruins are at coordinates 0,23 for those who made a map as described in the data file.]
During the morning the group rides through the lands the Hextorites held during the siege. The area is mostly barren, but here and there are patches of new grass.
Most of the day passes without incident. Towards evening, while you are preparing to make camp, those with sharper hearing hear noise from the underbrush. It sounds like something or someone is moving around in there. What you cannot tell.
GM Notes:
After the purchases, the group account stands at 35,520 gp.
I also need spell lists from Armon and Finrod ASAP!
And what is moving around out there??
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Blod 02/28/91 S#: 398416
Thanks for reminding me Mad, I had forgotten about that purchase. I still wish to make my own Long Bow and arrows, though, just to keep in practice with my Non-wep. prof's.
When I finish my long bow, I will offer my other one to Vonte. If he does not need it, then I will offer it to anyone else in the party who needs or wants it.
Standing protectively besides Zynara, Blod will face Validar, saying, "If Zynny wishes to use or give up the Rod, that will be HER decision, friend. She will not be bullied into anything, as long as there is a breath in my body. The wand was given to her freely and, by right, it is hers to use freely. As for finding and securing a camp, sleeping out of doors, and other activities of adventuring, we were doing that when we didn't have the Rod, and I kinda miss it. I think we are getting a little soft and need this to get back into shape." Blod will keep his tone friendly but will not move from besides Zynara.
SUBJ: Thundron (R) FROM: Dark2 02/28/91 S#: 796988
After hearing the noise from the bushes, I begin to scout around the camp looking for footprints and trying to tell what exactly is moving. Also, I have my wolf sniff the creature out and wait next to it until I have figured out exactly what is moving there.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 02/28/91 S#: 844657
Being busy helping to care for the pack animals, Pad doesn't hear the noises. However, he is an old enough hand at adventuring to spot the change to heightened alertness that shortly comes over those who have heard it. Looking over at Validar, he calmly says, "Do you have any preferences in how this is handled? Do you prefer identifying the pieces after the fact? Or would you like to launch a less lethal first strike? Or perhaps you'd like to hold the 'moral igh ground' and let it attack us first? I'm willing to go about it any way you like."
Pad begins mentally running through his various options for death, dismemberment, and restraint of the skulking whatever, as he awaits a reply.
SUBJ: Wand and such (R) FROM: Zynara 02/28/91 S#: 847257
When Validar gives his little talk about the wand, I listen and let everyone else get their words in then when a break presents itself, "Validar. I may have misunderstood but didn't you say we are going into the heart of Hextorite country? Do you think it will take us less then 9 days to get in and destroy them? Well, if I am wrong, then let us use the wand and make this jaunt as comfortable as possible. But on the other hand, we will need the rest when we get into enemy territory. As long as we are harassing any enemy, then we shouldn't worry about finding an ambush very time we use the wand. I am not challenging your right to lead us but bringing these points out, I am just presenting my view. If you wish for me to use the wand, I have no problem in doing so. I also have no problem of pulling guard duty if you so decide. Just know that the more you work me, the less time I have for relearning my spells. The less I relearn, the less power I have available. The less power I have, the less likely I will be much use in a fight. So what is your wish?"
If Validar wishes for me to use the wand on the trip, I will use it. I won't ask for another magical item in exchange but I won't turn it down either. On the trip, I will keep close to Blod and do as Validar directs me since I am a mage, not a tactician.
SUBJ: Vonte FROM: Vonte 02/28/91 S#: 822146
Regarding the noise in the brush:
I will draw my longsword, and prepare to defend myself and the party, if we are attacked.
::I prefer to wait and see what is exactly in the brush. No need to kill something that doesn't mean any harm.::
::since some creatures are timid and not vicious, lurking in the bushes is not a sign of hostility-necessarily::
*******
before we reach camp:
"Blod, my friend, I will gratiously accept your old Long Bow, if it still will fire an arrow straight and true, it is a great gift"
"Thank You!, and my the blessings of Ehlonna go with you!!!"
********
Gm Mad- does my half-elven infravision detect the general shape of the creature??? Humanoid-animal-mule?-etc.?? "didn't we decide a half-elf for a race for me???
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 03/01/91 S#: 474530
Backtracking a bit:
Validar will listen to the arguments presented, growing more perplexed with some of the Seekers attitudes:
"I will get back to you, Padraig, in a second. But first, Blod, I never stated that I was TAKING the wand from your wife. Padraig is putting words into my mouth. I said that since the Rod of Security is for all intents and purposes an item which is more beneficial for the group as a whole rather than one individual person that if she were willing to "trade" the Rod for something else she would not be in a position to be using HER item for everyone's benefit. That would not seem fair to me and that is why I suggested she "hand it over", so to speak. I have no indication of forcing anyone to do anything against their will, and was trying to resolve that without a confrontation. That is what I said, so
calm yourself."
"Now, as for your tone, Padraig, I must state that I do INDEED find the less than democratic stating of your opinion to be offensive. I value EVERY member's opinions, provided that they are not thrust upon me. Perhaps you are used to doing things differently in the world in which you come from."
"Let me begin to state that since Zynara has graciously offered to transfer this item over to the group's use, I will indeed grant her that extra magic item. Zynara, you have but to claim it at any time you choose. Now, I must disagree with the thought that keeping this Rod with 30-odd charges in it to be necessary. I realize that the need for emergency aid or escape may be necessary and am not throwing that away. The Rod will still have charges when this expedition is over."
"However, if we are forced to use more than two or three charges from this wand, then that will mean that this group has no business being in the War. We would simply be in over our heads, since the Rod is only usable as tactical tool in an emergency situation."
"Since some of you might think that that last statement was not true, then allow me to present my case. When we travel into Keln, we will be a large group in an enemy territory regardless of whether we take extra mules and supplies or not. Any group who may be expecting us will certainly have no trouble finding us either with or without the larger party. Therefore there is no benefit gained in using the wand every night during the war."
"Also, if we were to go to this pocket dimension, then we would be effectively blind to what is going on around us, while in a conventional camp, we have a better opportunity to recognize an enemy in our area whether large in number or a single entity."
"With this in mind, and the fact that the Hextorites will know we are coming, we can assume that those in command will know our basic whereabouts sometime after we leave Gateway."
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 03/01/91 S#: 500524
"If we think otherwise, we are only fooling ourselves. Therefore, it would be a simple matter to recognize what we would be doing in using this wand and set up an ambush that would obliterate our entire party before we knew what hit us. Afterall, they set a crude, but nearly effective ambush up during our liberation of Gateway and could certainly improve upon that thought with some planning. Even if we were on complete guard with every precaution devisable, we could be killed in one careful stroke. With that in mind, we are NOT using the Rod in our trip into and through Keln, except in emergencies. That is why I said that the Rod has little value beyond the need to reserve a few charges for emergency situations."
"With that in mind, there is no reason NOT to use the Rod now, since it will not be used for much later. And as Zynara stated, the convenience IS worth it. We have the power; we should use it. Magic is like money. Until you use it, it has no real worth. I see no reason to conserve this item, when it can protect us along the way and allow us to conduct this last expedition in relative peace and give everyone some comfort along the way."
"Now, as far as offering to use your own money to buy these mules, I am not cheap and I resent any possibility that you may be suggesting such. Therefore, your offer to pay for these mules is respectfully declined. Especially since they will not be needed!"
"On top of things, we do not have a cleric in the party who is capable of casting Create Food & Water. I would thank you to take a little more time to understand the full scope of the situation before placing an apparently uncompromising viewpoint before me in the future. I realize that you may be new to this world and are used to adventuring with a different group, but we do things the way we do them here. Individual initiative is something I respect, but I am offended by your manner and tone."
"When I took over the leadership of the Seekers, I went out of my way to be as diplomatic as possible and not offend anyone. I am the son of a Baron and am used to giving orders and having them followed without question. Therefore, I made a conscious effort to not do that with my friends and companions. But the simple fact of the matter is that everyone agreed that I was making correct decisions, taking into account everyone's point of view. With that in mind, I am going to continue to do such. I expect all members to make their feelings known, but not to go about changing everything to fit their individual tastes once a decision is made. I will constantly try to keep everyone's concerns in mind at all times, but usually it is not possible to make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, as the saying goes."
"Therefore, the decision stands. Since Zynara has been gracious enough to turn the Rod over to the Seekers as a group,....
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 03/01/91 S#: 489190
...we WILL be using the ROD for this trip. The matter is settled." So Padraig will either have to return the mules or leave them behind. We won't need them.
To Zynara, aside:
"I apologize for my sarcastic tone in referring to you learning spells and doing guard duty and such. I was simply trying to make a point. Everyone in this group is extremely valuable and I would not do anything to demean anyone or diminish their effectiveness. I trust you have taken no offense."
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 03/01/91 S#: 489176
As far as the new situation is concerned:
"Let us stay our hand for a moment and be prepared for anything. Vonte has a point, it may not be hostile, but simple wildlife. Then again, it may not. Let us try and flush it out with the idea of either scaring it away, or catching it between two groups of us."
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 03/01/91 S#: 431186
Armon sits near the edge of the campsite, silently mulling over appropriate words for a new song. However, his trained ears don't miss the disturbance in the brush, and his hands are soon wrapped around one of his dependable daggers. The bard takes in the situation, and if he feels it feasible, will disappear beyond the perimeter of the camp, circling around to 'see what he can see'. However, if he feels he can't safely achieve this, he'll simply stay his ground, gripping the dagger and watching for instructions. If directly endangered with no options.... he'll make a break in ANY direction that offers safety- not abandoning the Seekers, just not sacrificing his neck, either.
Mail From: Omni Tuens Date: Friday 1-Mar-91 00:29 EST
Ze Spell List
-------------
Friends
Phantasmal Force
SUBJ: FINROD (Sort of) (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 03/01/91 S#: 438004
GM Mad: With me still separated from Fin's Charsheet by 800 or so miles, I cannot provide you the listing of his spells that you require... however, with the war now over I should soon be back in my civilian residence, with my civilian scedule, and will send the info ASAP.
The Elven Mercenary Multiclass is rather perturbed by all these new arrivals making such a fuss over Val's decisions. He steps forward from Steph's side and speaks up in his well-measured, militarily crisp tones.
"Alright, folks, listen up!"
"When this band got its start, we went through some rapid changes in leaders and leadership styles. The one that we ended up with was Validar's. He is not always right, but he IS always open and fair. I have found that most of the time, if I have a good, well-thought-out plan, it gets used, sometimes in unaltered form. You need to trust the man's judgment. For all that he is a Nobleman,"(and the disdain for nobles is plain in his voice), "Validar is intelligent, well-trained, and withal a fine warrior. He has earned my respect and backing. Further: I wholeheartedly agree with him that when the WAR starts anew, the Rod of Security will be of little or no value to our military endeavors. It can, however, serve the strategic function of allowing us to make this little jaunt while preserving our well-rested condition. It is prudent to do so. I for one would keep the Rod unused in any case, saving the charges for a lifetime of emergencies...however, my lifetime is substantially more than any of yours, and I respect the Human perspective that Val brings. If he wishes it used, and Zynara is willing to trade it for a future, no doubt more personally useful, item, then I will not gainsay it. He is the leader, and something so petty as this is not the thing to be arguing with him on. Save your breath for important arguments."
"Paddy, you bring with you many strange and new magicks, but do not forget that you represent but a fraction of our total capabilities. Indeed, we got along fine without you, and while it is nice to have you with us, and we look forward to developing friendship and camaraderie with you, at this time you have yet to earn any place in our hearts or respect in our counsels. You are free to seek other companions here in the Frontier. If you choose to stay, then kindly put forth the effort to fit in, not mould the group about yourself."
SUBJ: More Finrod (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 03/01/91 S#: 403249
When the unknown critter is heard thrashing about in the underbrush, The Elven Steel-worshiper glances quickly to Validar for orders. When Val says to try to flush the thing out and catch it between two groups, Finrod quickly beckons to his closest pals Bernice, Claudius, Arocken and his Wife Stephanie to follow him...
The little band sets off in a wide arc to circle around to the far side of the disturbance in the brush, then spreads out about double-arms intervals and moves back toward the main group. With luck, the mystery being will move away from this group of beaters and toward the main body back in the camp. Either way, both groups should soon have visual on each other and on the intruder.
(Hopefully, Bernie, Arocken, and Claud will join the Beaters, as invited) :)
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 03/01/91 S#: 427038
Arocken notices the noise disturbing the forest; he rarely missed anything that happens in and around the forest for that matter. The Elven Ranger grabs his long sword and matching broadsword and follows Finrod into the forest performing the quick sweep intended to bring the beastie out into the open.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 03/01/91 S#: 478221
Well, if we can assume the tail end of the Rod conversation happened before we left the city, Padraig would never have gone out and got the mules. Pad accepts the decided course of action as soon as Zynara concedes the Rod back to the party.
Speaking to Validar at the close of the argument he says, "My apologies, Sir Validar. My tone was indeed not as polite as it could have been. However, in my own defense, let me say that I reacted to your comments in the manner I did because I interpreted in them much the same stance you ascribed to my words."
"I did not mean to sound as if I were attempting to impose my will. I was stating my own opinion and standing up for Zynara's right to use her own item as she wished. Perhaps the language was a bit forceful, but the old adage about a redhead's temper does apply with me, I'm afraid."
"Perhaps we both need to spend some time studying under a diplomat, so we can avoid further misunderstandings of the tone and content of our words."
Turning to Finrod, "Again, my apologies if you saw my actions as an attempt to usurp the leadership of this party. I'll tell you now that I have no desire to step into Validar's boots. The time will probably come when I feel the need to return to my home. My sense of duty would not allow me to take a leader's role in a group I may 'abandon' at some future time."
"I ask only that my counsel be received with an open ear. When I speak, I will generally produce a full-blown course of action which I believe should be followed. That does not mean I will ignore what the party decides to do. It is just the most logical way to present things."
"I am quite willing to work as part of a team, I have been doing so all my life. Despite my great power in the Arts, I know I cannot survive alone."
"However, I doubt I can summon the restraint not to make my opinions heard until some future time when you've decided that I have proven myself and am worth listening to."
The tone of the last comment is self-deprecating with just the slightest hint of reproach underneath.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/01/91 S#: 478376
(Back to the current quandary)
After Validar makes his decision, Pad nods and says, "Fine, we shall see what the enemy is first and then deal with it as appropriate."
With a quick chant, Pad casts a Fly spell on himself. Zipping up to about 20 feet off the ground, he floats over the area in which the sounds were heard.
SUBJ: Claudius.. FROM: GM Falcon 03/02/91 S#: 825573
":mumble:", Claudius snaps from the sidelines of the Rod-skirmish.
When eyes turn, the young mage looks up. "Finrod is right, on both counts Validar. One- you are our leader, and we will follow you."
"Two, the rod should be saved. If things go badly we may very well use up our lifetime of emergencies, and things may very well go badly my friend. This war by no means is an instant Cynalon victory...we might even lose. Unpleasant, but something you should be prepared for, sir. You've made your choice, and I will accept it...but note my protest. It's a waste." He says this firmly.
When the skulker comes about Claudius will nod almost too eagerly at Finrod, then move out to help flush out the interloper.
SUBJ: FINROD again (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 03/02/91 S#: 835259
The Elven Mercenary seems somewhat mollified by Paddy's retraction... at least as mollified as he ever seems to be after an argument.
He looks the youth up and down carefully. "Perhaps," he opines, "it is just that you are come too quickly into the power you have... no doubt you will grow more reasonable after you get a couple more decades under your belt." The words are somewhat softened by a quirk of the lips, suggesting a smile that does not quite reach the cold cerulean eyes.
Later that evening, Fin hugs Steph in a way that suggests he is thankful for something, but whatever brought it on, he isn't talking.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/02/91 S#: 807198
Replying to Finrod's last statement with a laugh, "If I have as much luck in the future with Longevity potions as I have in the past, maybe I'll last long enough to develop an Elvish attitude. I'm not all that sure that would be a good thing, though."
GM Notes:
No tracks are noticed on or by the road. Thundron's wolf can smell the creature. The wolf seems to think that it is a normal forest creature of some type.
While Fin and his Beaters circle around, Pad casts Fly on himself. He floats over the brush. Upon seeing the creature, he smiles to himself.
The Beaters nosily move through the forest behind the creature causing it to leap into the open by the roadside.
The mysterious intruder is a large, rodent like creature with sharp quills protruding from its body. Its 7 feet long about 4' high, not counting the quills.
Seeing everyone around it, it crouches defensively and hisses at everyone.
**************************************
Yes, it is a giant Porcupine! ;)
Also, based on the information I have, Vonte, you are human.
Spectrum's Comments: Sometimes you got to throw them a curve and provide an encounter of the non-lethal variety. Still it was kind of amusing seeing how they approached this encounter since I knew what it was.
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 03/02/91 S#: 816007
This is one argument that I'm going to sit out on. It seems like old times back when that nitwit druid was around. :D
I follow Fin as we move around the thing in the shrubs. When it is found to be a giant thing with quills, I look towards me hubby for guidance.
"Uh.... What is it? Is it dangerous?"
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 03/03/91 S#: 797774
"Dangerous, Darling? I daresay! To any who threaten or attack it, it is most dangerous! Those spikes serve as quite the effective defense, and, once riled, I have heard, they can even be ejected forcefully, and most accurately. Each quill being quite as large as a big dart or small javelin, they can no doubt do no small damage to a threatening party! I suggest that we leave of bothering it, and allow it to have it's way."
"Like the proverbial gorilla, I think it sits where-ever it pleases!" :)
SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 03/03/91 S#: 433248
Claudius begins to giggle with relief when the porcupine is flushed out, then his eyes soften into awe.
"Now..", he coos, "..you are a nice specimen aren't you.."
When the porcupine decides to be less than friendly, the mage will nod agreement with Finrod: "Let's leave it be. It hasn't harmed us...yet."
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/03/91 S#: 817453
Hovering 20' above the porcupine, Padraig calls down to the party, "Well, no reason to harm the wild life, but it does seem a bit edgy. Anyone got a Speak With Animals spell? If someone can't persuade it to go away peacefully, we'll have to do something about it."
Pad calls to mind a spell and prepares to cast it. At the first hostile action by the porcupine, he let's it have it.
SUBJ: Vonte 2 FROM: Vonte 03/03/91 S#: 820581
After seeing the porc. Leave the brush so fast I will laugh a bit. **Let's give this wonderful defense a wide birth, (say 30-40'), hopefully if it sees us back-off it will wander away.**
**********
GM Mad if the porc-o-quill will not wander off, I will imitate another porcupine hoping to lure it out of our camp.
*********
If this does not work, I would suggest luring it out with food or slowly driving it out of camp. and I mean Slowly!
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Sunday 3-Mar-91 04:16 EST
re:Frontier
Should the porcupine attack, Pad casts a Poly Others on it and turns it into a normal sized porcupine. (Less culture shock for the poor thing. ];> )
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 03/04/91 S#: 461150
Armon stares at the porcupine with delight, thrilled to see a new creature. He listens, then murmurs loud enough to be heard....
"I don't have anything that would let me talk to it...but I can spook it with a spell, if necessary."
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 03/05/91 S#: 850603
Arocken is clearly fascinated with the beast.
"Calm yourself big fella, we won't hurt you, you just surprise us is all. go on now everything will be fine."
Arocken will move slowly toward the creature, speaking soothing words trying to calm the beast down, and using his woodland skill convince it somehow that we will not harm it. If necessary I will throw food to it. Far enough away from the camp that it may wander away on its own after finishing. If it stays or attacks I will suggest
"We should move camp apparently we are near its lair and he is only defending it. I would be easier for us just to move on."
SUBJ: Thundron FROM: Dark2 03/05/91 S#: 845728
I smile as my faithful companion lets me know what exactly it is.
"Is that all? Well, I'm sure it means no harm to us. Probably just a frightened animal. I suggest that we all just go back to our business and it will go about its business."
As to the rod discussion, I would much prefer to go without, not being used to such comforts in the wild.
"Such comforts are of the weak spirit. This items gives me nothing I would want."
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 03/05/91 S#: 499874
Validar will relax his combative posture once the unknown creature reveals itself for what it is.
"I think that it will just move on if we leave it alone. If this giant version is nocturnal like its smaller cousins, then we may not be near its lair after all. We will not interfere with it anyway, since the Rod will take us away from our world. Effectively, we could make our "camp" right on the entrance to this large fellow's lair and it would never be the wiser."
"In any case, let us move away from it, not to cause it any more dismay and proceed to enter the Rod's dimensional pocket."
SUBJ: Guest (R) FROM: Zynara 03/06/91 S#: 802164
Zynara will respond to Val's personal comment as such, "Val, if I had taken offense of a comment you made, you would clearly know you angered a wizard. As is, I believe I understand how your leadership works. I do make one request on the wand tho. I would like to save at least two charges in it by the end of this next year's campaign. To do this, the wand will need to be monitored by someone who has the spells that can do such monitoring. Thank you."
When the porcupine comes out of the brush, I quickly get behind my husband. "Blod, that thing doesn't look to friendly."
When the others start backing off, I will place my hand on Blod's shoulder and back off myself. If it attacks tho, I will launch acid arrows at it.
SUBJ: Vonte 3 (R) FROM: Vonte 03/06/91 S#: 421859
At seeing the awe some of the party is holding in regards to the porcupine...
"Haven't you guys ever seen a porcupine before???"
"It is one of Ehlonna finest creature! docile when left alone, but a vicious fighting/defending machine(mostly defending). It let's it's attacker do damage by advancing get to close and ZAP (said LOUDLY) instant pincushion!"
"As to the lair question, it is unlikely that we are close to it's home, but it is possible."
"Therefore I would suggest either leaving this locale or going extra-dimensional with the wand, and we won't be bothered again until we want to be.(acting as if I know the intricies of dimensional spaces[which I don't])"
"But the decision is yours..."
***Back to the porcupine awe...***
"You guys and girls (sorry about not including girls with the last "guys") need to get out in the fresh air more often, and see exactly what it is that Ehlonna is protecting!"
::gotta get the Ehlonna plug in::
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/06/91 S#: 444921
"Vonte, I don't claim to be well versed in the gods of this world, but this Ehlonna sounds vaguely druidical in outlook. I'd like to point out that porcupines do not naturally grow this large, at least not where I'm from. Given that, I'd say this creature might be outside the scope of a druidical church's protection. Just because it lives in the woods, it isn't de facto a natural woodland creature."
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Seekers encounter something a little bit more dangerous than a giant porcupine.