Spectrum's Comments: Out in the wilds of the old Keln Imperium, the Seekers have come across a giant porcupine.
The Frontier #82
While preparing to set up camp, the Seekers are visited by a giant porcupine.
Arocken moves closer, using his ranger talent to calm animals. It seems to be working as the creature ceases hissing.
Seeing everyone else back away, the now calmed porcupine turns and rambles off into the forest.
The Rod is used and everyone finds themselves in a grove of fruit bearing trees. A small stream of clear water runs through the grove. The grass is high and clean. The temperature is comfortable.
The next three days pass without incident. Late in the 4th day of your journey, the rangers notice something disturbing. The sounds of the forest are gone.
No birds are seen or heard. No small animals not even tracks. Just an eerie silence. Next morning you resume your journey. A few hours after setting out, the strange silence is broken by a rumbling sound. You feel something is moving in the ground underneath you!
The ground explodes underneath one of the mules and a strange creature appears. It is very large, (9' tall, 12' long) and resembles something like a cross between a snapping turtle and an armadillo. The mule quickly disappears into its huge maw.
A second creature appears underneath Blod and quickly makes a bloody mess of his horse. One of the creatures claws rakes Blod himself, drawing blood from the fighter.
GM Notes:
It is midmorning on the 5th day of your journey, and you have landsharks on your heels! ;)
The mule and Blod's mount are dead.
Hit Points:
Blod 22 of 36
Spectrum's Comments: I did promise something a lot more dangerous would turn up!
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Thursday 7-Mar-91 22:10 EST re: Frontier
Well, this was a vicious enough encounter to pull out the big guns. The first spell I cast is a Cone of Cold. If for some peculiar reason I cannot get the cone off without clipping someone, I'll abort to the Polymorph Others that I had planned for the other one. The end result for the Polymorph is a sheep. ];>
I think next time around you can post my full stats. ];>
SUBJ: Vonte 1 FROM: Vonte 03/07/91 S#: 401952
After recoiling from the surprise of the swift and vicious attack, I will cast my Entangle spell at the creature not attacking Blod(hopefully it will affect both of the creatures!): Then I will draw my long bow and launch arrows at the creature not attacking Blod(I don't want a stray shot to hit Blod). Hopefully the entangle will immobilize the one.(at least slow it down)
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/07/91 S#: 851209
Turning around, Pad faces the landshark that just ate the mule. Before anyone has a chance to close to melee it, he chants a spell. He angles his hand so the spell will miss any nearby party members and as many of the pack animals as possible. A cone of blue-white light springs out from his hand and engulfs the landshark. If the creature is still moving after that, Pad will pump a Magic Missile or two into it to finish it off.
Once the mule-eater is dead, he'll turn to see how the battle is going with the second critter. If it hasn't died under the assault of the other party members by that time, he will call up the spell he had planned to use on the giant porcupine and blast it.
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 03/07/91 S#: 438064
Riding along, wondering about the lack of small forest creatures, Blod is caught completely off guard by the landsharks.
"What the...", Blod exclaims in surprise as his horse is reduced to pulp and he is left in the dirt, bleeding. He draws his mighty sword and attacks the landshark, blood dripping from his wound and fury on his face.
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 03/08/91 S#: 421992
Mercy stares around as the ground begins to rumble. "What's that?" As Blod's horse is reduce to pulp Mercy will dismount and engage the creature with his Morning Star. He will send Bright Eyes to damage the creature's eyes if possible. "What is that?!", he yells as he begins to beat the creature.
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 03/08/91 S#: 407959
The bard quickly dismounts his horse and draws his sword, trying his best not to feel totally vulnerable. If Armon or someone near him is threatened by a landshark, he'll use his bastard sword to carve it up. Otherwise, he'll stay content not joining the mule and horse, as swordplay is not his specialty. The young man keeps his eyes and ears alert for any other of the creatures approaching.
"Reduced to pulp seems to be the catch phrase here..."
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 03/09/91 S#: 432977
"Only two?", the mage sneered scornfully, looking at his foes coldly. Chanting in an unknown tongue, two scalding balls of white fire leave his hands at right angles, scoring direct hits! His foes fell to the dust. Then the mage turned triumphantly, and..."
---------------------------------------
"Wake up!", a loud voice called. Claudius opened his eyes sleepily to see Finrod looking down with some concern. "Sun's up!", the elf calls cheerfully. "Are you coming?"
Grumbling something about ruined dreams, the mage slowly rises, and memorizes his spells.
A few hours later, the party is rudely interrupted by land-sharks. Almost as if on cue, the mage dismounts and starts chanting in a strange tongue:
Nothing happens.
Cursing LOUDLY about dreams, loudly and vociferously enough to make some of the lasses blush, he tries again and *magic missiles* the one that Pad is *not* taking care of.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 03/09/91 S#: 845619
Seeing the surprise attack from the landshark commence, Validar will spring to combat readiness in mere moments, using the skills and instincts honed by a lifetime of combat training.
Validar and his mount, Havok, are flurries of motion as the armored warrior quickly places on his great helm and snaps down the visor. He readies his shield and lowers his lance, before spurring his war-horse to charge the landshark that attacked our comrade Blod.
If the bizarre beast is not yet dead, or driven off, by the completion of this charging thrust, Validar will drop the lance and turn to his enchanted blade to carry him to the attack, still mounted.
SUBJ: Stephanie - "Here we go again..."
Seeing the monster attack Blod, I leap off of Thunder and give him a slap to run off to safety. Drawing me sword I rush Blod's attacker.
"Hang on, Blod! Help is on the way!"
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 03/10/91 S#: 841457
When the first creature comes up and grabs the mule, I start thinking of what spell I would like to use on it. When the second one comes up under Blod, I quickly dismount yelling, "BLOD!" After that short yell, I let loose with my Flame Arrow spell. If that doesn't draw its attention from Blod, I will cast my Enlarge spell on Blod then go to launching my acid arrows at the creature.
***************************************
Backing up to the morning of the encounter with the land sharks...
I awake not feeling well. My stomach seems to be upset. The sight of food sends me off to one side to vomit. I skip breakfast. Later that morning, I am able to take a few bights of breakfast and keep it down. Unfortunately, it doesn't sit well so I don't each much.
Spectrum's Comments: Looks like some one is expecting...
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 03/10/91 S#: 524223
"I don't like the feeling of this, everything is just to quiet"
::Enter Land sharks::
Arocken will fire 2 arrows at one of the beast then move in with his long and broad swords.
SUBJ: thengor FROM: Firestrike 03/11/91 S#: 839421
i will dismount and attack the shark that got blods horse with my battle axe giving my dwarf battle cry "Clanggedin may my axe run true".
SUBJ: Thundron FROM: Dark2 03/12/91 S#: 447252
"Beast, you upset the balance of the forest. You shall be vanquished!!"
I draw both swords and my wolf and I go on the offensive, taking it down with a flurry of steel and teeth.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 03/13/91 S#: 428621
Finrod casts a quick ENLARGE spell on his beloved Stephanie, then sits back to enjoy the fun...
If the landsharks begin to get the upper hand, He will step in with Sacred Steel flashing. Likewise in the event that any more show up.
But as it is, there seem to be plenty of attackers for each beastie, and Fin has been in a lazy mood of late, anyway. ;)
So, he treats this event as though it had been created for his own amusement.
Go get 'em Steph! :)
The Frontier #83
The Seekers attack the Landsharks. Mercy sends Bright Eyes, his pet owl, to try and attack the shark's eyes. The owl is too frightened of the beast to mount any serious threat.
Claudius hits the one near Blod with a Magic Missile. Arocken fires a pair of arrows, but they bounce harmlessly off its thick hide. Thundron's wolf leaps up and tries to bite the shark, but again its hide is too thick to allow penetration.
Stephanie runs in with her Flame Tongue drawn. She hits twice causing the beast to scream in pain. Enraged, the shark leaps at her, raking Steph with its claws. Its huge mouth nearly bites her in two!
Mercy misses with his morningstar. Blod draws his sword and attacks the shark. He drives his blade deep into the beast and it dies.
Seeing this one shark go down, everyone turns his or her attention to the one in the rear. Zynara unleashes her Flame Arrow at this shark, hurting it with fire.
Vonte casts an Entangle, but it doesn't slow the shark down much. The last two mules are rooted into place. [Only weeds are available on the road for Entangle purposes. They are not strong or long enough to hold such a large creature.]
Pad casts his Cone of Cold, frosting the shark.
Still up, the shark leaps at Pad. Its claws and teeth rake the mage, but strangely enough he shows no wounds. [Not yet, anyway! ;>]
Validar gallops in with his lance. He harpoons the landshark, snapping it in the process. The shark moves for a few seconds and then collapses to the road. Thundron and Thengor add a few blows to make sure it is truly dead.
GM Notes:
Now that wasn't too bad. ;)
Pad, 3 levels of your Stoneskin are gone.
Hit Points:
Blod 22 of 36
Stephanie 15 of 60
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 03/14/91 S#: 833078
DON'T HAVE ENLARGE IN MY SPELLBOOK??!!
What, Here I am, sitting in Fort Bragg, hundreds of miles from Fin's Char sheet, trying to help out the brave boys who are doing the real work of defending our nation's interests, unable to take part in the rapid and free exchanges of spells the rest of the mages are indulging in, and you want to give me a hassle just 'cause I try to cast a spell I don't know? How Picky! Harumph!
(All this said in a teasing tone, I hope you realize... sorry, I didn't know that Fin couldn't cast Enlarge... an oversight I shall have to correct.)
:)
***************************************
Fin is so startled by the sudden appearance of the Landsharks that he attempts to cast a spell he had not memorized... the brainlock caused by this leaves him paralyzed for the duration of the combat.
Horrified, he watches as his beloved wife is minced by the Shark! He rushes forward, too late to defend her side as the shark dies a bloody death. Quickly he seats her and begins to tend her wounds. Once they are bound, and the bleeding slowed, he will look around.
"Where is that sniveling wuss of a cleric?! After he created such a wimpy pacifistic row over not wanting to kill the enemy, why isn't he tending the wounded that need his skills? Ho! You there, Volante, or whatever your name is... this woman is hurt! You will tend her at once!"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/13/91 S#: 457065
Brushing off his robe, "Well, that was easy enough. But, now it's time for the hard part. If I recall correctly, these plates around their heads are quite valuable. A skilled craftsman can turn them into magical shields. We only have to slice them off."
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 03/14/91 S#: 467370
My triumph from hitting the giant-thingee with Thunder is short lived. I see a flash of teeth and claws and then blood everywhere.
The next thing I know, I'm laying on the ground. "Ow" is about the only thing I can say.
The fighting seems to be over but I can't tell for sure. Everything is hazy around me. I see Finrod over me, working diligently with bandages. "Hi" I say, seemingly unaware of what is really going on.
"You should pick on Vonte like that, Fin. He's just different from the rest of us. I feel sleepy."
My eyes close and I drift off to sleep, unaware of the pain in my body.
SUBJ: Vonte 1 FROM: Vonte 03/14/91 S#: 790922
:I will first attend to Stephanie's wounds, checking the bindings applied by Finrod, then once the bandages are checked, Casting a CLW.
::looking to Finrod::
I helped her because she is my friend, NOT because of your orders. I assist because it is my calling, NOT because of threats.
I understand your pain in the realization that your "attempted" spell did not save her from the attack, I too am regretful that my spell did not prevent the damage she sustained, but now, after the battle, is my time to help the injured, and I would hope you will not hinder my attempts by getting in my way. I do not get underfoot when you do your thing, so allow me to do what I do best!
I am not a great fighter like our leader Validar, nor am I a great spell-caster like Padraig, but I have my strong points and I DO have a place in this party, whether you like it or not. I admit we have our difference of opinion, but there is no need for insults, and I believe we can work together, peacefully, for the benefit of Ehlonna and the Party. When I first came to this group, the party agreed to my joining, So if there is a question as to my value to "The Seekers" It should be a question put to the group as a whole, and not one man's damnation.
::once I am sure Stephanie is not in any danger caused by her wounds, I will return to Finrod::
As to my attitudes regarding Defend first, Attack second, I will fight to the death to defend the Will of Ehlonna and Friends, but to kill for the fun of it, that is not my style. Finrod, you have your style and attitudes, I do not deny you your right to feel and act as you see fit, I only wish you would allow me that same right. (without constant insults and threats).
Sometimes a timely retreat is in order, but it is difficult to flee from something that knows of your presence (because you went up and kicked it), That is why I believe find out what you are fighting before you kill it. What men do to men is not my concern until, innocent forest dwellers are brought into the conflict without having an injustice first.
::I will stand up and face Finrod::
"Is it possible for a truce between us? With us bickering all the time must put unneeded stress upon the party, and impedes us from doing our jobs. TRUCE???"
(extends hand to shake Finrod's in agreement for the truce)
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 03/14/91 S#: 506656
The 'heroic' bard isn't exactly proud of his less than vital role in the battle, but doesn't let it get to him. He looks on with concern at those that were wounded, but realizes he would do more harm than good if he tried to tend them. So, he turns his thoughts elsewhere, and listens to Padraig's words of the valuable plates.
"You say these things are valuable? They don't look like they'd be too comfortable as armor goes. All we have to do is pry them off, eh? By all means, show me how to, and I'll assist you, mage."
Armon pokes at one of the dead beasts incredulously with his bastard sword.
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 03/15/91 S#: 825132
After his idiotic show of wisdom in combat, Mercy will tend to the wounded. "At least I know I won't do anything stupid healing people."
When all wounded are tended, Mercy gathers Bright Eyes in his hands "What a foolish thought I had to send you to fight that armored monstrosity. I hope you can forgive little one."
SUBJ: Thundron FROM: Dark2 03/15/91 S#: 826225
"Well, that was easy enough. Hopefully, there aren't any more of them.!"
I walk over to where the Vonte is having his discussion with Fin.
"Hey, Fin, lay off him! Vonte, most noble priest of Ehlonna is performing his abilities with great skill and I see no reason for you to slight him."
::wolf growls at Fin::
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 03/17/91 S#: 843158
Once the landsharks are destroyed, Validar will make a quick estimation of the situation. Confident that no further danger is forthcoming and that no one was gravely injured, save the horse and mule, Validar will sheath his weapons and remove his helm.
"We will take the time to ready ourselves for travel once more. Once any healing that is too be done is completed and everyone is finished fooling around with the dead landshark, we shall continue on our way. Blod, I trust that you and your wife will not mind pairing up for the rest of this trip?"
Having simply stated that, Validar will wait until the Seekers are ready to begin travel again and once more take the lead.
"Onward to bigger and better things."
SUBJ: Vonte 2 FROM: Vonte 03/17/91 S#: 427785
After taking a breather from the "discussion" with Finrod, and hearing of Validar wishing to move on.
"Validar, by your judgement how much longer will we be riding today, I have expended much magical power and am feeling a bit drained, hopefully our camp site will not be too far away."
*********
I feel a little helpless without my puny spells.
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 03/18/91 S#: 812530
When the last landshark goes down, I rush over to Blod, "Blod! Are you all right? Should I call over Vonte? Are you sure you can move?"
After Blod calms me down, I will look to see what equipment can be recovered from Blod's horse. If all his riding gear can be recovered, I will use my Mount spell and summon a warhorse for him. If his equipment isn't recoverable, I will summon a riding horse with equipment. I will then turn to our leader and smile, "An advantage of being a conjurer. You are never without a mount. But the problem is, I don't have the strength to keep it going for more than six to seven hours. This will mean Blod and I will have to ride double for a short period of time in the evening, but this way, our trip shouldn't be slowed down to much. If you wish, I can learn a spare mount spell to replace the mule that was killed when I next get a chance to learn spells."
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 03/18/91 S#: 840072
After receiving the Cure Light Wound, I come out of my light sleep.
"Thank you, Vonte. I really appreciate you assistance. I think I am well enough to ride, Validar. Should we not be away from this place before scavengers are attracted by the dead monsters?"
With Fin's assistance, I make my way to my horse, Thunder. That bite must have really taken something out of me since I called my sword by my horse's name. Silly girl, the sword is Lightning, not Thunder!
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 03/19/91 S#: 426206
Bright Eye resumes her normal tranquil self once the sharks are dealt with. She lands on a nearby tree limb and looks about curiously.
Vonte casts 1 CLW on Stephanie improving her to 21 of 60.
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Wednesday 20-Mar-91 22:38 EST
Pad will drop Otiluke's Resilient Sphere from his 4th list spells and replace it with a Stoneskin the next day. If there are no attacks the following day, he will cast it on himself before going to bed and then relearn Ot's Sphere for the next day.
SUBJ: Claudius? FROM: GM Falcon 03/19/91 S#: 471985
21 or 60? She gets a choice? Go for the 60, Steph!
--------------------------------------
Claudius will frown deeply at Finrod as he goes after Vonte, but decides to stay out of it for the moment. He pauses to catch his breath. Then he goes to Validar: "Vonte has a point, we should rest fairly soon. We may not have to worry about Hextorites, but the wilderness isn't playing fair today, and I'd rather have my connection with the mantra (magic) fully restored in case something comes along we can't quite handle."
SUBJ: Vonte 3 FROM: Vonte 03/19/91 S#: 456151
:Bowing deeply to Stephanie::
"It was my pleasure!" :feeling pretty good right now, at least one or two people are appreciative of my presence ::dirty look at Finrod:: Too bad not everybody feels the same way::
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 03/20/91 S#: 401415
Mercy will cast CLW on any that is injured.
Looking at Bright Eyes "Something wrong?" Mercy will try and find what is so curious.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 03/20/91 S#: 506184
Well, 'till that last remark, Fin was ready to declare a truce with Vonte, since the Elven Mercenary is well aware of his own shortcomings with people, and trusts Steph's judgement.
However, when Vonte makes his snide comment, Fin bites off any offer he may have been about to make regarding any tolerance. His eyes narrow, and in a low voice he says "Just stay out of my way, punk. Take care of your job, insure my wife and the others get the healing they require, and I will not speak to or about you."
The slim steel-cultist turns his back and stalks over to where Validar tends his horse. "I think we have a few more miles in us, Val... The day is early, yet, and I'll keep a close eye on Stephanie so that we do not press beyond her endurance."
SUBJ: Vonte 4 FROM: Vonte 03/20/91 S#: 395433
Upon seeing the gleam in Finrod's, when I speak of a truce.
::So be it Sir Finrod, the party is the only one who will suffer. You have to live with your decision and so do I but if you feel more comfortable with things this way?::
::"You do not have to worry about me doing my job...just make sure you do YOURS! I heal the injured...You must prevent the injuries from occurring in the first place.":: assuming a tone so as to not start a world war with Finrod.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 03/20/91 S#: 825078
Looking up from the rather disgusting task of cutting the head plates free from tough hide of the bulettes, Pad snorts in disgust at Vonte and Fin. "Hey, Fin!" he cries to divert the elf from further sniping, "Could you lend us a hand here. This is tough work for just 2 daggers. After all, if a magic shield can be made from these, it's you who will benefit, not myself."
After the plates have been chopped free, Pad takes his dagger and removes the talons from the bulette's feet. Should anyone inquire, he mumbles something about no specific purpose, but its standard practice to save significant body parts of magic beasties for alchemical experiments.
Having finished with the butchery, Pad does what he can do wipe most of the blood off the body parts before wrapping them and bundling them on the mules. He then strips out of his bloody robe and washes off what he can of the blood before attempting to mount his own horse.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Seekers continue onward and encounter something even worse than landsharks!