Author	Message
GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 7 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: The Frontier #3
	The Frontier #3 While traveling to the City of Gateway, the party came upon bandits attacking a caravan. Off the road, they also saw a cleric of the evil god, Hextor, watching with two large ogres. Having yet to be seen by the raiders, the party had a few moments to plan the attack. Cereld quickly formulated a plan of attack. However, Validar had other ideas. He spurred his horse onward, lowered his lance and charged at the cleric. Stephanie paused for a moment, and then with an 'Oh, what the heck' grin, followed Validar. Finrod leads Dalliance and Arafel around the back way. The thief silently approaches his intended target. The evil cleric is only a mere 50 feet away. Suddenly, a small creature appears before him. It has dark red, leathery skin, bat-like wings, a barbed tail, and sharp, twisted horns. "And where do you think you're goin', boy?" it says. The creature's barbed tail whips forward and hits Finrod. By instinct, Fin tries to stab the creature with his dagger, but misses. The Priest of Hextor is drawn to some action going on behind him. By the time he notices the rapidly advancing Validar it is too late. Validar's lance drives deep into the cleric's side. The Priest curses, but refuses to fall. One of the ogre guards catches Validar as he rides past. Validar manages to remain on his mount. Stephanie rides in, dismounts and engages one of the ogres. Her weapon bites deep into the large creature. With two sword thrusts she slays the ogre. Cereld comes riding in with Flint. He flings one of his Magic Stones at the Cleric of Hextor but is long. Flint leaps to the ground and ends the foul priest's existence with a mighty stroke of his sword. The other ogre tries to club Cereld, but misses. Ti-Cat fires his arrows into the bandits. He downs two of them. Several of the bandits disengage and attack the rear of the party. They swarm forward and overwhelm Merlin. You see his bloodied body fall to the ground. Ti-Cat is also wounded. Raeden swings his quarterstaff, but misses the bandit attacking him. The bandit also misses. Back in the forest, Dalliance sees the creature before Finrod. She utters several mystic words and casts a Magic Missile at the creature. The creature flinches from the spell's damage. "You'll pay for that, you filthy elf!!" it curses. Arafel unleashes a volley of arrows at the creature. One hits, but it doesn't appear to hurt the creature. Upon seeing their leader downed, the bandit's morale breaks and they make a run for it.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 8 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: GM Notes
	GM Notes: Name Hit Points Arafel 9 of 9 Cereld 7 of 7 Dalliance 5 of 5 Finrod 5 of 7 Flint 13 of 13 Merlin -4 of 4 Raeden 7 of 7 Stephanie 12 of 12 Ti-Cat 7 of 12 Validar 7 of 12 Post Away!

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 16 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: As I mentioned in the last post, Mage Merlin didn't last long. Actually, his player did the old Q fade out and was gone. His less than stellar character soon followed. As for the disagreements over the plan of attack, that might have come down to a matter differences in combat philosophy. To me when facing enemy spellcasters, you hit them hard and fast, so in my mind Validar had the right idea. Since he was going out on a limb, I had no problem with Stephanie following him. I was starting to learn real fast that not everyone played the game the same way.

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 4 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Stephanie
	Stephanie 'Sorry, Cereld, but I was never very good at following orders. Seeing how well the battle as come out thus far, I can see why anyone should complain....' Seeing the remaining ogre has it's back to her, I'll just have to show it the error of its way. 'Come on, Flint! Let's whittle this monster down to size!' ::Enter Ogre slaying mode::

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 8 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Finrod

Finrod "FOUL CREATURE OF THE NETHER PLANES! I shall sever your limbs and spread your pieces to the far corners of the land! When I am done with you, you'll wish you'd never left the foul cesspits of home!" ::Attempting to skewer the critter with my dagger and dice it with my longsword, all the while inwardly cursing my own ineptitude at not seeing the rearguard that I was trying to be alert for, and praying to Heironeous that the lack of effect of that arrow is not evidence that my opponent needs magical weapons to be hit by, but rather that he has Protection From Normal Missiles up::

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 9 Location: By Stephanie's Side	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Finrod
	Finrod Or Stoneskin... Which Idea I DON'T like, because it implies much more magical ability than I hope this critter can call on...I guess we'll know when I hit with both my melee weapons which it is. :) OK, so I'm a little optimistic... but you never know. :)

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 3 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Validar

Validar Validar watches the cleric go down and sees that the ogre is in capable hands, with Stephanie also having followed him. Turning towards the bandits, Validar sees Mage Merlin go down under their assault and wonders what Cereld was thinking putting a mage into hand-to-hand combat. With a battle cry, Validar spurs on Havok and gives chase to the fleeing bandits to ensure that they don't decide to change their mind. I do not expect to catch them, but if I get in range, lower my lance and skewer the dogs!

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 5 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance
	Dalliance My spell cast, I draw my elven longsword with a metallic hiss from its sheath at my back. "Flattery will gain you no mercy, demon scum!" I cry, and swing an attack at the slimy creature's head. "Die the true death, sewer-crawler!!" If the piece of filth doesn't flameout and vanish when slain, I wish to have the remains.

Dar Thaltus Priest of Ehlonna Joined: 02 Sept 1989 Posts: 1 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Dar Thaltus

Dar Thaltus Riding hard a lone figure can be seen approaching at a fast gallop. Coming from the direction of the city the party had so recently left heads turned and wondered what new trouble was headed into their midst. Continuing on past the group the rider was obviously in pursuit of others....either friendlies or the foe could not be determined as he sped past. As Validar closed upon the bandits he noticed another on horseback swiftly narrowing the distance between them. He watched as this newcomer drew his bow and fired over Validar's head and at the fleeing bandits! The shot was obviously attempted at the bandits and not some poorly aimed shaft at Validar.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 17 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Another new character coming in at the last minute. I'll tell you one thing, with new characters popping up regularly, it took some creativity to get them into the game. This character was pretty easy, as the group was just a few days away from civilization in the forest. Later on they were on a long ocean voyage and getting new bodies into the game at that time was a challenge!

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 4 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: Validar
	Validar And a good thing too, I might add...

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 18 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: For some reason that remark just strikes me as funny.

Arafel Silverhilt Woods Woman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 3 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Arafel
	Arafel ::drops her bow and draws out her two scimitars moving around to attack the creature from a different side than Dal and Fin::

Flint Fireforge Dwarven Wariror Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 5 Location: Rockhome	Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Flint
	Flint Flint turns to face the ogre and swings at the foul creature. "TAKE THAT YOU SCUM FACE!!!"

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 19 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Not exactly the nastiest dwarven insult I've ever heard.

Dar Thaltus Priest of Ehlonna Joined: 02 Sept 1989 Posts: 2 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Dar Thaltus

Dar Thaltus Seeing that the bandits are far out of range the mysterious horseman reigns in his horse and spins around to join the larger group. Those who are aware of his approach notice that he has a look of total discomfort upon his visage apparently due to the fact that he is not on solid ground. The rider quickly dismounts albeit clumsily and runs over to the fallen man near the rear. It appears to those watching that he attempts to tend to the wounds of that person (Merlin).

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 10 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Finrod

Finrod Mail From: FINROD I should be most honored to tutor such a capable, valiant, and lovely swordswoman in the use of the bow. It is the true weapon to test a warrior's makeup... requiring strength, dexterity, patience and planning to be used to its full effect. We could spend some time each evening working on your archery after camp is set up and before settling in for the night.:) Mail From: FINROD I would be deeply honored to ride behind you for the duration of our journey to gateway, and to guard your back at all times. Being a skilled rider myself, of course at gateway I will be purchasing a mount. As to special bows, before the world was reordered, there was a time when to gain any benefit from your strength required a special bow. This is no longer true, however... you can gain a large portion of your strength bonus from even a bow such as my own. (Note: any bow can give up to the +1/+2 of 18 strength, only % strengths need make the greater expenditure--P.73, new Player's Handbook) You may, therefore, have no fear of damaging my weapon in the mere act of attempting to learn to use it, and you may purchase a normal bow when we reach Gateway, and still derive some benefit from it. The bonuses almost counteract your non-prof. penalty. Also, take note of the two varieties of arrows now available to the archer. ::pulling two out and showing them:: This one is light and narrow tipped for range, while this other travels less distance but does more damage(33 % more damage!!). :)

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 20 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: More of Finrod pouring on the charm to Stephanie via E-mail. He's persistent, I'll give him that!

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 6 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld Cereld, seeing that there are two fighters here to take on this ogre, dodges and gets out of their way. Looking quickly around to scan the situation, Cereld notices two things, 1) Merlin bleeding to death and 2) the creature fighting the others. He lets out a loud whistle before calling out, "Ticat come here. Take these stones and go use them against that creature. They are magical and may help you in the fight. Through them hard but true my friend for they are all I have for now." With that I give him my two stones and then rush to the aid of Merlin. I will kneel by his side and say the following prayer, "Heironeous here the words of your humble servant and HEAL the wounds of this valiant wizard."

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 21 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Valiant wizard? I must have missed that part...

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 7 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Cereld
	Cereld Mail From: Cereld Two things about Cereld. First did he get the chance to cast the bless before the others went charging into battle, and does he recognize that creature they are fighting? If so what does he know about it? By the way, in case you want to go by it in your post, Cereld is definitely going to give a certain two party members a piece of his mind when this is over.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 22 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: A private E-mail from Cereld to the GM. Looks like someone is going to get a tongue lashing pretty quick here...

Dar Thaltus Priest of Ehlonna Joined: 02 Sept 1989 Posts: 3 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Dar Thaltus

Dar Thaltus Turning to face the person next to him as they both endeavor to save the wounded man (Merlin) the stranger grunts as he tends the wounds with herbs, bandages and finally a prayer (CLW)......"the name is Dar Thaltus, glad to meet you although the conditions could've been better"....grimacing at the bloody mess Dar looks skyward and offers one more chant to EHLONNA (CLW) in hopes of completely reviving Merlin. After making the attempt, Dar Thaltus stands to face Cereld and offers his hand in greeting............

TiCat Swordsman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 3 Location: Cynalon

Posted: September 04, 1989      Post subject: Ti-Cat

Ti-Cat Ti-Cat is briefly stunned from falling from his horse. Picking himself up, he stares uncomprehendingly at the fallen form of Merlin. He is jolted from his reverie by a piercing whistle. He wheels, and as his mind and eyes clear he runs to Cereld. He takes the two stones wordlessly and runs to stand near Dalliance and Arafel. He comes to a full stop and hurls the first stone at the creature. (Should the first stone not vanquish the foul thing, he will hurl the second. Should that still fail, he will draw his broadsword and charge the creature.)

Raeden Hillgreen Druid Joined: 30 Aug 1989 Posts: 2 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 03, 1989      Post subject: Raeden

Raeden Raeden looks about at the carnage and feels sick to his stomach, thinking that all this foolish warfare is man's only great talent, or so they think. Raeden walks on toward the caravan (since he was so rudely thrown from the horse), oblivious to the battle that still ensues. He will go and look among the wreckage for survivors and see what he can do for the wounded (using his healing skill). He will help women and children first (if any) and then animals; and finally help men. He will avoid the battle, unless it comes upon him. He will approach the survivors saying, "Fear not good people, we are here to help you! I, too, despise this foolish warfare; though in this case I perhaps can understand the need. I have no special powers that may aid you, though I am skilled in the area of healing."

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 23 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: It was tough dealing with Raeden at times. I mean, D&D by its nature is a violent game; so playing a pacifist is only bound to have problems. Especially one who was so melodramatic, but that was the type of character he wanted to play. Someone who was incredibly sheltered and naive to the ways of the world. Ironically, I later created Schar, the very first Priestess of Azrella who was also something of a pacifist as well. She just wasn't so annoying about it.

Radagast Paladin Joined: 05 Sept 1989 Posts: 1 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 04, 1989      Post subject: Squire Radagast

Squire Radagast You notice from the direction of the caravan a tall man dressed in chain, cloak and gloves. He carries a shield emblazoned w/ a golden eagle rampant dexter. In his hand is a long sword. "Murderous Ogre, strike ME from behind will you?" He heads towards the Ogre with the obvious intent of splitting it limb from limb with his long sword. You notice a sublime glow about him that strikes you with a feeling of Pure Good. When I reach the Ogre I tap it on the shoulder with my sword yell, "ENGAGED!!" and proceed to turn it into Ogre stew.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 24 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Another new last minute player.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 9 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject:
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