Author	Message
GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 26 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: October 05, 1989      Post subject: The Frontier #9
	The Frontier #9 While in search of Wendy's father, the Seekers have been ambushed by Ankhegs. The worms have already dragged Radagast and what's left of his mount down into the ground. Two more worms have come up, one under Cereld, the other under Validar. Several of the party ride their horses away from the conflict and draw bows. Others merely dismount and enter the fray. Raeden mumbles some holy words and his staff begins to glow with power. Flint dismounts his horse and rushes to Validar's aid. His blade fails to pierce the thick hide of the worm. Stephanie's blade has better success. It slashes into the giant worm with ease. Severely wounded, the worm releases Cereld's mount and starts to retreat into the earth. A shaft from Finrod slays it. Meanwhile, shafts from Dalliance have found their mark in the remaining worm. Validar's sword finishes it off. All is quiet after the last worm falls. It appears the no more worms will burst from the ground. Looking into the large hole that Radagast fell into is not a pleasant sight. His mount is currently being devoured by 3 of the Ankhegs. Radagast himself is not in sight. There is a large area down there, and you cannot see the entire cavern.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 27 Location: Erie, PA

Posted: October 05, 1989      Post subject: GM Notes

GM Notes: It is about 12 feet down to the cavern floor. The party is unwounded, but Cereld's mount is currently 5 of 15. Several party members have gained levels. I will allow you all to advance, but the training will still be required once you return to Gateway. Party Status: Name Race Sex Class Level Hp's AC Arafel Human Female Ranger 1 9 4 Cereld Human Male Priest of Hieroneous 3 21 4 Dalliance Elf Female Fighter/Mage 2/1 10 1 Dar Elf Male Priest/Ranger of Ehlonna 1/1 10 5 Dwaladin Dwarf Male Priest of Vergadain/Thief 1/1 6 7 Finrod Elf Male Fighter/Mage/Thief 2/1/2 10 5 Flint Dwarf Male Fighter 2 20 0 Readen Human Male Druid 2 15 7 Stephanie Human Female Fighter 2 19 2 Ti-Cat Human Male Fighter 2 22 2 Validar Human Male Fighter 3 26 -2 Now what?

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 11 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: October 06, 1989      Post subject: Stephanie
	Stephanie Pleased with the performance of her blade, Steph stares into the pit. Her enthusiasm over coming the nauseating sight below. 'Shall we engage the vile worms in their hole, Cereld?! Perhaps there is treasure down there. Maybe magic.' While wishing to leap into combat, I'll wait and follow whatever plan is offered.

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 24 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: October 06, 1989      Post subject: Half-finished business

Finrod Well, fearless leader, what say you? Shall we have at these critters? They doubtless have no small treasure accumulated down there unappreciated, and besides, we can't just leave these unnatural things to keep preying on Raeden's pals, the natural forest-dwellers hereabouts. We can break out one of the ropes, and make it fast to a tree or one of the horses saddles, then a couple of us lightly-armored folks could scurry down and secure a foothold so those who require more time and care can climb down, then we can hack 'em to bits. One or two folks would have to volunteer to stay up here to guard the horses, of course. By the way- Watch out for their spit... I hear it can eat the stains out of your underwear, and you don't want anything that caustic on Ya'! :) Forewarned is forearmed, I hope. :) ::Peering down the hole:: Does anyone remember if THAT poor soul had a shield with him? If I'm gonna secure a foothold down there, I might wanna try to grab it for protection from the spit.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 47 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Now there's a visual image I could have done without....

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 15 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 07, 1989      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld Hold a minute everyone I think I have a less dangerous plan. First off, Raeden can you take Miss Wendy over there out of harms way here? Be on guard for we don't know how many are down there and where they can come up. And at the same time can you see if you can help my horse any?" After they have moved a safe distance away, "Alright, now why don't the archers start firing on those three right there. Be ready to fall back if you see them about to attack. The rest of us will be ready with weapon and shield to finish them off if they come out of the hole. After these three are gone, then we will go down the hole and have a look around. Radagast is somewhere down there and although by the looks of his horse, I don't think his chances are good alone, I think at the very least he would deserve a decent burial if possible." With that Cereld will wait above with battle-axe ready.

Raeden Hillgreen Druid Joined: 30 Aug 1989 Posts: 9 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 07, 1989      Post subject: Raeden

Raeden (Raeden looks on at the brutal torturous death of the horse with disgust and sadness) "...What cruel, malicious, evil creatures...to kill and torture so, it is demonic and unghastly. These "creatures" must be returned to the demon that has spawned them, for only then may nature rest..." (Raeden prepares to enter the hole himself, but Cereld's words break into his fury. He hears, but ignores until the mention of the horse. (Tears pouring down his cheeks, he turns to Cereld) "I will watch the girl and I will most assuredly tend to our noble friend (looking to Cereld's horse), but you must promise me that those "things" will not be allowed to escape so that they can kill more as they have done to our friends." (Raeden, his piece said and his fury tempering after coming to the reality of the moment and the task that must be done, goes over to Cereld's horse (what is the name?) and then quickly gives his wound a once over, then he begins to concentrate. "Oh great protector of nature and guide to your humble servant hear me now, Obad-Hai, and grant me your hand of life so that this noble creature may be saved from the pain of his wounds." (Raeden casts Cure Light Wounds on the horse). After doing this, Raeden will make sure that the girl is safely away from the hole.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 48 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Did I say melodramatic before? Seriously, it seems to me that a wild animal trying to survive is something that a druid would know all about and understand. Its simply natures way. Survival of the fittest and all that.

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 16 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 07, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance "To hear is to obey." :: Shrug::, heard that somewhere... I begin to fire arrows into the three ankregs devouring Radagast's hapless steed. If we descend into the pit/cave, I will quickly retrieve as many arrows as possible, then follow. I still have Magic Missile on tap. It may be noted, if anyone cares to spare a glance, that despite the travails of road and battle, this little Elf maid remains fresh and tidy, except, perhaps, for a tiny trickle of perspiration down her right temple. My mother would DIE!!

TiCat Swordsman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 14 Location: Cynalon

Posted: October 08, 1989      Post subject: Ti-Cat

Ti-Cat Ti-Cat restrains an urge to throw up. Closing one eye, leaving his green one open, he aims at the horse, intending with one shaft to put it out of its anguish. Once the horse is dead, he will fire one arrow after another into the ankhegs. Once they are defeated, he will gather arrows, taking only ones he has fashioned himself, and prepare to enter the pit, one arrow nocked on his bowstring, another held between his little finger and ring finger.

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 25 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: October 08, 1989      Post subject: Finrod

Finrod As you like it Cereld, you are the party leader after all, though I am eager to sheathe blade in these vile creatures, I will instead pump one shaft after another into the Ankhegs at the bottom of the hole. Once we get ready to descend, I will point out to Cereld that my unique abilities and training make me the almost ideal point man. (If only I were a little tougher...ah well...) You can be sure I would stay in touch with the rest of the party...after all I value my hide. However, I could serve a useful purpose feeling out the way a little ahead of the others.

Flint Fireforge Dwarven Wariror Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 11 Location: Rockhome	Posted: October 09, 1989      Post subject: Flint
	Flint I secure a rope and quickly repel to the floor of the hole. Once there I grab my sword and attack!

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 49 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Here we go again....

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 26 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: October 09, 1989      Post subject: TSK, TSK...

Finrod Maybe you are right, Validar, maybe we are just a bunch of glory-seeking adventurers, and not a professional band of mercenaries, after all....::Sigh:: Oh, well, I suppose someone has to pay the price. ::I nock arrow to string, and prepare to lend what supporting fires I can to the berserk fool at the bottom of the shaft.:: Cereld, don't you think it would be a good idea the send someone down to give him a helping hand (or helping hand to hand as it were) :) I am ready to scramble nimbly down the rope at the least hint of approval from Cereld. Gotta indulge the chaotic urges every once in a while, I reckon.

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 17 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 11, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance When Cereld gives the order to climb down into the pit, I will try to get near the front of our group, that I may have line-of-sight to the ankhegs. Otherwise my spell will be useless. > Once I have cast, I will fall back on my longsword, assuming the cave will limit the use of bows. If the tunnel is too confining, my dagger will have to suffice. It may be wise for our point man, whoever it turns out to be, to have some oil ready, and a torch. Meanwhile, I do my best to hit ankhegs and miss our rash companion in the pit.

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 16 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 12, 1989      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld (Can you say here we go again? Thank you Validar for preparing me for the rash actions of others. This time I have a contingence plan ready.) Seeing Flint scramble down into the pit against orders, (although really expecting Validar to do such actions), Cereld cries out, "Quick Validar, Steph, join our rash companion down there. Help him survive the beasts so I can have a piece of him. The rest of you try to provide cover fire for them. If those things decide to spit acid like? Finrod (sorry forgot who said this)? said they do, Flint's a dead dwarf." After these three anhkegs are killed or driven off, Dalliance, Finrod and myself will be next into the pit. Ti and Dar, I'd like the two of you to stay up here with Raeden to guard Wendy and the horses if you don't mind. We should not be long, and anything we find will still be split amongst us all."

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 14 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 12, 1989      Post subject: Validar

Validar "There is an extreme difference in a rash action from a position of strength as opposed to one from a position of weakness. The dwarf will be lucky to descend into the cavern without being attacked while helpless, much less being subjected to our own fire! The priest of Hextor was attacked on a free charge. I hardly think that these two situations can suitably be compared." Validar is still a bit miffed that they all think him impetuous. Most dwarfs he has ever met are much more impetuous in battle than he. "Also, Finrod, I would MUCH rather be considered an adventurer than a mercenary. The very thought of that word leaves a bitter taste in my mouth." "I might also be a suitable candidate for the point position in the pit. I have experience in sightless fighting and am also the most heavily armored and thus the least vulnerable of us." Upon being ordered into the pit, Validar will comply, but with an unseen look of disgust on his face. His full helm hides the look. There is no reason to bother with this, he thinks to himself. "This would have been so much easier had we simply fired arrows into the monsters. Ah well, another chance to hone my blade skills," he says resignedly. I will go before Stephanie to ensure that her descent is clear. I will keep my sword at the ready and slide down the rope one-handed. Basically, the idea is to get down as safely as possible without having to climb. Once at the bottom, enter battle mode! "If those of you still above ground will humor me, I would feel much better if you were to allow us to finish this battle ourselves! I don't care to have to dodge our own arrows as well as the ankhegs. Not that I'm putting down anyone's skill, but this battle shouldn't take long now!" Validar is confident that between Stephanie and himself they can carry the day easily.

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 18 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: October 12, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance At the edge of the pit, I search for a clear shot at the Ankhegs. As I still have quite a few arrows left in my quiver, I will not delay when ordered down. I can collect shafts later. I do agree with Val concept: I, too, consider myself (and my fellows) to be an adventurer. There are some mercs who are warriors of honor, but unfortunately the nature of the sword-for-hire game makes most of them the tools of their Commander, and their Client. Remember, however, that the Commander of a mercenary army can choose for whom his forces fight.

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 27 Location: By Stephanie's Side	Posted: October 13, 1989      Post subject: TWANG!
	Finrod Mercenaries with honor are the only ones who get a second job. If you are without honor, the word gets around fast, and no one will hire you. Anyway... TWANG! TWANG!

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 28 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: October 14, 1989      Post subject:
	Post Closed