Post by TheUdjat on Apr 10, 2009 14:39:32 GMT -5
SEA GREEN
Ella, Gro-bug, Sean, Henrick-
(spyglass)
[Yeah, they can spare a spyglass.]
Henrick assists Gro-bug with helping Sean onto Antyca. He gives the half-orc and Ella a dubious look. “Are you sure this is a good idea? The man’s blind.” But he goes along with the decision regardless, frowning quietly.
Soon enough, Ella takes to the air with Antyca, taking the great avian on a path for Scaland. The group buckles down for a flight of several hours, watching the kingdom of the dwarves, rocky and sprawling, stretching out beneath them.
It is just over halfway through this flight as the roc courses over the western sea that something goes amiss. The skies have already been darkening as thick clouds brew overhead and the sun wanes in the sky, but suddenly something much blacker appears in the clouds overhead.
No sooner does Ella take note of this peculiarity, pointing it out to her comrades, than the blackness looms closer and then, without warning, erupts through the clouds like a tidal wave, sending wisps of fog scattering all around it. Antyca gives a shriek of warning, but there is no such sound from the beast that looms overhead on wings that look gossamer-thin, as if they were made from the very shadows themselves.
Atop a long, sinuous neck not much thicker than its lashing, barbed, whip-like tail, the beast stares down at the companions with a visage that is equal parts reptilian and skeletal. It is so black it practically shines in the light, vaguely purplish at the edge of one’s vision. Steely gray eyes the size of large gemstones glare down with nothing but malevolence in them, and teeth like jagged, cold iron grimace out from its jaws.
It flaps those enormous wings once more in utter silence, gliding overhead, and you feel your resolve shake a little. Even Sean, unable to see, can feel its looming, ominous presence gliding overhead, bearing down like a heavy weight. It is smaller than the Roc, but larger than any other flying creature you have heard of, save for that which it resembles—a dragon.
Stretching its clawed hands, the monster pivots far-too-gracefully in the air and begins its attack.
[Everyone gets a Will Save as the dragon appears due to Frightful Presence. Ella @ +4: 21, fail. Gro-bug @ +5: 12, fail. Sean @ +8: 22, fail. Henrick @ +6: 17, fail. Antyca @ +9: 21, fail. All are Shaken (-2 to attacks, skill checks, ability checks, and saves).
No map necessary for this encounter. Dragon is 80’ overhead. It is Huge.]
Initiative: Sean (21), Ella & Antyca (20), Gro-bug (12), Henrick (7), Dragon (6).
(Character Status)
Ella – 77/77 HP, Shaken
Sean – 47/47 HP, Blind, Shaken
Gro-bug – 100/100 HP, Cursed (50% no action), Shaken
Henrick – 70/70 HP, Shaken
Antyca – No damage, Shaken
Dragon – No damage
Natsumi-
Amassu nods his head slowly, and with a gesture and the familiar command word, the pool of water once more appears in the center of the cloud chamber. He moves to look within alongside Natsumi, though his attention to more focused on the bard than what she sees inside the pool of water, his face a turbulent mixture of emotions.
Amassu dips his fingers into the water, almost carelessly, running little ripples through it before he crosses his arms gruffly. The ripples slowly resolve into an image of Natsumi’s comrades, all clustered around the great roc of Ella’s, clamoring aboard—Natsumi notes that Gro-bug does not appear entirely health, moving awkwardly and perhaps pained, while Sean is led everywhere he goes by the half-orc, or by Henrick—who looks glum and unhappy as when Natsumi left. Only Ella seems undaunted and in full health.
Distantly, in the picture, one can make out the mountains of Bazarkrak—they are just now leaving the dwarves, it seems. But by their expressions, it does not appear to have been a journey of much success.
“Bazarkrak,” Amassu rumbles in his chest. “We will catch up to them before the day is out.” He speaks the command world again in a gravelly mutter, and though Natsumi cannot perceive much of the cloud’s motions, she can almost hear the rustle of wind beyond the soft, thick walls. It is difficult to tell how fast the vessel moves, but Amassu seems confident in its speed.
Amassu says little during the trip. At some point he reacquires his robe, though his nudity never seems to bother him, tying it loosely around him. Frowning deeply, he watches Natsumi but does not appear eager to converse—though he does once ask if Natsumi is sure, it is without much hope, and when she gently reassures him of her commitment to the quest, he merely nods, having expected as much.
After perhaps two hours, the cloud giant’s form grows back to its original, towering size, and he takes up a cloud-seat, resting his chin on his fist as he glumly guides the chariot, pausing occasionally to look into the pool and confirm which direction the others are flying. Natsumi observes all of this, and is free to prepare herself to rejoin her comrades as she likes.
It is several hours longer before Amassu grumbles that the others are near. But shortly after these words are spoken, the image in the pool suddenly darkens. The figures there look around them, overhead, and Antyca gives a shrill, terrible shriek of alarm. With a gesture, Amassu shifts the image to look where the others are staring.
A dragon of deepest night soars over them, lithe and slippery, gliding like oil through the evening sky. Even through the pool the creature is frightening to behold.
Amassu sits up, giving an interested rumble in his chest. His eyes fix on the dragon black as night, shining with all his pent up frustration, anger, and energy. “The Harbinger,” he says in a voice that is strangely reverent and laced with anticipation.
He speaks the command word again, and this time Natsumi can feel the cloud soaring faster through the skies, the winds howling outside. The cloud’s floor and walls rumble like a coming storm as Amassu pulls himself to his feet. “Do the blessings never end when you are near, bard? I have been waiting for this day.” He reaches for his cloud-cabinet, and the armaments within.
[You have a couple of rounds to prepare to join the incoming combat—or to watch the incoming battle, Amassu certainly has no intention of putting Natsumi into the fray.]
(Character Status)
Natsumi – 52/52 HP
DARK RED
Wanderer seems eager enough to join the fight when Gildas speaks of a bone in New Ravenshead—but he is even more amenable to Lenny’s plan to procure better equipment. “These clerics have powerful magic,” Wanderer states. “We should take steps to prepare ourselves to confront it.” Tyrano says little, putting his ancestral weapons away and rising to join the others.
When Lenny speaks to Dartius and Lockheart—who have joined them since the interrogation ended—the master frowns slightly. “We are sympathetic to your mission, and from what we have learned, these Deathspeakers are certainly our enemies as much as they are yours—but so it is with all the gods of evil, even those that maintain temples in this very city. We are not a nation, and so we do not go to war, and have only the power of our influence to stir up Ravenwing.”
Lockheart scoffs. “And the council is not known for acting quickly or efficiently, be sure of that.”
Dartius frowns a little more, but does not debate the point. “Those dedicated to St. Cuthbert will stand behind you, rest assured, and we will speak to devotees of the other gods—but without the words of St. Cuthbert, we are limited in what we can accomplish. Be sure, the clerics of St. Cuthbert will not back down from such evil and will marshal our power as we can, but we cannot field armies as these Deathspeakers do.”
“But I will spread the word to our brothers far and wide of you and your struggles. You may count us as allies, in as much as we can accomplish.”
When Lenny asks for an acolyte to accompany them, Lockheart interrupts Dartius before he can respond. “Begging your pardon, Master, but the acolytes all have duties to attend to, and I am curious to spend more time with our new friends, and perhaps to hear more of their tale. Let me go to the market with them and help them navigate the streets of New Ravenshead.”
Dartius smiles. “I thought you might wish as much. Go, Lockheart—there are enough here to do the work needed for now.”
Lockheart thanks the man and soon enough you are on your way out. He takes a moment to speak to Gildas in particular. “Do not feel to hasty about this detour to the markets. Though I know you wish to hurry to the University, it has not yet opened for the day, and there is no getting onto the grounds at any other time, I assure you. Your time will be well-spent preparing to face your foes.”
During the shopping excursion, Lockheart proves a valuable aid in locating quality merchants and trustworthy vendors, as well as explaining the many magical devices unfamiliar to the Tertians, so used to mundane equipment. He also politely inquires about the copper bone the Deathspeaker prisoner spoke of, wondering just how all of this fits into the matter of divine magic being blocked, and the shadow that attacked Lenny, and even the succubus. “There appear to be many things transpiring around you lot,” he remarks dryly. “More information could help us help you.”
Tyrano says nothing to offer up information to this man, while Wanderer gives a frowning look to the others. If left to his own, the barbarian would likely put his faith in this cleric that has helped them, but it seems he will go along with whatever his companions decide in this matter.
[Purchases are made during this time, but don’t forget to address Lockheart’s questions, and anything else you’d like to do before heading to the University.]
(Character Status)
Gildas – 69/69 HP
Lenny – 61/61 HP
Wanderer – 90/90 HP
Wystfalrun – 62/62 HP
Ella, Gro-bug, Sean, Henrick-
(spyglass)
{Before we leave, I want to try and get a spyglass. I don't know if
the dwarves can scrounge/spare one or not, DM?}
the dwarves can scrounge/spare one or not, DM?}
Henrick assists Gro-bug with helping Sean onto Antyca. He gives the half-orc and Ella a dubious look. “Are you sure this is a good idea? The man’s blind.” But he goes along with the decision regardless, frowning quietly.
Soon enough, Ella takes to the air with Antyca, taking the great avian on a path for Scaland. The group buckles down for a flight of several hours, watching the kingdom of the dwarves, rocky and sprawling, stretching out beneath them.
It is just over halfway through this flight as the roc courses over the western sea that something goes amiss. The skies have already been darkening as thick clouds brew overhead and the sun wanes in the sky, but suddenly something much blacker appears in the clouds overhead.
No sooner does Ella take note of this peculiarity, pointing it out to her comrades, than the blackness looms closer and then, without warning, erupts through the clouds like a tidal wave, sending wisps of fog scattering all around it. Antyca gives a shriek of warning, but there is no such sound from the beast that looms overhead on wings that look gossamer-thin, as if they were made from the very shadows themselves.
Atop a long, sinuous neck not much thicker than its lashing, barbed, whip-like tail, the beast stares down at the companions with a visage that is equal parts reptilian and skeletal. It is so black it practically shines in the light, vaguely purplish at the edge of one’s vision. Steely gray eyes the size of large gemstones glare down with nothing but malevolence in them, and teeth like jagged, cold iron grimace out from its jaws.
It flaps those enormous wings once more in utter silence, gliding overhead, and you feel your resolve shake a little. Even Sean, unable to see, can feel its looming, ominous presence gliding overhead, bearing down like a heavy weight. It is smaller than the Roc, but larger than any other flying creature you have heard of, save for that which it resembles—a dragon.
Stretching its clawed hands, the monster pivots far-too-gracefully in the air and begins its attack.
[Everyone gets a Will Save as the dragon appears due to Frightful Presence. Ella @ +4: 21, fail. Gro-bug @ +5: 12, fail. Sean @ +8: 22, fail. Henrick @ +6: 17, fail. Antyca @ +9: 21, fail. All are Shaken (-2 to attacks, skill checks, ability checks, and saves).
No map necessary for this encounter. Dragon is 80’ overhead. It is Huge.]
Initiative: Sean (21), Ella & Antyca (20), Gro-bug (12), Henrick (7), Dragon (6).
(Character Status)
Ella – 77/77 HP, Shaken
Sean – 47/47 HP, Blind, Shaken
Gro-bug – 100/100 HP, Cursed (50% no action), Shaken
Henrick – 70/70 HP, Shaken
Antyca – No damage, Shaken
Dragon – No damage
Natsumi-
Amassu nods his head slowly, and with a gesture and the familiar command word, the pool of water once more appears in the center of the cloud chamber. He moves to look within alongside Natsumi, though his attention to more focused on the bard than what she sees inside the pool of water, his face a turbulent mixture of emotions.
Amassu dips his fingers into the water, almost carelessly, running little ripples through it before he crosses his arms gruffly. The ripples slowly resolve into an image of Natsumi’s comrades, all clustered around the great roc of Ella’s, clamoring aboard—Natsumi notes that Gro-bug does not appear entirely health, moving awkwardly and perhaps pained, while Sean is led everywhere he goes by the half-orc, or by Henrick—who looks glum and unhappy as when Natsumi left. Only Ella seems undaunted and in full health.
Distantly, in the picture, one can make out the mountains of Bazarkrak—they are just now leaving the dwarves, it seems. But by their expressions, it does not appear to have been a journey of much success.
“Bazarkrak,” Amassu rumbles in his chest. “We will catch up to them before the day is out.” He speaks the command world again in a gravelly mutter, and though Natsumi cannot perceive much of the cloud’s motions, she can almost hear the rustle of wind beyond the soft, thick walls. It is difficult to tell how fast the vessel moves, but Amassu seems confident in its speed.
Amassu says little during the trip. At some point he reacquires his robe, though his nudity never seems to bother him, tying it loosely around him. Frowning deeply, he watches Natsumi but does not appear eager to converse—though he does once ask if Natsumi is sure, it is without much hope, and when she gently reassures him of her commitment to the quest, he merely nods, having expected as much.
After perhaps two hours, the cloud giant’s form grows back to its original, towering size, and he takes up a cloud-seat, resting his chin on his fist as he glumly guides the chariot, pausing occasionally to look into the pool and confirm which direction the others are flying. Natsumi observes all of this, and is free to prepare herself to rejoin her comrades as she likes.
It is several hours longer before Amassu grumbles that the others are near. But shortly after these words are spoken, the image in the pool suddenly darkens. The figures there look around them, overhead, and Antyca gives a shrill, terrible shriek of alarm. With a gesture, Amassu shifts the image to look where the others are staring.
A dragon of deepest night soars over them, lithe and slippery, gliding like oil through the evening sky. Even through the pool the creature is frightening to behold.
Amassu sits up, giving an interested rumble in his chest. His eyes fix on the dragon black as night, shining with all his pent up frustration, anger, and energy. “The Harbinger,” he says in a voice that is strangely reverent and laced with anticipation.
He speaks the command word again, and this time Natsumi can feel the cloud soaring faster through the skies, the winds howling outside. The cloud’s floor and walls rumble like a coming storm as Amassu pulls himself to his feet. “Do the blessings never end when you are near, bard? I have been waiting for this day.” He reaches for his cloud-cabinet, and the armaments within.
[You have a couple of rounds to prepare to join the incoming combat—or to watch the incoming battle, Amassu certainly has no intention of putting Natsumi into the fray.]
(Character Status)
Natsumi – 52/52 HP
DARK RED
Wanderer seems eager enough to join the fight when Gildas speaks of a bone in New Ravenshead—but he is even more amenable to Lenny’s plan to procure better equipment. “These clerics have powerful magic,” Wanderer states. “We should take steps to prepare ourselves to confront it.” Tyrano says little, putting his ancestral weapons away and rising to join the others.
When Lenny speaks to Dartius and Lockheart—who have joined them since the interrogation ended—the master frowns slightly. “We are sympathetic to your mission, and from what we have learned, these Deathspeakers are certainly our enemies as much as they are yours—but so it is with all the gods of evil, even those that maintain temples in this very city. We are not a nation, and so we do not go to war, and have only the power of our influence to stir up Ravenwing.”
Lockheart scoffs. “And the council is not known for acting quickly or efficiently, be sure of that.”
Dartius frowns a little more, but does not debate the point. “Those dedicated to St. Cuthbert will stand behind you, rest assured, and we will speak to devotees of the other gods—but without the words of St. Cuthbert, we are limited in what we can accomplish. Be sure, the clerics of St. Cuthbert will not back down from such evil and will marshal our power as we can, but we cannot field armies as these Deathspeakers do.”
“But I will spread the word to our brothers far and wide of you and your struggles. You may count us as allies, in as much as we can accomplish.”
When Lenny asks for an acolyte to accompany them, Lockheart interrupts Dartius before he can respond. “Begging your pardon, Master, but the acolytes all have duties to attend to, and I am curious to spend more time with our new friends, and perhaps to hear more of their tale. Let me go to the market with them and help them navigate the streets of New Ravenshead.”
Dartius smiles. “I thought you might wish as much. Go, Lockheart—there are enough here to do the work needed for now.”
Lockheart thanks the man and soon enough you are on your way out. He takes a moment to speak to Gildas in particular. “Do not feel to hasty about this detour to the markets. Though I know you wish to hurry to the University, it has not yet opened for the day, and there is no getting onto the grounds at any other time, I assure you. Your time will be well-spent preparing to face your foes.”
During the shopping excursion, Lockheart proves a valuable aid in locating quality merchants and trustworthy vendors, as well as explaining the many magical devices unfamiliar to the Tertians, so used to mundane equipment. He also politely inquires about the copper bone the Deathspeaker prisoner spoke of, wondering just how all of this fits into the matter of divine magic being blocked, and the shadow that attacked Lenny, and even the succubus. “There appear to be many things transpiring around you lot,” he remarks dryly. “More information could help us help you.”
Tyrano says nothing to offer up information to this man, while Wanderer gives a frowning look to the others. If left to his own, the barbarian would likely put his faith in this cleric that has helped them, but it seems he will go along with whatever his companions decide in this matter.
[Purchases are made during this time, but don’t forget to address Lockheart’s questions, and anything else you’d like to do before heading to the University.]
(Character Status)
Gildas – 69/69 HP
Lenny – 61/61 HP
Wanderer – 90/90 HP
Wystfalrun – 62/62 HP
